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Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe

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4.1 from 13 reviews

These Soft Dinner Rolls are delightfully fluffy, buttery, and perfect for any meal. Made with simple ingredients like warm milk, yeast, sugar, butter, and flour, these rolls are kneaded to perfection and baked to a golden brown. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, they have a tender crumb and a slightly sweet honey butter topping option that adds an irresistible glaze.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast (1 standard packet)
  • 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups (390g) all-purpose flour or bread flour (spooned & leveled)

Optional Topping

  • 2 Tablespoons (28g) melted unsalted butter
  • 1 Tablespoon honey

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: Whisk the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar together in the bowl of a stand mixer. Cover and allow to sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast. If you don’t have a stand mixer, combine in a large mixing bowl and mix dough with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the remaining sugar, egg, butter, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Using the dough hook or paddle attachment, mix on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape the sides of the bowl, then add the remaining flour. Beat on medium speed until the dough forms and pulls away from the bowl sides, about 2 minutes. If too wet, add flour one tablespoon at a time until manageable.
  3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough in the mixer for 5 minutes or by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour as needed to keep dough soft but manageable. Dough should pass the windowpane test, indicating sufficient gluten development.
  4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl. Place dough inside and turn to coat all sides with oil. Cover with foil, plastic wrap, or a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare baking pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch pans. Alternatively, use a cast iron skillet or lined baking sheet.
  6. Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide into 14-16 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball. Arrange evenly in the prepared pan.
  7. Second Rise: Cover shaped rolls with foil, plastic wrap, or towel and allow to rise until puffy, about 1 hour.
  8. Preheat oven: Adjust oven rack to a lower position and preheat to 350°F (177°C) to prevent tops burning.
  9. Bake the rolls: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, rotating pan halfway. Tent with foil if tops brown too quickly. Remove from oven.
  10. Optional topping and cooling: Brush rolls with melted butter mixed with honey for a glossy, sweet finish. Let cool a few minutes before serving.
  11. Storage: Store leftover rolls tightly covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Notes

  • If dough is too sticky during kneading, add flour one teaspoon at a time; avoid adding too much to prevent dryness.
  • Windowpane test ensures dough is kneaded enough for a light, elastic texture.
  • Rising times depend on room temperature; dough may take slightly longer in cooler environments.
  • Use warm milk at about 110°F (43°C) to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Cover rising dough appropriately to retain moisture and help rise.
  • Honey butter topping is optional but adds a wonderful flavor and shine to the rolls.