The BEST Dinner Rolls

Name: The BEST Dinner Rolls
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 – 5 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons rapid-rise, instant yeast; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1½ cups warm milk (110°F); 5 tablespoons butter, softened; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

By:

Sarah

Published:

November 25, 2025

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Warm, fluffy, and oh-so-buttery, creating The BEST Dinner Rolls is like wrapping your heart in cozy goodness. Picture this: a family dinner table adorned with your favorite dishes, but it’s those freshly baked rolls that steal the spotlight. They’re not just sides; they’re little puffs of joy that elevate any meal—think comforting family gatherings, festive holidays, or even a casual get-together with friends. Plus, the fantastic part is that you don’t need to be an expert baker to whip them up! With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be on your way to baking rolls that will melt in your mouth. Trust me; once you serve these at dinner, everyone will be coming back for seconds, and no meal will feel complete without them. Let’s get rolling!

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to achieving fluffy dinner rolls lies in the perfect combination of rapid-rise yeast and warm milk. This duo ensures that the rolls rise quickly, resulting in a light texture that’s absolutely irresistible. Meanwhile, a blend of sugar and butter in the dough brings richness and flavor to the table. This balance means every bite is comforting, making these rolls an ideal accompaniment to a variety of meals.

Why You’ll Love This The BEST Dinner Rolls

Imagine the satisfaction of serving warm, buttery rolls that practically melt in your mouth alongside your favorite dishes. They are more than just a simple side; they’re an experience that enhances your meal. With their delicious taste and soft texture, these rolls are perfect for family dinners, holidays, or just a cozy night in. Plus, they are straightforward to make, so you can easily create these bakery-quality rolls right from your kitchen.

Ingredients

4 – 5 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons rapid-rise, instant yeast
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1½ cups warm milk (110°F)
5 tablespoons butter, softened
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Mixing the Dough

Combine the Base Ingredients

Let’s get started by mixing together the base ingredients. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, rapid-rise yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. Then, pour in the warm milk, add the softened butter, and drop in the room temperature egg.

Activate the Mixer

Once everything’s in the bowl, attach the dough hook and mix on low speed. After a minute, increase to medium speed. Mix it for about 2 minutes until everything is united. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Add Additional Flour

Now, it’s time to incorporate some more flour. Add an additional ½ cup of flour and mix thoroughly. Then, toss in another ½ cup and keep mixing at medium speed for another 2 minutes. You want to aim for a soft dough that’s slightly sticky yet pulls away from the bowl.

First Rise

Prepare for Rising

Next up, transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and allow it to rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Watch in wonder as it nearly doubles in size!

Shaping the Rolls

Punch Down the Dough

After the first rise, it’s time to get your hands a little messy! Remove the towel or plastic wrap and gently punch down the dough to deflate it.

Forming the Rolls

Now, pinch off pieces of dough, ideally about 2 ounces each, and shape them into rolls. If you want them to be consistent in size, consider weighing each piece.

Second Rise

Arrange and Cover

Place those lovely rolls onto a lightly greased quarter baking sheet or a 9 x 13 baking dish. Cover them again with a towel or plastic wrap, letting them rise for another 30 minutes. The excitement is building!

Baking the Rolls

Preheat the Oven

While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F. It’s getting close to the moment you’ve been waiting for!

Bake Until Golden

Once the rolls have finished rising, pop them in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and if they start to brown too quickly, tent them with foil for the last few minutes. You want them a gorgeous golden brown!

Finishing Touches

Brush with Butter

After baking, take the rolls out of the oven and brush them with melted butter. This adds a delicious final touch. You can serve them immediately or let them cool before storing in a plastic bag for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful dinner rolls pair perfectly with so many dishes. Enjoy them with hearty soups, creamy pastas, or even as a fun base for sliders. Imagine them incorporated into holiday meals with turkey and gravy, or served alongside a comforting casserole. The possibilities are endless!

Tips for Success

Ensuring that your milk is warm but not too hot is crucial; hot milk can kill your yeast.
For a richer flavor, try using a combination of whole milk and butter.
Don’t hesitate to experiment! Throw in some additional seasonings, like garlic powder or herbs, for an unexpected twist.

Variations

Herb Dinner Rolls: If you love an herby flavor, add some chopped fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, to the dough before the first rise.
Cheese-Stuffed Rolls: For a cheesy surprise, place a small piece of cheese in the center of each roll before baking.
Sweet Dinner Rolls: Want something sweet? Mix in some cinnamon and increase the sugar just a bit for a delightful breakfast option.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it after the first rise. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping it for the second rise.

2. What should I do if my rolls don’t rise?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the milk is at the right temperature. If either is off, the yeast may not activate.

3. How can I store leftovers?
To store your rolls, let them cool and place them in a plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in an airtight container for about a month.

4. Can I use whole-wheat flour?
Absolutely! Replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour for a healthier option.

5. What can I serve with these dinner rolls?
These rolls are excellent with soups, salads, roasted meats, or as part of a festive holiday spread.

Making The BEST Dinner Rolls will not only satiate your cravings but also create cherished memories around the dinner table. With their delightful texture and rich flavor, they’re bound to bring everyone together for a warm, comforting meal. Enjoy baking, and even more, enjoy the smiles they’ll bring!