Hey there, fellow food lover! You know those soft, pillowy dinner rolls that melt in your mouth? Well, I’m about to introduce you to the most comforting, cloud-like rolls you’ll ever make. These Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls are guaranteed to elevate any meal—whether you’re serving them with soup, enjoying them with a roast, or just snacking on one fresh out of the oven. Trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “pass the butter.” Get ready to experience a bite of pure bliss.
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Why You’ll Love Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls
This recipe isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about creating those perfect, feel-good moments. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, sharing with friends, or just indulging in a personal treat, these rolls are made to be enjoyed. Here’s why they’ll become your new favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for any occasion. These rolls can accompany a cozy weeknight dinner or shine at a festive gathering. The best part? You can make them ahead of time or whip them up fresh and warm in no time.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients, incredible results. You don’t need anything fancy—just basic kitchen staples that are probably already in your pantry. It’s the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need to spend a lot to make something spectacular.
Quick and Easy: Don’t worry, I’ve kept this recipe beginner-friendly. You don’t need to be a baking pro to make these soft, pillowy rolls. They’re easy to follow, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen superhero when they come out of the oven.
Customizable: Want to add a little extra flavor? Try brushing the rolls with garlic butter or sprinkling them with herbs before baking. Whether you keep them simple or give them a twist, these rolls are the perfect base for creativity.
Crowd-Pleasing: These rolls are a guaranteed hit with everyone. Whether it’s kids or adults, they’re universally adored. Light, fluffy, and buttery—what’s not to love?
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these magical, melt-in-your-mouth dinner rolls:
- Flour: The base of our rolls. We’re using all-purpose flour for that soft, light texture.
- Yeast: This little powerhouse is what gives our rolls that perfect rise and fluffiness.
- Sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to help activate the yeast and balance the flavor.
- Salt: To bring all the flavors together and keep things savory.
- Milk: Whole milk, for that rich, tender texture we all crave in a good dinner roll.
- Butter: Because everything’s better with butter! It adds that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Egg: This gives the rolls a golden color and a soft crumb.
- Warm Water: We’ll use this to activate our yeast and get things rising.
- Honey (optional): A little drizzle for extra sweetness, if you like.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make these fluffy, soft rolls!
Activate the Yeast: Start by adding the warm water and a little sugar to a bowl. Sprinkle in your yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets bubbly and frothy. This is how you know it’s working its magic!
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine your flour, sugar, salt, and milk. Pour in the yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter. Mix until it all comes together, then knead for about 5-7 minutes until you have a smooth, elastic dough. Don’t stress if it feels a little sticky; that’s totally normal.
Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This is where the magic happens!
Shape the Rolls: Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, then divide it into 12 even portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place them in a greased baking pan, making sure they’re close together but not squished.
Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. They’ll puff up and become even more irresistible!
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. The aroma will drive you wild—you won’t be able to wait to dig in!
Finish with Butter: As soon as the rolls are out of the oven, brush them with melted butter. This gives them that extra, mouthwatering shine and flavor. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve these rolls warm with your favorite dish—or just enjoy them on their own with a smear of butter.
How to Serve Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls
These dinner rolls are so versatile and can be paired with almost anything! Here are a few ideas:
- With Soup or Salad: A perfect addition to a warm, comforting soup or a crisp salad.
- With Roast Meats: Whether it’s chicken, beef, or lamb, these rolls make a great side for your main course.
- As a Snack: Sometimes, these rolls are perfect on their own—just grab one, slather it with butter, and enjoy!
Additional Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before baking!
- Fluffy Rolls Tip: If you want ultra-soft rolls, make sure your dough rises properly and don’t skip the second rise!
- Freezing Tip: These rolls freeze wonderfully! Bake them, cool completely, and store them in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A1: Yes, you can! Instant yeast doesn’t need to be activated, so you can skip the warm water step and just mix it with your dry ingredients.
Q2: How do I store leftover rolls?
A2: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Q3: Can I make these rolls without dairy?
A3: Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter and substitute almond milk or another plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Of course! Just make sure you have a larger pan and give the dough enough room to rise.
Q5: How can I make the rolls sweeter?
A5: You can brush the rolls with honey or add a little more sugar to the dough for a sweeter flavor.
Q6: Can I add garlic or herbs to the dough?
A6: Yes! Feel free to add minced garlic or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
Q7: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A7: Yes, but the rolls may be a bit denser. You could use a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter result.
Q8: How do I reheat leftover rolls?
A8: Pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to warm them up and get them soft again.
Q9: Can I make these rolls without an egg?
A9: Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg or simply leave it out, and they will still turn out beautifully.
Q10: Can I make these rolls in a bread machine?
A10: Yes! Just add the ingredients to the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer and follow its dough cycle. Then, shape and bake as directed.
Conclusion
There you have it—the softest, fluffiest, most irresistible dinner rolls that will make you the star of any meal. Whether it’s your first time baking or you’re a seasoned pro, these rolls are a game-changer. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience that warm, buttery goodness that makes everything better. Happy baking!
Print
Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 15 rolls
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls are a classic side that complements any dish with their pillowy texture and buttery flavor. Made with just 8 everyday ingredients, they’re perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy weeknight meals. Sweetened lightly with honey and finished with a golden honey butter glaze, these rolls will melt in your mouth. Ideal for homemade recipes, healthy recipes easy, and fine dining recipes lovers.
Ingredients
Dough:
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1 cup warm milk (110-115°F)
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1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
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1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces
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1 tablespoon honey (optional)
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1 large egg, lightly beaten
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
Honey Butter Glaze:
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
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Heat milk in a microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup for about 40–50 seconds until it reaches 110–115°F.
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Sprinkle yeast and ½ tablespoon sugar over the milk. Do not stir. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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Whisk in the softened butter pieces, honey (if using), and beaten egg.
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In a stand mixer bowl fitted with the dough hook (or a large mixing bowl), combine flour, remaining 1 tablespoon sugar, and salt. Mix to combine.
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Pour in the milk mixture and mix on low until just combined (about 30 seconds), then knead on medium-low for 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead by hand on a floured surface for 7–10 minutes.
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Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1½ to 2 hours).
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Punch down the dough, divide it into 12–15 equal portions, and roll each piece into a ball. Place them in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
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Cover and let rise again for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
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Mix melted butter with honey and brush over warm rolls right out of the oven.
Notes
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You can freeze shaped, unbaked rolls for later—just thaw and allow to rise before baking.
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Swap honey for maple syrup in the glaze for a fun twist.
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Perfect for Thanksgiving, Easter, or any comforting Sunday dinner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg