There is nothing better than a batch of homemade rolls piping hot from the oven. Especially when they are slathered with butter or a smear of my homemade peach jam. These yeast rolls, with their soft texture and buttery flavor, are often the perfect accompaniment to a almost any dinner you can think of. There’s something irresistible about a freshly baked roll! These buttery dinner rolls are incredibly easy to make, even if you’re new to working with yeast dough. The key is using warm milk and water to activate the yeast, ensuring a nice rise, and creating that signature fluffiness. What sets this recipe apart is its versatility—you can make them ahead, freeze them for later, or bake fresh and watch them disappear within minutes! If you’re looking for exciting new recipes for making homemade rolls, check out my Pumpkin Dinner Rolls, Parker House Roll Recipe, Homemade Brown Bread Dinner Rolls, Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls, and Soft Homemade Potato Rolls!
Why We Love This Recipe
With a little melted butter brushed on top, they have the perfect balance of golden brown crust and fluffy interior, making every bite delicious. These soft dinner rolls are perfect for any holiday meal, from Thanksgiving dinner to Easter brunch, and are sure to impress your guests with their bakery-quality flavor. They can be made ahead of time, stored in an airtight container, and reheated, making them a convenient option for busy days.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Whole Milk – This gives the rolls their rich, soft texture. You can substitute with any milk, but whole milk really adds a creaminess that makes these dinner rolls irresistible. Water – Used to activate the yeast and help the dough rise. Make sure it’s warm (but not too hot) to get that perfect dough rise. Salted Butter – Softened butter adds a rich flavor to the dough and gives the rolls that tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Don’t skip the extra brushing on top for a buttery finish! Granulated Sugar – Just a little sweetness to balance out the flavors and help feed the yeast, ensuring a great rise. Instant or Active Dry Yeast – This is the magic ingredient that helps the rolls become fluffy and light. Either type works, but be sure to proof the yeast to guarantee freshness. Large Egg – Adds richness and structure to the dough. It also helps bind everything together. Table Salt – Enhances all the other flavors and helps balance the sweetness from the sugar. All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of any great dinner roll! You can substitute part of it with half whole wheat and half white flour for a heartier version, but all-purpose keeps them soft and tender.
How to Make The Best Homemade Dinner Rolls
Tips for Success
When working with yeast, make sure your milk and water are warm, not hot. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and your dough won’t rise properly. Don’t rush the rising process. Allow the dough to double in size for the fluffiest, softest dinner rolls. If your dough is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time, but remember, a slightly sticky dough ball makes for a softer roll! Always brush the tops with melted butter after baking for a beautiful golden sheen and extra flavor. Use a kitchen scale to evenly divide the dough for uniform rolls that bake evenly.
Substitutions and Variations
If using unsalted butter, simply add a pinch more salt to the dough to balance the flavors. You can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, more nutritious roll. Bread flour can also be used if you prefer a chewier texture. Instant yeast can be used without proofing, but we recommend proofing it for the best results.
More Delicious Roll Recipes
Soft & Fluffy Lion House Rolls Pecan Rolls EASY Homemade Crescent Rolls (Pillsbury Copycat) Deborah’s Knotted Orange Rolls Cheesy Garlic Mozzarella Swirl Rolls The BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Caramel Apple Pie Crescent Rolls Homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Tom Kha Gai
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