Soft and Buttery Homemade Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Activate the yeast
- In a large bowl, add warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
- Mix gently.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until slightly foamy.
2. Make the dough
- Add melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture.
- Mix well.
- Add flour and salt.
- Stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough
- Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes by hand.
- The dough should become soft, smooth, and slightly stretchy.
- If it feels too sticky, add 1 tablespoon flour at a time.
- Do not add too much flour, or the rolls will become dry.
4. First rise
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
- Cover with a clean towel.
- Let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the rolls
- Punch down the dough gently.
- Divide into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
- Place them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
6. Second rise
- Cover the rolls again.
- Let them rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
7. Bake
- Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden on top.
8. Brush with butter
- Remove from oven.
- Brush warm rolls with melted butter.
- Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Super Soft Rolls
- Use warm milk, not hot milk.
- Do not add too much flour.
- Let the dough rise properly.
- Brush with butter right after baking for a soft, shiny top.
- For extra softness, cover the rolls with a towel for 10 minutes after baking.
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
- Butter
- Honey
- Jam
- Soup
- Pasta
- Roast chicken
- Holiday dinner
Q/A
Q: Can I make these rolls without eggs?
A: Yes, you can skip the egg and add 2 extra tablespoons of milk.
Q: Can I use active dry yeast?
A: Yes, use the same amount, but make sure it becomes foamy in warm milk first.
Q: Can I freeze dinner rolls?
A: Yes, bake them first, cool completely, then freeze. Reheat before serving.
Q: Why are my rolls not soft?
A: Usually because too much flour was added or the dough did not rise enough.