Soft and Buttery Homemade Dinner Rolls

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.

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