Perfectly Golden Dinner Rolls

Fresh Baked Dinner Rolls: Soft, Fluffy & Golden

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked dinner rolls. These soft, fluffy, golden rolls are the perfect side for any meal—from family dinners to special occasions. There's just something magical about pulling a batch of warm, homemade rolls out of the oven and watching your family gather around to enjoy them. Whether you're hosting a holiday feast, preparing a cozy weeknight meal, or just craving something homemade, these dinner rolls will be a hit every time.

Follow this recipe to make the dinner rolls from scratch and enjoy that irresistible bakery-like texture right in your own kitchen!

Pro Tips for Perfect Rolls:

• Make-Ahead Tip: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dough the day before. After the first rise, cover it and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature, shape it, and complete the second rise before baking. This makes it perfect for a busy holiday meal or weeknight dinner.

• Flour Tips: You can substitute bread flour for the all-purpose flour if you prefer a fluffier, more chewy texture. Bread flour has more gluten, which helps create that perfect soft texture.

• Customize Your Rolls: You can easily customize these rolls by adding ingredients like garlic, herbs, or cheese for a savory twist. Or, if you want something a little sweeter, add a tablespoon of honey to the dough for a touch of sweetness.

• Freezing Tip: These rolls freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve Fresh Baked Dinner Rolls:

These dinner rolls are perfect alongside any meal. Whether you're serving them with a hearty stew, roasted meats, or a simple soup, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. They're also great for making mini sandwiches or pairing with a savory dip. You can even serve them with garlic butter, honey butter, or jam for a sweet touch.

Making fresh baked dinner rolls from scratch is one of those simple pleasures that can turn any meal into a celebration. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create soft, fluffy rolls that are golden brown on top and perfectly tender on the inside. Whether you're enjoying them with your family during a cozy dinner or serving them at a big family gathering, these rolls will never disappoint.

So, go ahead and bake a batch today! Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family will be thanking you for the delicious treat. Happy baking!

Yield: 12

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Fresh Baked Dinner Rolls

Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 15 MinRise Time: 1 H & 30 MTotal time: 2 H & 5 M

Soft, Fluffy, and Perfectly Golden—Your New Favorite Side Dish!

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Ingredients

For the Rolls

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg (at room temperature)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for brushing, melted)

For the Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp water (or milk, for a richer finish)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and sugar together. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir gently to dissolve. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast might be old or the milk too hot, so start over.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to the bowl. Mix everything together until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, but don’t add too much, or the rolls will be dense.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure the rolls are close together but not touching.
6. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and are touching.
7. Make the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tbsp water (or milk). Brush the egg wash generously over the tops of the rolls just before baking. This will give them a golden, shiny finish when they bake.
8. Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Brush with Butter: Once the rolls are out of the oven, immediately brush the tops with the remaining melted butter to keep them soft and shiny.
10. Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. These soft, golden rolls are perfect when served warm with a little butter!

Notes

Pro Tips:

• Make ahead: You can prepare the dough up to the second rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
• Fluffier rolls: For even softer rolls, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour, or add an extra tablespoon of butter to the dough for richness.
• Sweet rolls: If you like sweet rolls, add a tablespoon of honey or more sugar to the dough.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

195

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.