Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe

If you dream of fluffy, golden clouds of bread fresh from your oven, this recipe for Homemade Dinner Rolls will absolutely delight you! These pillowy rolls are gently sweet, buttery, and soft all the way through, making them the perfect companion for any meal. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, these rolls come together with just a handful of simple ingredients, and the aroma as they bake is truly irresistible. Let’s get rolling on your new favorite bread recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a few pantry staples and a splash of love, you’ll have everything you need for bakery-worthy Homemade Dinner Rolls. Each ingredient brings something special, balancing the flavor, texture, and that lovely golden color we all crave.

• All-purpose flour: The base of our rolls, giving structure and the classic tender crumb.
• Yeast: Responsible for all that beautiful rise and fluffiness—active dry or instant will both work.
• Sugar: Adds a mild sweetness and feeds the yeast for a perfect rise.
• Warm milk: Creates a rich dough and ensures extra-tender rolls.
• Oil: Brings moisture to the dough and keeps the rolls soft, even days later.
• Eggs: Add richness, color, and help bind everything together.
• Salt: Balances out all the flavors, never skip it!
• Egg white plus water: For the glossy egg wash that gives your rolls gorgeous, bakery-style shine.
• Melted butter: Brushed on after baking for extra flavor and softness.

How to Make Homemade Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the yeast and sugar in a large mixing bowl, then pour in the warm milk. Give everything a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is frothy and bubbly. That’s your cue the yeast is alive and ready to do its magic!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

To the bubbly yeast mixture, add the oil, salt, and eggs. Mix until everything looks well-amalgamated—your dough is already off to a rich and flavorful start.

Step 3: Add Flour and Knead

Add the flour one cup at a time, stirring between each addition. Once it’s hard to stir, switch to kneading with your hands. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, dusting with a bit of extra flour as needed, until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your smooth dough back in the bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it’s doubled in size. This is when the Homemade Dinner Rolls start to develop their airy texture.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 16 to 24 pieces, depending on your preferred size. Roll each piece into a tidy ball and arrange them snugly in a greased baking pan.

Step 6: Second Rise

Let the shaped rolls rest and rise for another 30 minutes. They’ll puff up and become even softer—just imagine how fluffy they’ll be after baking!

Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the tops of your rolls with the egg white and water mixture. This will give them that glorious golden finish you see in bakeries. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, until beautifully golden and baked through.

Step 8: Butter and Enjoy

As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter for irresistible shine and flavor. Serve warm, and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Homemade Dinner Rolls

Garnishes

For a special touch, sprinkle your warm rolls with a bit of flaky sea salt or fresh herbs (like rosemary or parsley) after brushing on the butter. This simple garnish instantly elevates your Homemade Dinner Rolls.

Side Dishes

These rolls love company! They’re perfect alongside hearty soups and stews, holiday roasts, or even just a simple salad. Try serving them with creamy potato soup, roast chicken, or a vibrant green salad for a complete meal everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress, arrange your Homemade Dinner Rolls in a ring or wreath on a large platter, tuck in some sprigs of fresh herbs for a festive look, or stack them high in a bread basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin. They’re as beautiful as they are delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Homemade Dinner Rolls can be kept in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll still be fresh and soft for snacking, sandwiches, or another meal.

Freezing

To freeze, simply let the baked rolls cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep wonderfully for up to three months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop thawed or leftover rolls in a 300°F oven for 5-8 minutes, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds. They’ll taste as if they just came out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes, you can swap up to half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat to add a heartier flavor and more nutrients to your Homemade Dinner Rolls, though they may turn out a bit denser.

Why didn’t my rolls rise?

This usually happens if the yeast is old or your milk was too hot or too cold. Always check that your yeast bubbles during proofing and that your milk is warm but not scalding (about 110°F is perfect).

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough, complete the first rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, shape your rolls and continue with the second rise before baking as usual.

How can I make the rolls extra soft and fluffy?

Don’t skimp on kneading—the extra effort develops the gluten for a tender crumb. Also, brush with melted butter right after baking to keep them even softer.

Can these be made vegan?

Yes, you can use dairy-free milk, swap eggs for flaxseed eggs, and choose your favorite neutral plant-based oil and vegan butter for brushing. The texture will change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Homemade Dinner Rolls in your own kitchen. There’s something so rewarding about baking your own bread, and this recipe delivers soft, buttery rolls every single time. Share them with friends, family, or keep a secret stash just for yourself—either way, you’re in for a classic treat that turns any meal into a celebration!

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