Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe

Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe: Golden Perfection in Every Bite

Warm, pillowy soft dinner rolls waft memories of cozy family gatherings and comfort.

Golden brown edges peek from rustic bread baskets, promising delectable moments ahead.

These homemade dinner rolls carry a delicate texture that commercial bakeries can never replicate.

Each bite promises warmth and satisfaction straight from your kitchen.

Salt, butter, and gentle kneading work magic in creating these tender bread companions.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something extraordinary that beckons everyone around the table.

Bake these rolls and watch faces light up with pure, unrestrained joy.

Storing Homemade Dinner Rolls the Right Way

  • Fresh Roll Storage: Keep rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, maintaining their soft texture and delightful taste.
  • Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough ahead of time and refrigerate overnight. Shape rolls and let rise for 45-60 minutes before baking for maximum convenience.
  • Reheating Refresh: Warm refrigerated or frozen rolls in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Wrap in foil to prevent drying and restore that fresh-from-the-oven softness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 25

Ingredients You Need for Dinner Rolls

For Proofing and Activating:
  • Warm Water: Kickstarts yeast activation and helps create the perfect environment for dough rising.
  • Active Yeast: Magical ingredient that makes bread rise and creates delightful texture and flavor.
  • Sugar: Provides food for yeast, helping it bloom and develop robust fermentation.
For Moisture and Richness:
  • Melted Butter: Adds incredible softness, creates golden crust, and enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Eggs: Contribute to tender crumb, provide structure, and boost nutritional value of rolls.
  • Sugar: Balances flavors and promotes beautiful caramelization during baking.
For Structure and Texture:
  • Flour: Builds the fundamental framework of dinner rolls, determining their final texture and consistency.
  • Salt: Strengthens gluten network, controls yeast growth, and elevates the bread's taste complexity.

Baking Tools for Quick Dinner Rolls

  • Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: Essential for effortlessly mixing and developing dough without manual kneading.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients and letting yeast mixture activate.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for precise ingredient measurements.
  • 13×9-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for evenly spacing and baking dinner rolls.
  • Pastry Brush: Handy for brushing melted butter on warm rolls.
  • Flour Sifter or Strainer: Helps distribute flour evenly while kneading.
  • Kitchen Timer: Ensures accurate rising and baking times.
  • Sharp Knife or Dough Scraper: Great for dividing dough into equal pieces.

How to Make Fast and Fluffy Dinner Rolls

  • Yeast Awakening

Warm liquid transforms dormant yeast into a bubbly, alive mixture that kickstarts the entire baking adventure. Let the magic begin as tiny granules dance and create wonderful aromas.

  • Dough Mixing

Combine all wet ingredients into a smooth, silky blend that will become the foundation of your fluffy rolls. The mixture should feel soft and promising, hinting at the deliciousness to come.

  • Kneading Ritual

Work the dough gently on a clean surface, turning and folding until it becomes elastic and smooth. This process develops incredible texture and strength in your future rolls.

  • Rising Transformation

Place soft dough balls in a cozy spot where warmth will help them expand and become pillowy. Cover them tenderly, allowing nature to work its wonderful expansion magic.

  • Golden Baking

Slide the pan into a hot oven where rolls will transform from pale lumps into golden, fragrant treasures. Watch as they turn a beautiful amber color, signaling they’re ready to be devoured.

Tips for Soft and Golden Dinner Rolls

  • Brush rolls with melted garlic butter or herbs like rosemary and thyme before baking for an extra flavor punch.
  • Prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate overnight, and let rise for 2 hours before baking for super convenient meal prep.
  • Experiment with half whole wheat flour for a nuttier texture and added nutrition without compromising softness.
  • Try creating different roll shapes like knots, crescents, or braided designs to make your dinner rolls look bakery-worthy.
  • Mix in shredded cheese, chopped chives, or dried herbs directly into the dough for unexpected taste sensations that'll wow your dinner guests.

How to Serve Fresh Dinner Rolls

  • Cozy Dinner Companions: Pair these soft, warm rolls with hearty beef stew or creamy chicken pot pie for a comforting meal that hugs your taste buds.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Slice rolls in half and create mini sandwiches with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or spread with homemade jam for a delightful weekend breakfast.
  • Appetizer Transformation: Cut rolls into smaller pieces, toast lightly, and serve with herb-infused olive oil or garlic butter for an irresistible party starter that guests will devour.
  • Holiday Table Star: Arrange rolls in a rustic basket lined with a classic checkered cloth, allowing guests to grab and enjoy these fluffy treasures throughout the meal.
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Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe

Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Homemade dinner rolls bring warmth to family gatherings with their golden-brown crust and pillowy interior. Bakers can easily craft these comforting bread treasures, delighting guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 packages active yeast
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 cup warm water (240 ml)
  • ½ cup melted butter (120 ml)
  • 3 eggs
  • ⅓ cup sugar (80 g)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar

Instructions

  1. Yeast Activation: Combine lukewarm water, yeast, and sugar in a spacious mixing vessel. Allow the mixture to rest for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbling develops.
  2. Dough Preparation: In a separate mixing bowl, blend melted butter, sugar, eggs, and salt using an electric mixer with a dough hook. Incorporate the activated yeast mixture thoroughly until well combined.
  3. Flour Integration: Gradually add flour, mixing consistently after each addition. Continue until the dough separates from the bowl’s sides, creating a smooth, cohesive texture.
  4. Dough Shaping: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently. Divide into 24 equal portions, forming each into a smooth, uniform sphere with gentle rolling motions.
  5. Proofing Setup: Coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Arrange dough balls evenly, leaving slight separation between rolls. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rise in a warm, draft-free area for 60-90 minutes until nearly doubled in volume.
  6. Baking Process: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Place the risen rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, watching for a rich, golden-brown coloration across the top surface.
  7. Finishing Touch: Immediately remove rolls from the oven and brush with melted butter, creating a glossy, tender exterior. Serve warm, celebrating the soft, pillowy texture of freshly baked dinner rolls.

Notes

  • Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it; lukewarm water is crucial for successful proofing.
  • Dough Consistency Check: Watch for dough pulling away from bowl sides during mixing, indicating proper flour integration and gluten development.
  • Proofing Location Matters: Choose a warm, draft-free spot like inside a turned-off oven or near a warm appliance to help rolls rise evenly and effectively.
  • Butter Brushing Technique: Apply melted butter immediately after baking for a soft, glossy crust that enhances flavor and keeps rolls moist.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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