Description
Soft, fluffy, and golden brown, homemade dinner rolls are a timeless classic that can elevate any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Activate Your Yeast: Begin by warming the milk until it’s about 110°F—this is the ideal temperature to activate the yeast without killing it. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk with sugar and active dry yeast. Stir lightly just to combine and then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You should see the mixture start to foam; this indicates your yeast is alive and ready to help your rolls rise!
- Mix in the Remaining Ingredients: Once your yeast mixture is foamy, add in the melted butter and the egg, whisking them together until well blended. Gradually add the flour and salt into the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or use a dough hook attachment on an electric mixer, continuing until a soft dough begins to form. You want the mixture to come together, but some stickiness is perfectly fine!
- Knead the Dough: Once your dough has formed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. This step develops the gluten, which will give your rolls their characteristic fluffiness. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also do this step in your stand mixer, which can save time and effort!
- Let It Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until it has doubled in size. This can take anywhere from 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your ambient temperature. Patience is key here! Keep putting in the effort for the softest rolls!
- Shape Into Rolls: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer the dough back to the floured surface, and divide it into equal portions—about 12-16, depending on how large you want your rolls to be. Shape each piece into a ball by tucking the edges under, creating a smooth surface. Place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, keeping some space between each roll.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls with the kitchen towel again and allow them to rise once more for about 30-45 minutes until they are puffy and have increased in size. This second rise is essential for achieving a soft texture in your rolls, allowing them to develop a good height as they bake.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Once the rolls have risen, pop them into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they are a beautiful golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary in temperature.
- Brush with Butter and Serve: Fresh from the oven, don’t forget to brush the tops of your rolls with melted butter for that irresistible shine and flavor. Serve them warm and enjoy the wonderful texture and taste of your homemade dinner rolls!
Notes
Keep putting in the effort for the softest rolls!
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 150 per roll
- Sodium: 150 mg per roll
- Protein: 3 g per roll