There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh dinner rolls baking in the oven. Soft, fluffy, buttery, and golden, these homemade rolls are the perfect companion to any meal — from cozy Sunday dinners to big holiday feasts. Made with simple pantry staples like flour, yeast, milk, butter, and eggs, this recipe walks you through the classic method step by step, even if you’re new to bread making. These rolls are beginner-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly adaptable with toppings like garlic butter, sesame seeds, or even everything bagel seasoning. Serve them warm and watch them disappear faster than you can bake them.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, pillowy texture every time
- Reliable rise and golden top
- Beginner-friendly with or without a mixer
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead prep
- Works with sweet or savory variations
Ingredients
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F to 115°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add sugar, softened butter, salt, eggs, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until combined.
Gradually add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but pull away from the bowl.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough. Divide into 24 equal pieces and shape into balls. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or two 8-inch round pans.
Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
Brush tops with melted butter immediately after baking for shine and flavor.
Let cool slightly and serve warm.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including rise)
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: ~1.5 hours
Servings: 24 rolls
Difficulty: Medium (great for beginners)
Tips and Variations
Use instant yeast to skip the proofing step
Swap in whole milk for extra richness
Add rosemary or garlic powder to the dough for a savory twist
Top with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or parmesan
Make smaller rolls for sliders or larger for sandwich buns
Double the batch and freeze half unbaked or baked
Dinner Rolls
Equipment
- – Stand mixer or hand mixer
- – Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- – 2 (13×9″) baking pans
- – Kitchen towel
Ingredients
- – 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- – 1 cup warm milk 110–115°F
- – 1/4 cup sugar
- – 1/3 cup unsalted butter softened
- – 1 tsp salt
- – 2 large eggs
- – 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- – 2 tbsp melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm milk; let sit 5–10 mins until foamy.
- Mix in sugar, butter, salt, eggs, and 2 cups of flour.
- Gradually add remaining flour until soft dough forms.
- Knead for 6–8 mins by hand or 5 mins in mixer until smooth.
- Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Punch down, divide into 24 balls, and place in baking pans.
- Let rise 30–40 mins until puffy.
- Bake at 375°F for 12–15 mins until golden.
- Brush with melted butter. Serve warm.
Notes
– Shape creatively: wreaths, knots, cloverleaf
– Freeze for up to 1 month after baking
FAQs
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Shape the rolls and freeze before the second rise. Thaw in fridge overnight and let rise before baking.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Use almond milk and vegan butter — still soft and delicious.
How long do they last?
Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days at room temp, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make them sweeter?
Add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar for a lightly sweet roll — great for brunch.