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Soft Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe Easy Homemade Rolls for Family Meals

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These soft fluffy dinner rolls are easy to make at home with pantry staples, perfect for family meals and special occasions. They are tender, buttery, and have a golden crust that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (480g)
  • 1 cup warm milk (240ml)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¼ cup sugar (50g)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (55g)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt (9g)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing on top, optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast (5 minutes): Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C). Sprinkle the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar over the milk and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  2. Mix the Dough (10 minutes): In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, melted butter, and egg. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Adjust with milk or flour if needed to get a slightly sticky but not wet dough.
  3. Knead the Dough (8–10 minutes): Knead by hand on a floured surface or with a mixer dough hook until smooth and elastic.
  4. First Rise (1 to 1 ½ hours): Shape the dough into a ball, place in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the Rolls (10 minutes): Punch down the dough, divide into 12 equal pieces, roll each into a smooth ball, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced about an inch apart. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
  6. Bake (15–18 minutes): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush tops with milk or egg wash if desired. Bake until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
  7. Butter Them Up (Optional): Brush rolls with melted butter immediately after baking. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Use fresh yeast and proof it in warm milk with sugar to ensure proper rising. Avoid over-flouring the dough to keep rolls soft. Maintain a warm environment for rising. Brush rolls with melted butter while warm for a soft crust. Do not skip the second rise for best texture. Store rolls in airtight containers and reheat gently to maintain softness.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft dinner rolls, fluffy rolls, homemade bread, easy dinner rolls, family meals, bread recipe, yeast rolls