Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe – Soft & Fluffy Homemade Bread

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe – Soft & Fluffy Homemade Bread

Hey everyone! There’s just something so comforting about a warm, soft dinner roll, isn’t there? I remember the first time I tried making these – it was a rainy Sunday, and the smell of baking bread instantly made the whole house feel cozy. Now, I make them whenever I want a little bit of that feeling again. And honestly? They’re way easier than you might think! This recipe delivers incredibly soft, fluffy rolls that are perfect with any meal. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These dinner rolls are seriously a game-changer. They’re soft, fluffy, and have that perfect slightly sweet flavor. Plus, they come together surprisingly quickly, especially with the use of instant yeast. They’re fantastic for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or just a weekend treat. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to make them again and again!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful rolls:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tablespoon (7g) instant yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt
• 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup (57g) butter
• 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) warm whole milk

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Instant Yeast: I love using instant yeast because you don’t need to proof it separately – it gets mixed right in with the dry ingredients. It’s a real time-saver! If you’re using active dry yeast, you’ll need to activate it first (see recipe instructions).
• Butter: You can use either salted or unsalted butter. If you’re using salted butter, you might want to reduce the salt in the recipe slightly. I usually use unsalted so I have full control over the saltiness. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!
• Milk Temperature: The milk should be warm, but not hot! Think lukewarm – around 105-115°F (40-46°C). Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast. Too cold, and it won’t activate properly.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First, activate the yeast. In a bowl, mix the warm water and sugar with the instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it gets nice and bubbly. This shows the yeast is alive and kicking!
2. In a separate bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, egg, salt, and melted butter. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth blend.
3. Now, in a large bowl, mix together the flour and the yeast mixture. Pour in the wet ingredients and mix everything until it just comes together. The dough will be sticky at first – that’s totally normal!
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. It shouldn’t be overly sticky anymore.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Knead it briefly on a floured surface.
7. Roll the dough out into a circle about 1/8-inch thick. Cut the circle into 12 triangular wedges.
8. Roll each wedge up from the wide end to the tip, then curve the ends inward to form crescent shapes.
9. Arrange the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes, until they’re nicely puffed up.
10. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the rolls for 12-13 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.
11. Serve warm with a generous slather of butter!

Expert Tips

Want to take your rolls to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tips:

• Soft Crumb: Don’t overknead the dough! Overkneading can result in tough rolls.
• Preventing Dryness: Brushing the tops of the rolls with melted butter right after baking helps keep them soft and prevents them from drying out.
• Perfect Shaping: If you’re having trouble getting the crescent shape, don’t worry too much! They’ll still taste amazing. Just focus on rolling them up tightly.

Variations

Feeling creative? Let’s spice things up!

• Vegan Dinner Rolls: Swap the milk for your favorite plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat work great) and use an egg replacer. My friend Sarah swears by flax eggs!
• Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls: Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly to get the right consistency.
• Spice Level: Garlic Herb Rolls: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic and a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley) to the dough. My family loves these!
• Festival Adaptations: Sweet Rolls: Add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of sugar to the dough and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before rolling them up. Perfect for Christmas morning!

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are incredibly versatile. They’re amazing with:

• A hearty bowl of dal
• Chicken curry
• Vegetable stew
• Simply with butter and jam for breakfast

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: These rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• What type of flour is best for soft rolls? All-purpose flour works great, but bread flour will give you an even chewier, softer crumb.
• Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.
• How do I prevent the rolls from drying out? Brush them with melted butter immediately after baking and store them in an airtight container.
• Can I freeze these dinner rolls? Absolutely! See storage instructions above.
• What is the best way to proof the dough in a cold kitchen? Find a warm spot! You can turn on your oven to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside. Or, simply place the bowl of dough in a warm, draft-free area.