Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe – Soft & Fluffy Homemade Buns

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe – Soft & Fluffy Homemade Buns

Hey everyone! There’s just something so comforting about warm, soft dinner rolls, 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 aren’t just any dinner rolls. They’re wonderfully soft, subtly sweet, and have that perfect, slightly chewy texture. They’re also surprisingly simple to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Plus, the aroma while they bake is absolutely heavenly! Seriously, prepare to have your kitchen smelling amazing. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner, a holiday feast, or just a cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients

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

• 2 cups (250g) All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon (3g) Instant Yeast
• 2 tablespoons (28g) Butter
• 0.5 cup (120ml) Water, lukewarm
• 0.25 cup (60ml) Milk
• 1 tablespoon (12g) Sugar
• 0.75 teaspoon (4g) Salt

Ingredient Notes

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

All Purpose Flour: Types & Best Uses

All-purpose flour is your friend here! It strikes a good balance between protein content and texture. You can also use bread flour for a chewier roll, but all-purpose is more readily available and works beautifully.

Instant Yeast: Understanding & Activating

Instant yeast is super convenient because you don’t need to “proof” it in water first. Just add it directly to the dry ingredients. Make sure your yeast isn’t expired, though! Old yeast won’t give you a good rise.

Butter: Salted vs. Unsalted – Which to Use?

I usually use unsalted butter in baking so I can control the salt level. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by a pinch.

Milk: Whole Milk vs. Other Options for Softness

Whole milk adds richness and softness to these rolls. You can use lower-fat milk, but the rolls might be slightly less tender. I’ve even used plant-based milk (like oat milk) with good results!

Regional Variations in Dinner Roll Recipes

Dinner rolls are a staple across so many cultures! In India, you’ll find variations like pav (often served with street food) which are similar but sometimes include a touch of sweetness. These rolls are a great base to experiment with – feel free to add a pinch of cardamom or a drizzle of honey for a unique twist.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First, in a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the lukewarm water. Let it sit for a minute or two until it gets a little foamy.
2. Add the salt, milk, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Give it a good stir.
3. Now, gradually add the flour, mixing with a spatula. The dough will be sticky – that’s okay! Don’t overmix.
4. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens!
5. Gently wet your hands and fold the risen dough into the center a few times. Then, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a smooth ball.
6. Divide the dough into 9 equal portions. Arrange them in a greased 8×8 inch baking pan.
7. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for another 30 minutes. They should puff up nicely.
8. Brush the tops of the rolls with a little milk.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. As soon as they come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter. This gives them that extra shine and deliciousness!
11. Let them cool on a wire rack covered with a towel. Serve warm and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make these rolls perfect:

Achieving the Perfect Rise

Warmth is key! A slightly warm oven (turned off, of course!) or a sunny spot in your kitchen are ideal for rising.

Kneading Techniques for Soft Rolls

Don’t over-knead the dough. A few gentle folds are enough to develop the gluten. Over-kneading can result in tough rolls.

Preventing Dry Dinner Rolls

Brushing with butter immediately after baking is crucial! It helps keep them soft and prevents them from drying out.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Dinner Rolls

Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the milk with plant-based milk. It works beautifully! My friend, Priya, swears by using coconut oil for extra flavor.

Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls

Use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly.

Spice Level Variations (Garlic Herb, Everything Bagel)

Mix minced garlic and chopped herbs (like rosemary or thyme) into the melted butter before brushing on the rolls. Or, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before baking!

Festival Adaptations (Thanksgiving, Christmas)

Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough for a festive flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are amazing with just about anything! They’re perfect alongside a hearty stew, a roast chicken, or even just a bowl of soup. My family loves them with a generous smear of homemade jam.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What type of flour is best for soft dinner rolls?

All-purpose flour is great! Bread flour will give you a chewier texture if that’s what you prefer.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

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! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?

You can use vegan butter, coconut oil, or even a neutral-flavored oil like canola oil.