- In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1/4 teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warmed milk, melted butter, salt, and remaining sugar until smooth.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the milk mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Adjust flour quantity as needed based on dough consistency.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, turning to coat, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a 1/2-inch thick circle.
- Cut each circle into 8 wedge-shaped pieces. Starting from the wider end, roll each wedge tightly to form a roll.
- Arrange rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rise for another 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Bake rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm.
- Calories:220 kcal25%
- Energy:920 kJ22%
- Protein:5 g28%
- Carbohydrates:35 mg40%
- Sugar:4 mg8%
- Salt:250 g25%
- Fat:6 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe – Soft & Fluffy Indian-Style Buns
Hey everyone! There’s just something so comforting about warm, fluffy dinner rolls, isn’t there? I remember growing up, my grandmother would always have a batch of these ready whenever we visited – and honestly, they just made everything feel a little bit better. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for soft, Indian-style dinner rolls that are seriously easy to make. They’re perfect with a simple smear of butter, alongside a hearty curry, or even just enjoyed on their own!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These aren’t your average dinner rolls. They’re incredibly soft, thanks to a few little tricks I’ll share. Plus, they’re surprisingly straightforward – even if you’re not a seasoned baker. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, festive occasions, or just when you need a little bit of homemade goodness in your life. And trust me, the smell alone is worth the effort!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these beauties:
- 30 ml warm water
- 1-1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 150 ml warmed milk
- 120 gm butter, melted
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few things really make a difference here.
- Yeast Activation: Blooming the yeast in warm water with a little sugar is key. It proves the yeast is alive and kicking, which means a good rise. If it doesn’t get frothy after 10 minutes, your yeast might be old and you’ll need to start over.
- Flour Power: I use all-purpose flour for this recipe, but you can experiment with bread flour for a chewier texture. Just be mindful that bread flour absorbs more liquid, so you might need to adjust the amount.
- Butter is Better: Don’t skimp on the butter! Melted butter adds so much tenderness and flavor. It’s what makes these rolls so incredibly soft.
- Milk Matters: In India, we often use full-fat milk for richer baked goods. But you can absolutely use toned milk if you prefer – the rolls will still turn out delicious! It really depends on your preference and what you have on hand.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get baking!
- First, in a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1/4 teaspoon of sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it gets nice and frothy.
- While the yeast is doing its thing, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, melted butter, salt, and the remaining sugar until everything is smooth and combined.
- Now, pour that frothy yeast mixture into the milk mixture and give it another stir.
- Gradually add the flour, about a cup at a time, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if it’s a little sticky – that’s perfectly normal! You might need to adjust the amount of flour depending on the humidity and your flour type.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It’s a good workout, I promise! Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide it into two equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a 1/2-inch thick circle. Then, cut each circle into 8 wedge-shaped pieces.
- Now for the fun part! Roll each wedge tightly from the wider end to form a roll shape.
- Arrange the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover them with cling film, and let them rise for another hour.
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake the rolls for 18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips
Want to make sure your rolls turn out perfect every time? Here are a few of my secrets:
- The Perfect Rise: A warm, draft-free spot is essential for a good rise. I usually preheat my oven to the lowest setting, then turn it off and place the dough inside.
- Kneading Know-How: Don’t be afraid to really get in there and knead the dough! It develops the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure.
- Avoiding Dry Rolls: Keep a close eye on the baking time. Overbaking is the biggest culprit for dry rolls.
Variations
Feeling creative? Here are a few ways to spice things up:
- Vegan Dinner Rolls: Swap the butter for a good quality plant-based butter and use your favorite plant-based milk. It’s that easy! My friend, Priya, swears by this version.
- Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls: Substitute about 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
- Spice Level: Garlic & Herb Dinner Rolls: Mix in 1-2 cloves of minced garlic and a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) into the dough.
- Festival Adaptations: Christmas Dinner Rolls: Brush the baked rolls with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a festive touch.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are incredibly versatile! They’re amazing with:
- A steaming bowl of dal or curry
- A hearty breakfast spread
- A simple pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt
- As mini burger buns!
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
(1) Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just punch it down and continue with the recipe the next day.
(2) What if my dough isn’t rising?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water isn’t too hot (it should be warm, not scalding). Also, ensure the dough is in a warm, draft-free place.
(3) Can I freeze these dinner rolls?
Yes, you can! They freeze beautifully. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing.
(4) What type of flour is best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour works great, but bread flour will give you a chewier texture.
(5) How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?
Don’t overbake them! And store them in an airtight container.
(6) Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can! You can skip the blooming step and add the instant yeast directly to the dry ingredients.
Neha Deshmukh
Neha holds a B.A. in History with a focus on Indian and world history, including ancient, medieval, and modern periods. At RecipesOfIndia.org — the world’s largest database of Indian recipes — she combines her love for food and history by exploring how India’s past has shaped its culinary traditions.
