Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe – Maida Buns with Butter & Milk

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe – Maida Buns with Butter & Milk

Hey everyone! There’s just something so comforting about warm, fluffy dinner rolls, isn’t there? I remember the first time I tried making these – it was for a family get-together, and I was so nervous they wouldn’t turn out right. But the aroma filling the kitchen as they baked? Pure magic. These soft maida buns are perfect with any meal, or just enjoyed with a generous slather of butter. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any dinner rolls. They’re incredibly soft, thanks to a good kneading session and a little bit of oil. They’re also surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Plus, the simple brushing of milk and butter after baking gives them a beautiful golden sheen and an irresistible flavor. Honestly, once you make these, you’ll want to have them with every dinner!

Ingredients

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

• 2 cups All Purpose Flour (Maida)
• 1 tablespoon Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dry Yeast
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1.5 tablespoon Oil
• Milk and Butter (for brushing)

Ingredient Notes

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

All Purpose Flour (Maida) – Regional Variations & Uses

Maida is the star here, giving these rolls their signature soft texture. In India, we often use maida for breads, pastries, and even some snacks. You can use around 250-280 grams of maida if you prefer weighing your flour. If you’re looking for a slightly healthier option, you can substitute up to 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour, but the texture will be a little denser.

Dry Yeast – Types & Activation Tips

I always use instant dry yeast for convenience, but active dry yeast works too – just make sure to activate it first! That means mixing it with warm water and a pinch of sugar and letting it sit for about 10 minutes until it gets frothy. This ensures your yeast is alive and kicking.

Oil – Choosing the Right Oil for Softness

Any neutral-flavored oil will do – sunflower, vegetable, or canola oil are all great choices. I personally like using sunflower oil for a subtle sweetness. The oil helps keep the dough soft and prevents it from drying out.

Milk & Butter – Full Fat vs. Low Fat & Impact on Flavor

For the brushing, I recommend using full-fat milk and butter. They really contribute to the richness and flavor of the rolls. You can use low-fat options, but the results won’t be quite as decadent.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First, let’s activate the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Give it a little stir and let it sit for about 10 minutes, until it’s nice and frothy.
2. In a larger mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
3. Pour the yeast mixture into the well. Now, gradually add the warm water while you start kneading the dough.
4. Once the dough starts to come together, add the oil. Knead vigorously for a good 15 minutes. You want a dough that’s soft, pliable, and smooth. This is where the magic happens!
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. Patience is key here!
6. Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Add a tablespoon of flour and knead for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Now for the fun part – shaping the rolls! You can make them into simple balls, or get creative with different shapes. Arrange them on a greased baking tray.
8. Cover the shaped rolls with a damp cloth and let them rise again for about 45 minutes.
9. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Brush the risen rolls with milk.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
11. As soon as they come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips

• Warm Water is Key: Make sure the water isn’t too hot, or it will kill the yeast. Lukewarm is perfect!
• Don’t Skip the Kneading: Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure and chewiness.
• Warm Place for Rising: A warm environment helps the dough rise faster. You can even place it in a slightly warmed oven (turned off, of course!).

Variations

• Vegan Dinner Rolls: Substitute the milk with plant-based milk (like almond or soy) and use vegan butter for brushing.
• Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls (Using Alternative Flours): This one’s a bit trickier, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly.
• Spice Level – Adding Flavored Butters: My friend Priya loves adding a pinch of garlic powder and some chopped herbs to the melted butter for brushing. So good!

Festival Adaptations – Christmas & Eid Special Rolls

During Christmas, I love adding a sprinkle of poppy seeds or sesame seeds on top before baking. For Eid, a drizzle of rose water after baking adds a beautiful fragrance and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are amazing with just about anything! They’re perfect alongside a hearty Indian curry, a comforting soup, or even just a simple breakfast spread. My family loves them with a dollop 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 longer storage. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

FAQs

What type of flour is best for these dinner rolls?

All-purpose flour (maida) is ideal for that super soft texture. But feel free to experiment with a little whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier twist!

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

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

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should have doubled in size. Gently poke it with your finger – if the indentation remains, it’s ready to go!

Can I freeze these dinner rolls?

Absolutely! They freeze beautifully. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before wrapping and freezing.

What can I add to the dough for a sweeter roll?

Add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to the dough, or a splash of vanilla extract. You could even add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts!