There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Homemade Dinner Rolls wafting through your kitchen. Soft, pillowy, and golden-brown, these rolls are the perfect blend of buttery richness and subtle sweetness. With just 30 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking, you’ll have a batch of warm, fluffy rolls ready to elevate any meal. The two-hour rising time ensures a light, airy texture that’s impossible to resist.
These rolls are more than just a side dish—they’re a comforting centerpiece that brings everyone to the table. Their delicate crust gives way to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior, making them ideal for soaking up sauces or slathering with butter. Whether served at a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients for Homemade Dinner Rolls
- 1¼ cups milk, warmed (to about 110°F)
- 1 (¼-ounce) package active dry yeast (or 2¼ teaspoons)
- 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (375g), plus more for kneading
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
- For topping: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, and a pinch of sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Proof the yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, stir together the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, or until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, discard and start over with new yeast.
- Mix the dough: Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, and salt to the bowl. Mix on low speed to combine. Add 1 cup of flour and mix until mostly combined. Repeat with the second and third cups of flour. Increase speed to medium and mix for 2 minutes, or until the dough is cohesive, slightly sticky, and pulls away from the bowl.
- Knead and rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead a few times to form a ball. If too sticky, add a little more flour. Brush a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls: Brush a baking sheet or 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Turn the dough onto a clean surface and divide into 15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball using a cupped hand. Place on the baking sheet, dust lightly with flour, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour, or until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F and move an oven rack to a low position. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown, rotating the pan halfway through.
- Add the topping: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with a pinch of salt. Brush over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These homemade dinner rolls are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Serve them warm alongside a hearty soup, like creamy tomato or chicken noodle, for a comforting meal. They’re also perfect for holiday feasts—think roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy. For a simple yet satisfying snack, spread a warm roll with a bit of honey butter or your favorite jam.
Keep Them Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
To store leftover rolls, place them in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or microwave them for 10-15 seconds for a quick fix. For a crispy exterior, brush with a little melted butter before reheating.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Customize your dinner rolls to suit your taste! Add a savory twist by mixing in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese or 1 tablespoon of garlic powder into the dough. For a sweeter option, increase the sugar to ¼ cup and add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. You can also experiment with shapes—try braiding the dough or forming it into knots for a fun presentation.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
Short on time? Use rapid-rise yeast to cut the rising time in half. Alternatively, prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, shape the rolls, let them come to room temperature, and bake as directed. This method also enhances the flavor!
Essential Equipment Guidance
A stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading this dough a breeze, but you can also mix and knead by hand—just be prepared for a little arm workout! A kitchen scale ensures accurate flour measurements, and a pastry brush is perfect for applying the melted butter topping. If you don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish, a standard baking sheet works just fine.
Homemade Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups milk, warmed
- 1 (¼-ounce) package active dry yeast 2¼ teaspoons
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled 375g, plus more for kneading
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
For topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Sea salt
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, stir together the milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Proof for 5 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. If the yeast doesn’t foam, discard the mixture and start again with new yeast.
- Add the remaining sugar, the melted butter, and salt to the bowl. Mix on low speed to combine, then add 1 cup of the flour and mix on low speed until mostly combined. Add another 1 cup of the flour and mix on low speed to combine, then repeat with the remaining cup of flour. Increase the speed to medium and mix for 2 minutes, or until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough forms around the hook. It should be slapping the sides of the bowl and pulling away from the bottom.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead a few times to form into a ball. The dough should be slightly sticky, but if it’s too sticky to work with, work in a little more flour. Brush a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside to rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Brush a baking sheet or 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil and set aside. Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface. Divide the dough into 15 equal pieces. Form each piece into a ball by rolling on the countertop with a cupped hand. Place each piece onto the baking sheet. Dust the tops with a very slight amount of flour to prevent sticking. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 1 hour, or until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and move an oven rack to a low position.
- Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown, rotating the pan halfway.
- Make the topping: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and a pinch of salt. Brush over the warm rolls and serve.