The Best Homemade Dinner Rolls

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I’ve always had a soft spot (pun intended) for homemade dinner rolls. There’s something magical about the way they puff up in the oven, turning golden brown with just the right amount of shine. When I pull them apart and steam escapes from the pillowy inside, I know I’m in for a comforting, buttery bite that pairs perfectly with just about any meal.

This recipe for the best homemade dinner rolls has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during holidays and family gatherings. They’re incredibly soft, slightly sweet, and easy enough to make from scratch even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Trust me—once you try these, you’ll never go back to store-bought rolls again.

Why You’ll Love This Dinner Roll Recipe

These rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, with a beautiful golden crust that glistens from a simple butter glaze. Whether you’re serving them for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinner, or just because, they deliver bakery-level results without complicated steps. Plus, the dough is forgiving and beginner-friendly.

What Makes a Perfect Dinner Roll?

It all comes down to the dough. You want it enriched with milk, butter, and eggs to create that soft, tender texture. Kneading until smooth and letting the dough rise in a warm environment gives you that classic, airy interior. And brushing the tops with butter after baking? That’s the finishing touch that makes these unforgettable.

Options for Substitutions

• Milk: You can use dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk if you’re avoiding dairy.
• Butter: Vegan butter or margarine works well as a substitute.
• Eggs: A flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) can replace the egg in a pinch.
• Sugar: Honey or maple syrup are natural sweeteners that can be used in place of granulated sugar.
• Flour: Bread flour gives a chewier texture, but all-purpose flour will still yield great results.

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Ingredients for This Dinner Roll Recipe

• All-purpose flour – This forms the base of the dough and provides structure to the rolls. It gives them a tender yet sturdy bite.
• Whole milk – Warm milk enriches the dough and helps activate the yeast. It also adds softness and a hint of creaminess.
• Active dry yeast – Essential for that beautiful rise and fluffy texture. Make sure it’s fresh and active!
• Granulated sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness and feeds the yeast for a good rise.
• Unsalted butter – Melted into the dough for richness and brushed on top for that glossy finish.
• Egg – Adds richness, color, and helps bind the dough together.
• Salt – Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste of the rolls.

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Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk to about 110°F (not too hot or it’ll kill the yeast). In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. That’s your sign the yeast is alive and ready.

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Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add the egg and melted butter to the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Switch to kneading by hand or with a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer.

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Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour a tablespoon at a time.

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Step 4: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

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Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough gently and divide it into 12–16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking dish or sheet pan, spaced slightly apart.

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Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again for about 30–45 minutes until puffy and touching each other.

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Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18–22 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F.

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Step 8: Brush with Butter

As soon as they come out of the oven, brush the tops generously with melted butter. This adds flavor and gives them that irresistible shine.

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How Long to Prepare the Best Homemade Dinner Rolls

Making these dinner rolls from scratch is a rewarding process that takes a bit of time, but most of it is hands-off.

Active Prep Time: Around 25–30 minutes, including mixing, kneading, and shaping. If you’re using a stand mixer, this can be even faster.

Rise and Bake Time: The dough needs two rises. The first takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and the second rise takes 30–45 minutes. Baking time is roughly 20 minutes. Altogether, expect about 2.5 to 3 hours total from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Dinner Rolls

• Use warm (not hot) milk: Around 110°F is ideal to activate yeast.
• Measure your flour properly: Spoon it into the measuring cup and level off—too much flour makes dense rolls.
• Don’t skip the second rise: This ensures the rolls are extra fluffy and light.
• Butter before and after baking: It adds richness and that golden, glossy top.
• Use a kitchen scale: For even-sized rolls that bake uniformly.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Killing the yeast with hot milk: Overheated milk can deactivate the yeast, and your dough won’t rise.
• Adding too much flour too quickly: It’s tempting, but resist! Too much flour can make your rolls tough.
• Under-kneading the dough: This prevents the gluten from developing, resulting in flat rolls.
• Skipping the rise times: Rushing the process won’t let the dough develop its soft texture.
• Overbaking: Always check the internal temp (190°F) or watch for a deep golden top to avoid dry rolls.

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What to Serve With Dinner Rolls?

1. Classic Roast Chicken

The soft, buttery rolls are perfect for soaking up those pan drippings.

2. Creamy Soups

Pair with a bowl of creamy tomato basil or loaded potato soup for the ultimate comfort meal.

3. Holiday Turkey

Serve these rolls alongside your holiday spread—they’re perfect with turkey and cranberry sauce.

4. BBQ Pulled Pork

Use them as soft buns for mini pulled pork sandwiches.

5. Simple Butter and Jam

Warm them up and enjoy with a slather of butter and your favorite jam for breakfast or brunch.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat.

Freezer: These rolls freeze beautifully. After they’ve cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.

Reheating Tips: Wrap in foil and reheat in the oven to retain moisture. A microwave works too, but cover the rolls with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per roll (based on a batch of 16 rolls):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Sugar: 3g
• Fiber: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

It should double in size. A good test is to gently press a finger into the dough—if the indentation remains, it’s ready.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! After the first rise, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the second rise.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely. Just skip the proofing step and mix it right into the dry ingredients. The rise time may be slightly shorter.

How can I make these vegan?

Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg. They’ll still come out soft and delicious.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure to use a large enough bowl for mixing and give your rolls enough space to rise and bake evenly.

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Conclusion

These best homemade dinner rolls are everything you want in a bread side: soft, fluffy, buttery, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re preparing for a special holiday or just craving fresh bread with dinner, this recipe is the one you’ll turn to time and time again. Don’t be surprised when they disappear before they even make it to the table!

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