Quick Description:
These Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. With a golden, buttery top and an incredibly soft interior, these rolls are irresistible. Warm from the oven and slathered with butter, they’ll melt in your mouth and leave you craving more. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or everyday dinners!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour (for dough to rise)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Ingredients List
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm milk (110°F)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon butter (for brushing the rolls)
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- Combine Yeast and Sugar:
- In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and granulated sugar.
- Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy. If the mixture doesn’t froth, the yeast may be expired or the milk too hot or cold.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs to the flour. Mix until combined, then knead the dough either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
- First Rise:
- Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough in it. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
- Prepare the Pan:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Shape the Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place it in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the rolls so they are touching each other.
Step 5: Second Rise
- Let the Rolls Rise Again:
- Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes, or until puffed up and touching.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake:
- Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top
Step 7: Butter the Rolls
- Brush with Butter:
- As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush the tops with the melted butter for a shiny, rich finish.
- Serve:
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter, honey, or your favorite spread!
Additional Notes
- Storage:
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to bring them back to life. - Freezing:
You can freeze the rolls before or after baking. To freeze before baking, place the shaped rolls on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw and rise for about 1 hour before baking as directed. If freezing after baking, store the cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. - Flavored Butter:
For a twist, make garlic butter, herb butter, or cinnamon sugar butter to serve with these rolls.
Dietary Info
- Vegetarian: These rolls are naturally vegetarian.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a non-dairy butter substitute and use non-dairy milk to make these rolls dairy-free.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Add-Ins:
- Incorporate shredded cheese, herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even garlic into the dough for a savory version.
- For a sweet variation, add a bit of cinnamon and sugar to the dough and top with a glaze
- Perfect Pairing:
These rolls are the perfect side for soups, stews, or roasts. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or as a complement to a holiday feast!
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Storage:
Store the leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for 5 minutes to restore their soft texture. - Make-Ahead Tip:
Make the dough the day before and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to rise in the morning and bake the rolls fresh for dinner.
FAQs
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute up to 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. However, the rolls may be a little denser.
