Soft and Buttery Homemade Dinner Rolls

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1/4 cup (60g) butter , melted (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 large egg
• Extra melted butter for brushing

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour , sugar , yeast , and salt .
2. Add the warm milk , melted butter , and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes , until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5–7 minutes.
   • If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, but avoid adding too much—it should remain soft and slightly tacky.
2. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1–1.5 hours , or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

1. Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Divide the dough into 12–16 equal pieces (depending on how large you want the rolls). Roll each piece into a smooth ball by pulling the edges underneath and pinching them together.
3. Place the shaped rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan or round cake pans, spacing them evenly to allow room for rising.

Step 4: Second Rise

1. Cover the rolls loosely with a towel or plastic wrap and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes , or until puffy and nearly doubled in size.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Bake the rolls for 15–20 minutes , or until golden brown on top.
3. Optional: For softer tops, tent the rolls loosely with aluminum foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Brush with Butter

1. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter for a soft, buttery finish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Pull them apart and enjoy warm, slathered with more butter if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Add Herbs: Stir in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for savory dinner rolls.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough ahead of time, let it rise once, then refrigerate overnight. Proceed with shaping and baking the next day.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months . Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Sweet Rolls Option: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and increase the sugar to 1/3 cup for slightly sweeter rolls.

Why You’ll Love These Rolls

• Soft and Fluffy: The combination of butter and milk creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Buttery Goodness: Brushing the warm rolls with melted butter adds an irresistible richness.
• Versatile: Perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or holiday meals—or simply enjoying on their own.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether for family dinners or special occasions, these rolls are sure to impress.
• Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or cheese for a unique twist.

These Soft and Buttery Homemade Dinner Rolls are the ultimate comfort food—perfectly golden, pillowy soft, and oh-so-buttery. Once you try making them at home, you’ll never go back to store-bought rolls again! 🍞