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Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls

Jana Rae
Bake these soft and fluffy dinner rolls for your next meal! Perfectly golden and easy to make, they’re a great addition to any dinner table. Try this easy recipe today!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Rise Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Servings 12 rolls
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup milk, warm
  • ½ cup water, warm
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg

Instructions
 

  • Start by combining warm water, warm milk, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the liquid and give it a gentle stir. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is active and ready to go when it begins to bubble and form a foamy layer on top. This step is crucial—if your yeast doesn’t foam, it may be old or the water might be too hot, which can kill the yeast. Aim for liquids that are warm but not hot (around 110°F is ideal).
  • Once your yeast is active, add melted butter and a large egg. Stir these ingredients together until well combined. The butter and egg add richness and softness to the rolls, giving them that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
  • Slowly mix in the flour and salt, starting with about 3 cups of flour and adding more as needed until a soft dough forms. You want a dough that’s soft and slightly sticky but not too wet. Be cautious not to add too much flour, as this can make the rolls dense and heavy.
  • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading is essential as it helps develop gluten, giving structure to the rolls and making them soft and chewy. If you have a stand mixer, you can also knead the dough using the dough hook attachment.
  • Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. This rising time allows the dough to develop flavor and texture. Pro tip: If your kitchen is cool, you can create a warm environment by placing the bowl in the oven with the light on or near a warm stovetop.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and divide it into 12-15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. Properly shaped rolls will rise evenly and have a smooth, domed top.
  • Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they’re puffy. This second rise is what gives the rolls their light, airy texture, so don’t skip it!
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. For an extra-soft finish, brush the rolls with melted butter immediately after they come out of the oven.

Notes

Tips & Notes

  1. Measure Flour Correctly
    For best results, spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, which can lead to packed flour and a denser roll.
  2. Check Yeast Freshness
    Be sure your yeast is fresh and active. If using active dry yeast, it should bubble and foam when dissolved in warm water with a pinch of sugar, indicating it’s alive. If not, the yeast might be expired.
  3. Adjust Flour as Needed
    Dough consistency can vary depending on humidity and flour brand. Add flour gradually and stop once the dough is smooth, soft, and slightly sticky. Too much flour will make the rolls dry.
  4. Use Warm Liquid for Yeast Activation
    The milk or water used should be warm but not hot (around 110°F/43°C). Hot liquids can kill the yeast, preventing proper rise.
  5. Knead Well for Best Texture
    Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes if kneading by hand. Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives the rolls their soft, airy texture.
  6. Room Temperature Butter
    Make sure to use softened, room temperature butter, as it will incorporate into the dough more evenly and add a richer flavor.
  7. Brush with Butter After Baking
    For extra flavor and softness, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. This adds a lovely sheen and keeps the rolls soft.
  8. Storage Tips
    Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze baked rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and storing in an airtight bag. Reheat frozen rolls in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
  9. Make-Ahead Option
    Prepare the dough and allow it to rise. After shaping, place the rolls in the baking pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before baking.
  10. Add Toppings
    For a twist, sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or flaky sea salt on top of the rolls before baking for added flavor and texture.
These tips should help ensure your rolls come out light, fluffy, and full of flavor every time!