These Classic Dinner Rolls are everything you want in a homemade roll—soft, fluffy, buttery, and beautifully golden. They’re the kind of rolls that pair perfectly with holiday dinners, Sunday roasts, or any comfort-food meal. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little patience during the rising steps, you’ll create bakery-quality rolls that your family will request again and again. Whether you're new to bread making or a seasoned home baker, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Additional Time (Rising): 1 hr 45 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 12 soft dinner rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Directions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a medium bowl, stir together the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active and ready to help your rolls rise.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Add the egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring until well combined. Add the flour one cup at a time, starting with 3 cups, until a soft dough forms. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still feel slightly tacky.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Knead on a lightly floured surface or using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and stretchy. Avoid adding too much flour—soft dough makes soft rolls.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat the top. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath. Arrange the rolls evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover again and let the rolls rise for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 14 to 18 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown on top. Brush the warm rolls generously with melted butter for added softness and shine.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values
- Calories: 178
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 24mg
- Sodium: 175mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 4g
Conclusion
These Classic Dinner Rolls bring together everything home bakers love—comfort, aroma, flavor, and the satisfaction of creating something warm and fresh from scratch. They pair effortlessly with both everyday meals and special holiday feasts. With their pillowy interior and buttery finish, they’ll quickly become a staple on your family’s table. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, slathered with butter, honey, or your favorite jam.
