Fluffy Dinner Rolls

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Golden, buttery, and irresistibly soft—these Fluffy Dinner Rolls are the kind of comfort food that can elevate any meal. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive holiday feast, these rolls are always the first to disappear from the table. With their tender crumb and rich flavor, they make the perfect companion to soups, roasts, and everything in between.

What makes these dinner rolls truly special is how pillowy they turn out with just a bit of patience and the right technique. The dough is enriched with milk and butter, making every bite subtly sweet and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. If you’ve never tried making homemade rolls before, don’t worry—this recipe breaks everything down step-by-step so even beginners can bake like a pro.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To ensure your Fluffy Dinner Rolls bake up beautifully, having the right tools can make all the difference:

• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: While you can mix by hand, a stand mixer does the heavy lifting for kneading, resulting in a smoother dough with less effort.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For proofing the dough as it rises. The dough will double in size, so make sure it’s spacious enough.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy is key in baking, especially when working with yeast.
• Kitchen Scale: Optional but highly recommended for consistent results.
• 9×13 Baking Pan: The rolls bake close together for soft sides and golden tops.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing melted butter over the rolls for that glossy, golden finish.
• Plastic Wrap or Clean Kitchen Towel: To cover the dough while it rises and keeps it from drying out.

Each of these tools supports a critical phase of the baking process—from mixing and rising to shaping and baking. Investing in the right gear ensures you not only save time but achieve bakery-level results at home.

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Ingredients for the Fluffy Dinner Rolls

These ingredients are carefully chosen to create a soft, fluffy texture with a rich, buttery flavor in every bite:

• All-Purpose Flour: The structure-builder. It provides the body of the rolls and supports the fluffiness.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture, tenderness, and a hint of richness to the dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Active Dry Yeast: The leavening powerhouse. It creates the airy, light texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds flavor and softness. It’s used in the dough and brushed on top.
• Egg: Enhances the texture and adds richness.
• Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing overall flavor.
• Warm Water: Helps activate the yeast during the initial mixing stage.

Each ingredient plays a role in achieving that classic, bakery-style dinner roll texture—soft on the inside with a perfectly golden exterior.

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How To Make the Fluffy Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F) with a teaspoon of sugar and the active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy—a sign that the yeast is alive and ready to work.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Using the dough hook, mix on low until the dough begins to come together, then increase speed to knead for 5–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

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

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough and divide it into 15 equal portions. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased 9×13 baking dish, spaced evenly.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the rolls again and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes until they look puffy and just touching.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 7: Add the Buttery Finish

While still warm, brush the tops with melted butter for a rich finish and added shine.

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How to Serve and Store Fluffy Dinner Rolls

These dinner rolls are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, with a swipe of softened butter. They pair beautifully with hearty main dishes like roasted meats, creamy soups, or even as a base for mini sandwiches. For special occasions or holiday dinners, serve them in a bread basket lined with a kitchen towel to keep them warm.

To store leftovers, allow the rolls to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or resealable bag. They’ll stay soft at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave to restore their fresh-baked softness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can absolutely knead the dough by hand. It will take about 10–12 minutes of kneading to reach a smooth, elastic texture. Be patient—it’s worth the effort.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! After the first rise, shape the rolls and place them in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature and rise for 45 minutes before baking.

Why didn’t my dough rise properly?

The most common issues are expired yeast or a room temperature that’s too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh and the dough is kept in a warm, draft-free area.

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can, but the texture will be slightly chewier. For ultra-soft rolls, stick with all-purpose.

How do I get that shiny golden top?

Brushing melted butter over the rolls as soon as they come out of the oven helps create a glossy finish. For an extra golden color, you can also brush them with an egg wash before baking.

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Want More Bread Recipes That Impress?

If you love the soft, buttery magic of these Fluffy Dinner Rolls, you’ll definitely want to try these other crowd-pleasing baked goods from Life With Olivia:

• Soft and Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread – A skillet-cooked flatbread that’s tender and chewy.
• Homemade Flaky Croissants – Buttery layers and that bakery-style flake.
• Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe – Sweet, spiced, and perfect with coffee.
• Cottage Cheese Egg Bites Recipe – Great for a high-protein breakfast or snack.
• Honey Butter Skillet Corn – A sweet-savory combo to serve with your rolls.

For even more recipe inspiration, follow me over on Pinterest – Life With Olivia where I share new daily recipes and home cooking favorites!

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest bread board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how your rolls turned out! Did you go classic, or add herbs and garlic? Maybe honey butter on top?

I love hearing how you all make these recipes your own. Questions and creative tweaks are always welcome—let’s make baking a shared joy!

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