Golden, buttery, and irresistibly fluffy—Homemade Dinner Rolls are the kind of comfort food that turns any meal into a cozy gathering. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, these soft rolls always steal the spotlight. Their pillowy texture and buttery aroma are enough to make everyone reach for seconds.

The beauty of these rolls lies not only in their taste but in their versatility. They’re just as perfect for mopping up savory sauces as they are for slathering with jam at breakfast. Plus, making them from scratch brings a wholesome touch to your table that store-bought rolls simply can’t match.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the dough, gather your kitchen essentials to make the process smoother and more enjoyable:

Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: This tool does most of the kneading for you, saving time and ensuring a consistent dough texture.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for mixing and one for letting the dough rise.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters in baking, so be precise with your flour, yeast, and liquids.

Pastry Brush: Perfect for brushing melted butter over the rolls before and after baking for that signature golden top.
Baking Dish or Sheet Pan: A ceramic or metal dish helps distribute heat evenly, giving your rolls a uniform bake.
Plastic Wrap or Clean Towel: Used for covering the dough during proofing to prevent drying out.

Taking a few minutes to prep your tools will make the rest of the baking experience feel like a breeze.

Ingredients for the Homemade Dinner Rolls

Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the soft, tender crumb of these dinner rolls:

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the rolls, providing structure while still keeping them light.

Whole Milk: Adds richness and softness to the dough, helping achieve that fluffy texture.
Granulated Sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and add a subtle sweetness.
Active Dry Yeast: The rising agent that creates the airy structure within the rolls.

Unsalted Butter: Used in the dough and on top, this adds flavor and that beautiful golden crust.
Eggs: Help bind the dough and add extra richness.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.

How To Make the Homemade Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk until it’s just slightly warm to the touch (about 110°F). Stir in the sugar and yeast, then let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. This shows your yeast is alive and ready.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the activated yeast mixture with eggs, melted butter, salt, and a portion of the flour. Use the dough hook to mix on low speed, gradually adding more flour until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Knead and First Rise

Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 15–18 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them in a greased baking dish, spacing them just slightly apart.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the rolls again and let them rise until puffy, about 30–45 minutes. This helps them become extra light and airy when baked.

Step 6: Bake and Brush

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Once out of the oven, immediately brush with melted butter for that irresistible sheen and flavor.

Best Ways to Serve and Store Homemade Dinner Rolls

Homemade Dinner Rolls are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated for another meal. Serve them warm with a pat of butter, use them to soak up hearty soups, or slice them for mini sandwiches.

To store, let the rolls cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually and reheat in the oven wrapped in foil at 300°F for 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my yeast is active?

If your yeast mixture turns foamy after 5–10 minutes in warm milk with sugar, it’s active and ready. If not, start over with fresh yeast.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients, but you may want to skip the proofing step.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping.

Why are my rolls dense?

Dense rolls are often the result of under-proofing or adding too much flour. Make sure the dough has doubled in size during both rises and stay within the suggested flour range.

How can I add extra flavor?

Try incorporating herbs like rosemary into the dough or brush the tops with garlic butter after baking.

Want More Bread Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Homemade Dinner Rolls, you’ll definitely want to try these other comforting bakes:

Soft and Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread for a pillowy flatbread perfect with curries.
Scalloped Corn Casserole to pair with your favorite roast or rolls.
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes to serve alongside buttery rolls.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for a hearty main dish with your soft dinner rolls.
Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter for a sweet-savory appetizer to round out your meal.

Looking for even more kitchen inspiration? Check out my daily recipe ideas on Pinterest: Life With Olivia.

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 batch turned out. Did you add herbs? Make mini sliders with them? Or maybe froze a few for later?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Homemade Dinner Rolls

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 15–18 rolls

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Homemade Dinner Rolls are soft, buttery, and perfectly golden—ideal for any occasion from holiday dinners to cozy weeknight meals. They’re easy to make and versatile enough to pair with savory mains or sweet spreads.