These fluffy, buttery homemade dinner rolls are soft, light, and just the right amount of sweet. I love baking these from scratch because the aroma alone makes the whole kitchen feel warm and inviting. Whether I’m preparing a simple weeknight dinner or a festive holiday feast, these rolls are always a welcome addition to the table. Fresh from the oven, they’re golden on the outside, pillowy inside, and brushed with melted butter for that irresistible finishing touch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4–5 cups all-purpose flour (more if needed)
2 tablespoons rapid-rise or instant yeast
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
5 tablespoons butter, softened
1 large egg, room temperature
2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing on top)
Directions
I start by combining 3 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in the bowl of my stand mixer.
I add the warm milk, softened butter, and egg, then attach the dough hook. On low speed, I mix until the flour starts to blend in, scraping the bowl as needed.
I increase the speed to medium and beat for about 2 minutes.
Next, I gradually add more flour — about 1/2 cup at a time — until a soft, smooth dough forms that pulls away from the bowl’s sides.
I transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for around 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Once it’s risen, I gently deflate the dough and divide it into 24 equal pieces, shaping each into a ball.
I place the rolls on a greased quarter-sheet pan, cover them, and let them rise again for another 30 minutes.
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 12–15 minutes until the tops are golden.
Finally, I brush the hot rolls with melted butter and serve them warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 24 soft, buttery dinner rolls.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour (30 minutes + 30 minutes)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Calories: Approximately 74 kcal per roll
Variations
When I want to switch things up, I sometimes add a touch of honey in place of the sugar for a deeper sweetness. For a savory twist, I like mixing in chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme, or sprinkling coarse salt on top before baking. Occasionally, I stuff a few rolls with small cubes of cheese for a melty surprise inside. These rolls are also great shaped into knots or cloverleaf rolls for a different presentation.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers (which isn’t often), I let the rolls cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, I wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. If I’m reheating from frozen, I let them thaw first for best texture.
FAQs
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
I look for the dough to double in size. A good test is gently pressing the surface with my fingertip — if the indentation stays, it’s ready.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the dough a day in advance. After the first rise, I refrigerate it overnight and then let it come to room temperature before shaping the rolls.
Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?
Absolutely. I freeze them after shaping but before the second rise. When I’m ready to bake, I thaw and let them rise fully before putting them in the oven.
What’s the best flour to use for these rolls?
I use all-purpose flour, which works well for a soft, tender crumb. Bread flour can be used too for a chewier texture.
How can I make these rolls vegan?
I swap the milk with a non-dairy option like almond or oat milk, use vegan butter, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).
Conclusion
These fluffy buttery homemade dinner rolls are a classic for a reason. They’re simple, satisfying, and versatile enough for everyday meals or special occasions. I love how easy they are to make from scratch, and there’s nothing quite like pulling a tray of golden rolls from the oven. Once I tried making them at home, I never looked back — and I always make extra because they go fast!
📖 Recipe:
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Fluffy Buttery Homemade Dinner Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These fluffy, buttery homemade dinner rolls are soft, light, and slightly sweet — perfect for everyday dinners or festive holiday meals. Brushed with melted butter and baked until golden, they’re irresistibly delicious and easy to make from scratch.
Ingredients
4–5 cups all-purpose flour (more if needed)
2 tablespoons rapid-rise or instant yeast
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
5 tablespoons butter, softened
1 large egg, room temperature
2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing on top)
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add warm milk, softened butter, and egg. Using the dough hook, mix on low speed until combined, scraping the bowl as needed.
- Increase speed to medium and beat for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add more flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft, smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Gently deflate the dough and divide it into 24 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.
- Place the rolls on a greased quarter-sheet pan, cover, and let them rise again for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the rolls for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden.
- Brush the hot rolls with melted butter and serve warm.
Notes
Swap sugar for honey for a deeper sweetness.
Add chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
Sprinkle coarse salt on top before baking for extra flavor.
Stuff with cheese for a melty surprise inside.
Shape into knots or cloverleaf rolls for variety.
Store at room temperature up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat in foil at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 74
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
