Easy Dinner Rolls
Get ready for the softest Easy Dinner Rolls you’ll ever make! With just a 1-hour rise, they’re just right for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.
Perfect for beginners, this Easy Yeast Roll Recipe takes the guesswork out of baking and delivers soft, homemade rolls with ease!
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If you’ve been searching for a yeast roll recipe that actually doesn’t take all day, this one’s a game changer. It shows you exactly how to make yeast rolls that are light, soft, and fluffy in just about an hour.
These quick and easy dinner rolls are perfect when you need a fast side for weeknight meals or special occasions. You’ll love how these homemade yeast rolls save time without sacrificing that soft, homestyle taste and texture.
What you’ll love about this Dinner Rolls Recipe:
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make these Easy Yeast Rolls:
Milk-I used whole milk.
Water- I don’t use hot, just warm
Granulated white sugar
Butter- You can use unsalted butter if you prefer.
Egg
Salt
Dry milk powder
Instant yeast
All-purpose flour
INGREDIENT NOTES:
- Yeast: Using rapid-rise yeast helps reduce the rise time and is perfect for quick dinner rolls.
- Milk: Whole milk enriches the dough, contributing to the soft texture and rich flavor of these homemade dinner rolls.
- Flour:I use the scoop and level method with a measuring cup to make sure I don’t add too much flour. Too much can make the rolls dense instead of soft and fluffy.
HOW TO MAKE DINNER ROLLS STEP-BY-STEP:
Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end of the post. Directions for making the rolls by hand are also included in the recipe card.
Directions (Bosch Mixer):
- In the mixer bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, sugar, butter, and egg. Mix briefly.
- Add salt, dry milk powder, and 2 cups of flour. Sprinkle yeast over the top. Mix to combine.
- Add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on speed 1 until dough pulls away from the sides.
- Knead on speed 2 for 6–7 minutes until dough is soft, smooth, and elastic.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 40 minutes.
- Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into balls and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover with a towel and let rise 20 minutes until puffy.
- Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush warm rolls with melted butter.
Directions (KitchenAid Mixer):
Cover with a damp towel and let rise for 20 minutes until puffy.
Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, warm water, sugar, butter, and egg. Mix with the paddle attachment.
Add salt, dry milk powder, and 2 cups of flour. Sprinkle yeast on top. Mix until combined.
Switch to the dough hook attachment. Add remaining flour gradually and knead on low speed for 7–8 minutes until soft and smooth.
Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 40 minutes in a warm place. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into balls and place in a greased baking pan.
PRO TIP:
For a fluffy texture, ensure the yeast mixture is active; check the expiration date on the yeast package.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container. They can be kept for up to 2-3 days.
How to heat up dinner rolls: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
How to freeze dinner rolls: Freeze baked rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Frozen rolls can be stored for up to 1 month and reheated directly in the oven 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes.
Additions & Substitutions
ADDITIONS:
- Herbs: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme directly into the dough for an aromatic boost that complements the buttery flavor of the rolls.
- Cheese: Stir in a half cup of grated cheddar or Parmesan to the dough before forming balls for cheesy, fluffy dinner rolls.
- Seeds: Before baking, sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds over the brushed rolls for added texture and a professional look.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- All-Purpose Flour: Swap up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add a nutritional boost and more fiber to your rolls, or use half bread flour instead for chewier rolls.
- Sugar: Reduce the sugar by half or replace it with honey for a natural sweetness that also offers moisture to the dough.
- Yeast: If instant yeast isn’t available, use the same amount of regular active dry yeast. Remember to activate it in a small amount of warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the mix.
FAQs about this Easy Yeast Rolls Recipe:
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before proceeding with the shaping and final rise.
What if my dough doesn’t rise? Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the liquids are warm but not too hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast.
Can I make these rolls without a mixer?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients by hand and knead the dough on a clean surface until smooth and elastic.
What Can I Serve with these Homemade Dinner Rolls?
Serve these fluffy dinner rolls with your favorite soups, stews, or as a side to any main dish. They are also perfect for sliders and mini sandwiches.
If you’re looking for another bread recipe, our Ciabatta Rolls are fun to try!
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
I’m excited for you to try these Easy Dinner Rolls! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do!
Easy Dinner Rolls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup butter softened
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon nonfat dry milk powder optional
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- In the mixer bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, sugar, butter, and egg. Mix briefly. 1 cup warm milk,1/4 cup warm water,1/3 cup granulated sugar,1/3 cup butter,1 egg.
- Add salt, dry milk powder, and 2 cups of flour. Sprinkle yeast over the top. Mix to combine. 1 1/2 teaspoons salt,1 tablespoon nonfat dry milk powder,4 cups all-purpose flour,2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast.
- Add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on speed 1 until dough pulls away from the sides.
- Knead on speed 2 for 6–7 minutes until dough is soft, smooth, and elastic.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 40 minutes.
- Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into balls and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover with a towel and let rise 20 minutes until puffy.
- Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush warm rolls with melted butter. 2 tablespoons melted butter
Notes
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and warm water. Stir with a wooden spoon to mix.
- Add sugar, softened butter, and the egg. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Stir in salt and dry milk powder, if using. Sprinkle the yeast on top, then add 2 cups of flour and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Gradually add more flour, a little at a time, mixing with a spoon until the dough becomes difficult to stir.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 8–10 minutes, adding just enough flour to keep it from sticking, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place in a greased baking pan.
- Cover with a clean kitchen towel or foil and let rise again for 20–30 minutes, or until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and immediately brush with additional melted butter for buttery dinner rolls.
Nutrition
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