With just 7 simple ingredients, these soft, buttery dinner rolls are flaky, tender, and sure to outshine any main dish. Perfect for beginners, this recipe guides you through every step, ensuring foolproof results. Whether you’re prepping ahead or baking fresh, these rolls are a crowd-pleaser. Plus, find tips, tricks, and a video tutorial to master the art of homemade bread. Partnered with Red Star Yeast, this recipe is a must-try for bread lovers!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Dinner Rolls

Soft and Flaky: Pillow-soft with a rich, buttery texture.
Beginner-Friendly: Straightforward instructions and resources like the Baking with Yeast Guide.
Customizable: Shape them into classic rolls, knots, or twists, or try flavorful add-ins like rosemary or cheddar.
Make-Ahead Options: Prep ahead or freeze for fresh-baked rolls anytime.

Ingredients for Success

Milk: Whole milk ensures soft, flavorful rolls, but non-dairy works too.
Yeast: Use active dry or instant yeast. (Red Star Platinum Yeast is highly recommended!)
Sugar: Helps activate yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
Egg: Adds structure and richness.
Butter: Room temperature butter keeps the rolls tender and flavorful.
Salt: Enhances flavor.
Flour: All-purpose or bread flour both work.

Quick Steps to Perfect Dinner Rolls

Make the Dough: Combine simple ingredients to create a rich, pliable dough.
Knead & Rise: Knead by hand or with a mixer, then let it rise until doubled in size.
Shape: Divide, shape into rolls, and let them rise again.
Bake: Bake until golden brown, brushing with honey butter for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigerate: Shape rolls and refrigerate overnight, then let them rise before baking.
Freeze: Freeze shaped rolls or baked rolls for future use.

Flavor Variations

Rosemary: Add 2 tbsp chopped rosemary.
Cheddar: Mix in 1 cup shredded cheddar.
Garlic Herb: Include 2 tsp each of dried herbs like basil and parsley, plus 1 tsp garlic powder.

Baking Success Tips

Always check your yeast’s expiration date.
Spoon and level flour instead of scooping to avoid dense dough.
Don’t skip rising times for soft, fluffy rolls.

Whether for a holiday feast or a cozy dinner, these dinner rolls are a versatile and impressive addition to any table. Pair them with soups, salads, or sliders, and enjoy fresh bread magic at home!

Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe

Recipe by snackonmeat

Servings

servings

Prep time

hours

Cooking time

minutes

These dinner rolls are simple to make with just 7 ingredients! With their tender, golden-brown exterior and pillowy, buttery interior, they’re the perfect side for any meal. This recipe includes helpful tips for prepping ahead, freezing, and working with yeast, so even beginners can bake with confidence.

Ingredients

1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 standard packet; recommended: Red Star Platinum Yeast)
2 Tbsp granulated sugar, divided
1 large egg
1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces
1 tsp salt
3 cups (390g) all-purpose or bread flour (spooned & leveled)*
Optional topping: 2 Tbsp melted butter mixed with 1 Tbsp honey

Directions

Prepare the Dough
In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. (No mixer? Mix everything in a large bowl with a sturdy spoon or spatula—hand mixing works well here.)
Add the remaining sugar, egg, butter, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Using the paddle or dough hook attachment, mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then scrape down the bowl. Add the remaining flour and beat on medium speed until the dough pulls away from the sides, about 2 minutes. If the dough is too sticky to knead, add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time until workable.
Knead the Dough
Knead the dough in the mixer for 5 minutes or by hand on a lightly floured surface. The dough should be soft, slightly tacky, but manageable. Perform a “windowpane test” to check if it’s kneaded enough: gently stretch a small piece of dough until light passes through without tearing.
First Rise
Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place the dough inside, turning to coat it. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
Shape the Rolls
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch pans. Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 14–16 equal pieces, shaping each into a smooth ball. Arrange them evenly in the prepared pan.
Second Rise
Cover the rolls with foil, plastic wrap, or a towel, and let them rise until puffy, about 1 hour.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and position a rack in the lower third to prevent over-browning. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. If the tops brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
Finish
Brush warm rolls with the optional honey butter topping for added flavor. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Storage
Store leftover rolls tightly covered at room temperature for 2–3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.