Name: The Best & Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed); 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Soft, buttery, and perfectly fluffy, these dinner rolls are the kind of homemade bread that makes any meal feel special. Whether I’m serving them alongside a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, these rolls always deliver comfort and satisfaction. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make from scratch, even if I’m not a seasoned baker. The Best & Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple this recipe is, with minimal ingredients and a straightforward process. The dough comes together effortlessly, rises beautifully, and bakes into golden, pillowy rolls. I can make them ahead of time, freeze them, or enjoy them warm straight out of the oven. The aroma alone is enough to make everyone head straight to the table.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Active dry yeast
Warm milk
Sugar
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Egg
Additional melted butter for brushing

Directions

In a bowl, I mix the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. I let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
I add the softened butter, egg, salt, and a portion of the flour to the yeast mixture. I stir until well combined.
Gradually, I add the remaining flour and knead the dough until it’s soft and elastic.
I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Once risen, I punch the dough down, divide it into equal portions, and shape them into balls.
I arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
While they’re still warm, I brush the tops with melted butter for that perfect glossy finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 soft and fluffy dinner rolls. It takes about 2 hours total, including rising time—15 minutes for prep, 1.5 hours for rising, and 15–20 minutes for baking.

Variations

I sometimes add garlic powder or rosemary to the dough for a savory twist.
For a sweet version, I mix in a bit of honey and top the rolls with a sugar glaze.
When I want extra richness, I replace some of the milk with heavy cream.
For a rustic feel, I use whole wheat flour for half of the flour amount.

storage/reheating

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5–7 minutes, or microwave them for 15–20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel. If I want to freeze them, I let them cool completely, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw them overnight and warm them in the oven before serving.

FAQs

How can I tell if my yeast is active?

I know my yeast is active when it becomes foamy after sitting in warm milk and sugar for about 5–10 minutes. If there’s no foam, I start over with fresh yeast.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough ahead, let it rise, shape the rolls, then refrigerate them overnight. I bring them to room temperature before baking the next day.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely. I use about 25% less instant yeast and skip the proofing step, adding it directly with the flour.

Why are my rolls not fluffy?

If my rolls turn out dense, it’s usually because I added too much flour or didn’t let them rise long enough. I always make sure the dough is soft and give it enough time to double in size.

How do I keep the rolls soft after baking?

I brush them with melted butter right after baking and cover them loosely with foil or a clean towel while they cool. This helps trap moisture and keeps them soft.

Conclusion

These dinner rolls are the ultimate comfort food—warm, buttery, and soft enough to pull apart with ease. They’re simple to make but taste like I spent hours in the kitchen. Whether I’m baking them for a holiday, a special gathering, or just to enjoy with soup or salad, they never disappoint. Once I started making these from scratch, I never looked back.