Soft & Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a truly reliable, melt-in-your-mouth bread, you’ve just hit the jackpot with this Soft & Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe. Honestly, these rolls have become my go-to for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts because they come out so tender and airy every single time. I love that they’re perfectly soft with just the right golden crust. Keep reading—I’ll walk you through everything so you can make them effortlessly at home.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Soft & Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe is in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a role in delivering the perfect crumb and golden crust that you and your family will go crazy for. When shopping, look for whole milk and fresh yeast to get the best results.

• Milk: Whole milk adds richness and moisture, giving the rolls that soft texture I absolutely love.
• Water: Helps achieve the right dough consistency and activates the yeast properly.
• Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast to create that light, airy rise.
• Active dry yeast: The magic that makes your rolls rise; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• Salt: Balances flavor and keeps the yeast in check.
• Egg: Adds tenderness and helps with the golden color on the crust.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough—avoid using bread flour to keep it light.
• Unsalted butter: Adds softness and richness to the dough, plus the melted butter brushed on top adds shine and flavor.

Variations

I love how this Soft & Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe is like a blank canvas. You can totally make it your own by mixing in extras or tweaking techniques to fit your taste or dietary needs.

• Herb-Infused: Adding fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough gives the rolls a fragrant twist that my family just adores during Sunday dinners.
• Whole Wheat Blend: Swap half the flour for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber – just expect a slightly denser crumb.
• Garlic Butter Brush: Instead of plain melted butter on top, mix in some minced garlic and parsley and brush immediately after baking—game changer!
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter, and you’ll still get a lovely soft roll with a small adjustment to the rising time.

How to Make Soft & Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Warm Liquids and Activate Yeast

Start by warming your milk and water mixture until it reaches between 110 and 115°F—warm to the touch but not hot. I usually pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds and then check with a thermometer. Pour this into your mixer bowl, sprinkle your sugar, and then gently sprinkle the yeast over the top—don’t stir yet. I like letting it sit 5 to 10 minutes until it forms a foamy layer. This is your yeast waking up, and it’s what ensures those rolls will be light and fluffy.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Start Mixing

Add the salt, egg, and flour to the bowl. Begin mixing on low with your paddle attachment—this helps everything come together gently. Once the dough looks mixed and shaggy, drop in the softened butter cubes. Keep mixing until the butter is fully incorporated. It might feel a little greasy at first, but that’s exactly what you want for soft rolls.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Switch over to your dough hook and knead on low speed for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky. You want it to still cling to your finger a bit but not be a sticky mess. If it feels too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time. I’ve learned that adding too much flour is an easy way to end up with dense rolls, so be cautious here. Kneading builds gluten, which traps the air and makes the rolls soft and fluffy.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough ball in a large, lightly oiled bowl and turn it to coat all sides. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and set it somewhere warm. I sometimes warm my oven to 200°F, turn it off, and pop the covered dough inside—it’s the perfect cozy environment. Let it rise for 30 minutes to an hour, until doubled in size. Watching the dough puff up is super satisfying and means your rolls will have that wonderful airy texture.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

Lightly flour your workspace, then punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Cut it into 15 equal pieces—cutting into thirds, then fifths, works like a charm. Shape each piece into a tight ball by tucking edges underneath. Then, cup your hands around each ball and spin them on the counter for a tighter shape. Place all rolls in a greased 13×9 baking dish and cover again for about 20 minutes. This rise gives you rolls that are perfectly soft inside.

Step 6: Bake and Butter

Heat your oven to 375°F and bake the rolls uncovered for 19 to 23 minutes. Keep an eye on the tops—they should be golden brown and spring back slightly when you press them. The center rolls being fully cooked is key. Once out of the oven, immediately brush with melted butter while they’re warm—this adds flavor and gives you that inviting shine that makes it hard to wait before tearing one open.

How to Serve Soft & Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I love brushing these rolls with a bit of herb-infused butter right after baking—garlic and parsley are my personal favorites. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt makes them extra special when serving them warm. For holidays, you can even top with a bit of shredded cheese before baking for a fun twist.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair perfectly with hearty soups, roasted chicken, or even just a big salad. One of my favorite combos is serving them alongside creamy mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic comfort meal everyone devours.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I arrange these dinner rolls in a circle on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake them joined at the edges. When pulled apart, they look like little pull-apart buns which kids find fun and adults love for easy sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover rolls at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container for up to two days. This keeps them surprisingly soft without drying out.

Freezing

So far, freezing has been a game changer for me. Once fully cooled, I wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them all in a zip-top bag. They freeze for up to two months with no noticeable loss in texture or flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I thaw frozen rolls overnight and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, tented with foil to keep them from over-browning. This refreshes their softness and the butter brushed finish practically glows again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Soft & Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe brings so much warmth to the table—both literally and figuratively. It’s the kind of recipe that makes people slow down, savor, and come back for seconds. When I first tried perfecting these rolls, I kept tweaking until I nailed a recipe that felt just like the wonderful bakery rolls from my childhood. Now, making them feels like a comforting little celebration in my own kitchen—and I truly hope you’ll feel the same joy baking (and eating) them. Give it a try and get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones!

Print