Fluffy Classic Dinner Rolls Recipe: Golden Homemade Goodness

Soft, pillowy classic dinner rolls dance between comfort and culinary tradition.

Warm kitchens fill with anticipation when fresh bread emerges from ovens.

Delicate aromas swirl through spaces, promising something magical and satisfying.

Generations have cherished these simple yet remarkable bread companions alongside meals.

Skilled bakers understand the subtle art of creating perfectly textured rolls.

Each bite connects us to memories of shared tables and delightful conversations.

You’ll want to roll up your sleeves and create these irresistible golden treasures right now.

Why Classic Dinner Rolls Are A Table Favorite

• Simplify Family Baking: Master these classic dinner rolls with basic ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for home cooks wanting to create delicious bread without complex techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Warm, soft rolls bring everyone together, making them ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or casual weekend meals where people love sharing fresh-baked goodness.
• Quick Homemade Satisfaction: Transform simple pantry staples into golden, fluffy rolls that taste far better than store-bought, giving you a sense of culinary accomplishment with minimal effort.
• Versatile Bread Companion: Serve these rolls alongside soups, salads, roasts, or enjoy them solo with butter, making them a flexible addition to multiple meal types and dining experiences.

What You’ll Need For Classic Dinner Rolls

• Warm Water: Helps activate the yeast and provides moisture for the dough.
• Warm Milk: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender texture in the rolls.
• Melted Butter: Contributes to the flavor and creates a soft, tender crumb.
• Egg: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the rolls and provides structure.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the rolls.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.

• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates a light, airy texture in the rolls.

Baking Steps For Classic Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Create Flavor Base

Whisk together warm water, warm milk, melted butter, egg, sugar, salt, and yeast in a spacious mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until yeast completely dissolves and ingredients blend smoothly.

Step 2: Form Soft Dough

Gradually incorporate flour into the liquid mixture, stirring continuously until a soft, cohesive dough develops. The texture should feel slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead vigorously for 6-8 minutes, using the heel of your hand to stretch and fold.

Continue until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and springy to the touch.

Step 4: First Rising Period

Place kneaded dough in a generously greased bowl.

Cover with a clean, damp kitchen towel. Allow dough to rest in a warm, draft-free area for approximately one hour, or until the volume doubles.

Step 5: Shape Dinner Rolls

Gently deflate the risen dough by punching it down. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.

Roll each section into smooth, round balls using your palms.

Step 6: Second Rising Period

Arrange roll balls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Cover again with a damp towel. Let rolls rise for an additional 30-40 minutes until they expand and touch each other.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 375°F. Ensure the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color on top.

Rolls should sound hollow when tapped gently.

Helpful Tips For Classic Dinner Rolls

• Ensure water and milk are warm (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it.
• Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating soft and fluffy rolls.
• Let rolls rise in a draft-free, warm area like a turned-off oven with the light on.
• Brush tops with melted butter right after baking for a golden, shiny finish.
• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven to maintain softness.

Fun Variations On Classic Dinner Rolls

• Herb-Infused Rolls: Add chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley to the dough for an aromatic and flavorful version of classic dinner rolls.
• Cheesy Garlic Rolls: Mix grated parmesan cheese and minced garlic into the dough, then sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for a savory upgrade.
• Whole Wheat Wellness Rolls: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to create a heartier, more nutritious bread with added fiber and nutty flavor.
• Honey Butter Glazed Rolls: Brush rolls with a mixture of melted butter and honey after baking, creating a sweet and golden-brown finish that adds extra richness and shine.

What To Eat With Classic Dinner Rolls

• Pair Comforting Butter with Rich Red Wine: Select a smooth Pinot Noir that complements the buttery, soft texture of these classic dinner rolls, creating a harmonious balance between the bread's warmth and the wine's gentle tannins.
• Enhance with Herbed Compound Butter: Craft a delightful herb-infused butter using fresh rosemary, thyme, and a touch of garlic to spread on the warm rolls, elevating their simple flavor profile with aromatic freshness.
• Match with Hearty Protein Companions: Serve these rolls alongside roasted chicken, beef pot roast, or a creamy vegetable stew to provide a perfect vehicle for soaking up rich, savory sauces and adding comfort to the meal.

Storage Tips For Classic Dinner Rolls

• Refrigerate: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Freeze: Place completely cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Label with date and use within 2-3 months. Separate rolls with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat Oven Method: Wrap rolls in aluminum foil and warm at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. Unwrap foil for the last 2-3 minutes to restore crispy exterior.
• Microwave Quick Reheat: Wrap rolls in damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds. Check every 5 seconds to prevent overheating and maintain softness.

Questions About Classic Dinner Rolls

• Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can easily mix and knead the dough by hand using a wooden spoon and working the dough on a clean surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.

• How do I know if my yeast is still active?

Dissolve yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. If it becomes foamy and bubbly within 5-10 minutes, the yeast is alive and ready to use.

• Can I freeze the dinner rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before serving.

• What type of flour works best for these rolls?

All-purpose flour is perfect for these dinner rolls, providing a soft and tender texture that’s ideal for a classic dinner roll recipe.

Classic Dinner Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm, golden classic dinner rolls shine as a comforting staple of homemade bread magic. Pillowy and rich with buttery goodness, these simple rolls elevate any meal and invite you to savor each delightful, freshly baked bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 3/4 cups (470 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 package (7 grams/0.25 ounces) active dry yeast

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) warm water (110 degrees Fahrenheit/43 degrees Celsius)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) warm milk
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) butter, melted

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

• 1/3 cup (67 grams) white sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• 1 egg

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Instructions

1. Whisk together warm water, milk, melted butter, egg, sugar, salt, and yeast in a spacious mixing bowl until yeast completely dissolves and mixture becomes uniform.
2. Gradually incorporate flour into liquid mixture, stirring consistently until soft, slightly sticky dough develops.
3. Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead methodically for 6-8 minutes, developing smooth and elastic texture.
4. Relocate dough to a generously greased bowl, drape with a moistened kitchen towel, and permit rising in a draft-free, warm environment for approximately 1 hour until volume doubles.
5. Deflate dough by pressing down gently, then partition into 12 equivalent portions using a sharp knife or dough scraper.
6. Carefully shape each portion into rounded balls, ensuring smooth surface without cracks.
7. Arrange dough balls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, maintaining slight spacing between rolls.
8. Cover rolls with a damp cloth and allow secondary proofing for 30-40 minutes until they visibly expand.
9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) during final rising period.
10. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes, rotating pan midway to ensure even golden-brown coloration across surface.

Notes

• Temperature matters significantly: Ensure water and milk are warm (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it.
• Kneading technique impacts texture: Stretch and fold dough consistently to develop gluten structure for softer rolls.
• Rising environment affects volume: Place dough in draft-free, warm spot around 80-85°F for optimal proofing.
• Customization options enhance versatility: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or brush with garlic butter for different flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 152
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 115 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg