Soft Buttery Dinner Rolls Recipe
Introduction
Soft buttery dinner rolls are a classic favorite, perfect for any meal. These fluffy, golden rolls are easy to make and pair wonderfully with soups, salads, or main courses.

Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture, then stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and arrange them in a greased baking pan.
- Step 6: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffed up.
- Step 7: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Step 8: Remove rolls from the oven and brush them with additional melted butter while warm. Serve fresh and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra softness, add a tablespoon of honey to the dough.
- Substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor.
- Brush rolls with garlic butter for a savory twist.
- Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
Storage
Store dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, freeze the cooled rolls in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Reheat wrapped in foil at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or warm individually in the microwave wrapped with a damp paper towel.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance, refrigerate after the first rise, and bake the next day. Just allow extra time for the dough to come to room temperature and rise before baking.
What if I don’t have bread flour?
All-purpose flour works well for these rolls and will produce soft, tender results. Bread flour can add extra chewiness but is not necessary.
PrintSoft Buttery Dinner Rolls Recipe
These Soft Buttery Dinner Rolls are fluffy, tender, and perfect for any meal. With a rich buttery flavor and a soft crumb, they make an ideal side for dinner, holiday gatherings, or special occasions. This recipe combines simple ingredients like flour, yeast, butter, and milk to create irresistibly soft rolls that are easy to make at home.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 dinner rolls 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
For Brushing
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing after baking)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-7 minutes on medium speed.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough to release air, then divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spaced slightly apart.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled.
- Bake the rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown on top and baked through.
- Butter finish: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops generously with melted butter for a rich, shiny finish. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For softer rolls, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can add herbs or garlic to the dough for flavored rolls.
- Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: soft dinner rolls, buttery rolls, homemade bread, fluffy rolls, easy bread recipe

