Name: Homemade Dinner Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F); 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; Optional: 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

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Homemade dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and buttery—the kind of bread that instantly upgrades any meal. These rolls have a tender crumb and golden top, perfect for spreading with butter, soaking up sauces, or just enjoying warm out of the oven. Making them from scratch is easier than it sounds, and the results are well worth the effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these rolls fill my kitchen with that warm, comforting smell of fresh-baked bread. They’re pillowy, rich in flavor, and always a hit at the dinner table. Whether I’m serving them during the holidays, for Sunday dinner, or just because I’m craving homemade bread, these rolls always turn out soft, golden, and delicious. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so I can make a batch ahead and enjoy them anytime. Homemade Dinner Rolls

Ingredients

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

All-purpose flour
Warm milk
Active dry yeast
Sugar
Salt
Eggs
Unsalted butter, softened
Optional: extra melted butter for brushing

Directions

I start by warming the milk until it’s just lukewarm—not hot—then I stir in the yeast and a bit of sugar. I let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, I combine the flour, salt, and the rest of the sugar. I add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter.
I mix until a soft dough forms, then knead it on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Once risen, I punch down the dough and divide it into equal pieces (usually 12–16, depending on the size I want). I shape them into balls and place them in a greased baking dish.
I cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 15–20 minutes, until golden on top.
As soon as they come out, I brush them with melted butter for that perfect glossy finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–16 rolls.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: About 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I mix in a bit of honey for a sweeter roll, or sprinkle the tops with sea salt or sesame seeds before baking. I’ve also made garlic herb versions by adding minced garlic and chopped herbs to the dough or melted butter. For a richer dough, I use whole milk and an extra egg yolk.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5. To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes or microwave them for 15–20 seconds. They also freeze well—after baking and cooling, I wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month. Homemade Dinner Rolls

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. I bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Absolutely. I just skip the proofing step and mix the instant yeast right in with the dry ingredients.

How do I make rolls the same size?

I use a kitchen scale to divide the dough evenly. This helps them bake uniformly and look extra neat in the pan.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but I usually replace only half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat to keep them light and fluffy.

Why didn’t my rolls rise?

The most common reasons are expired yeast, too-hot liquid that killed the yeast, or a cool environment. I always make sure the yeast is active and the dough is rising in a warm, draft-free spot.

Conclusion

Homemade dinner rolls are one of those classic recipes that make any meal feel extra special. They’re soft, buttery, and completely irresistible straight from the oven. Once I started making them from scratch, store-bought rolls just didn’t compare. Whether I’m making them for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, they always bring warmth and comfort to the table.