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Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 66 reviews

These Soft Dinner Rolls are tender, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. Made with warm milk, instant yeast, butter, and a touch of sugar, these homemade rolls rise beautifully and bake to a golden brown. An optional honey butter glaze adds a sweet finishing touch. Ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings, these dinner rolls are easy to make with simple ingredients and produce a delightful homemade touch to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast (1 standard packet)
  • 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups (390g) all-purpose flour or bread flour (spooned & leveled)

Optional Topping

  • 2 Tablespoons (28g) melted unsalted butter
  • 1 Tablespoon honey

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Cover and allow it to sit for 5 minutes until frothy to activate the yeast.
  2. Mix ingredients: Add the remaining tablespoon of sugar, egg, softened butter, salt, and 1 cup of flour to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook or paddle attachment, mix on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides, then add the remaining flour. Beat on medium speed until the dough pulls away from the sides, about 2 minutes. If dough is too wet, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until workable.
  3. Knead the dough: Continue kneading the dough in the mixer for 5 more minutes or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but manageable. Perform the windowpane test to ensure proper gluten development; if dough stretches thin without tearing, it is ready.
  4. First rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place the kneaded dough inside, turning to coat with oil. Cover with foil, plastic wrap, or a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare baking pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan (or two 9-inch square or round pans, or a cast iron skillet) for the rolls.
  6. Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide into 14-16 equal pieces (roughly). Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place into the prepared pan, arranging evenly.
  7. Second rise: Cover the shaped rolls with foil, plastic wrap, or a clean towel. Allow to rise for about 1 hour until puffy.
  8. Preheat oven: Adjust the oven rack to a lower position and preheat to 350°F (177°C) to avoid over-browning the tops.
  9. Bake the rolls: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top, rotating the pan halfway through baking. If the tops brown too quickly, tent gently with foil.
  10. Add topping and cool: Remove rolls from oven and brush with the optional mixture of melted butter and honey. Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving.
  11. Storage: Store leftover rolls tightly covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Notes

  • If you don’t have a stand mixer, mix by hand with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, though it will require more effort.
  • Adding flour gradually helps prevent a dough that’s too dry or too wet; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
  • Using the windowpane test helps ensure the dough is kneaded enough for proper gluten development.
  • The second rise is critical for fluffy rolls; don’t rush this step.
  • Adjust oven rack to a lower position to prevent the tops from burning.
  • Tent with foil during baking if rolls brown too quickly.
  • These rolls freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before warming.

Keywords: soft dinner rolls, homemade bread rolls, easy dinner rolls, yeast rolls, fluffy bread, soft bread rolls

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/soft-dinner-rolls-recipe/