Ingredients You Need for Soft Dinner Rolls
To achieve that cloud-like texture and rich flavor, you’ll need the following ingredients:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk (not hot, around 40°C / 105°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
• Optional: 2 tbsp powdered milk for extra softness
These ingredients work together to create dough that rises beautifully and bakes into soft and tender rolls.
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How to Prepare the Dough
Making the dough correctly is the key to light, fluffy rolls. Follow this process carefully:
Activate the Yeast
In a medium bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates that your yeast is alive and active.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and melted butter. Once the yeast mixture is foamy, pour it into the bowl and mix.
Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, salt, and optional powdered milk. Begin mixing with a spatula or stand mixer until a rough dough forms.
Knead the Dough
Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or 6 minutes in a stand mixer.
The dough should become smooth, stretchy, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
If it’s too sticky, add 1–2 tablespoons of flour.
If it’s too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk.
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Let the Dough Rise (First Proof)
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it doubles in size.
A perfect proof is what gives the rolls their bakery-style fluffiness.
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How to Shape the Rolls
After the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
Divide the Dough
Shape the dough into a log and cut it into 7–9 equal pieces, depending on how large you want the rolls.
Shape Each Roll
Roll each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath and rotating lightly with your hands.
Place in a Baking Dish or Skillet
Arrange the rolls in a greased cast-iron skillet, round cake pan, or square baking dish.
Leave a small space between them—this helps them rise into perfect round rolls like the ones in your photo.
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Second Rise (Proofing Again)
Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise for 30–45 minutes until they’re puffy and touching each other.
The second rise ensures your rolls turn out incredibly soft and airy.
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How to Bake the Dinner Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush with Butter
Before baking, brush the tops with melted butter for a soft, golden finish.
Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown like in your image.
Brush Again
Once they come out of the oven, brush the rolls with more melted butter. This adds shine, softness, and irresistible flavor.
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Tips for Extra Soft & Fluffy Rolls
Use Warm Ingredients
Warm milk and room-temperature butter help activate the yeast and keep the dough soft.
Don’t Add Too Much Flour
A slightly sticky dough bakes into the softest rolls.
Knead Properly
Good gluten development = stretchy, fluffy texture.
Proof in a Warm Place
Cold environments slow the rise and make the rolls dense.
Butter Before and After Baking
This gives that rich bakery finish and keeps the tops soft.
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Flavor Variations You Can Try
Honey Butter Rolls
Add 2 tbsp honey to the dough and brush with a honey-butter glaze.
Garlic Herb Rolls
Mix minced garlic and herbs into melted butter and brush it on top before serving.
Cheese-Stuffed Rolls
Place a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar inside each dough ball before shaping.
Sweet Rolls
Add cinnamon sugar to the dough and glaze with icing.
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Serving Suggestions
These rolls are perfect for:
• Holiday meals
• Soups and stews
• Sandwich sliders
• Breakfast with butter and jam
• BBQ dinners
• Special occasions
Their soft texture and buttery flavor pair well with anything.
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How to Store and Reheat the Rolls
Room Temperature Storage
Place cooled rolls in an airtight container. They stay fresh for 3 days.
Reheating
Warm in the microwave for 10–12 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Freezing
Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.
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Why These Dinner Rolls Are Special
These rolls are incredibly soft, glossy, and tender—exactly like the ones in your photo. The combination of a rich dough, proper kneading, and warm proofing gives them their signature lightness. Whether you’re a beginner baker or experienced, this recipe guarantees perfect results.