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Soft and Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls

These soft and fluffy homemade Dinner Rolls have a light, tender crumb and a beautifully golden top. Brushed with melted butter after baking, they are perfect for family dinners, holidays, Easter celebrations, or everyday meals.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 Dinner Rolls
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 240
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1½ cups warm water (360 ml)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar (12 g)
  • 1 tbsp instant yeast (10 g)
  • 4½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed (540 g)
  • 2 tsp fine salt (10–12 g)
  • 3 tbsp oil (45 ml)
For Brushing and Topping
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp milk (30 ml)
  • Poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or other seeds of your choice, optional
  • 3½ tbsp unsalted butter, melted (50 g), for brushing after baking

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Stand mixer with dough hook, optional
  • 9 × 13-inch baking pan or large baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Pastry brush
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Prepare the yeast mixture: Pour the warm water into a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the water, stir gently, and let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes. It should begin to look slightly foamy.
  2. Prepare the dough: Add the oil, salt, and most of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft dough begins to form. Gradually add the remaining flour as needed.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, knead it in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. The finished dough should be smooth, soft, and elastic. It may feel slightly tacky, but it should not stick heavily to your hands.
  4. Complete the first rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and turn it once to coat the surface. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Divide the dough: Gently press the risen dough to release excess air. Transfer it to a clean work surface and divide it into 12 equal portions.
  6. Shape the dinner rolls: Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath and gently rolling it against the work surface.
  7. Complete the second rise: Arrange the shaped rolls in a greased or parchment-lined 9 × 13-inch baking pan, leaving a small amount of space between them. Cover loosely and let them rise for approximately 30 minutes, or until soft and puffy.
  8. Prepare the egg wash: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Whisk the egg and milk together in a small bowl until smooth.
  9. Brush and add the topping: Gently brush the risen dinner rolls with the egg wash. Sprinkle them with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or other seeds if desired.
  10. Bake: Bake the dinner rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until evenly golden brown and baked through. Avoid overbaking because this can make the rolls dry.
  11. Brush with butter: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the warm tops with melted butter. This keeps the crust soft and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
  12. Cool and serve: Allow the dinner rolls to cool slightly before serving. Serve them warm with soups, stews, roasted meats, salads, or extra butter.

Notes

  • The water should be approximately 105-110°F (40-43°C). Water that is too hot can damage the yeast.
  • Instant yeast can be mixed directly with flour, but resting it briefly in warm water helps confirm that it is active.
  • Add flour gradually because different brands absorb moisture differently.
  • Keep the dough soft and slightly tacky. Too much flour can produce dense or dry rolls.
  • For evenly sized dinner rolls, weigh the complete dough and divide the weight by 12.
  • The rolls are ready when they are golden brown and sound slightly hollow when gently tapped.
  • Store cooled dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze the baked rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature and warm briefly before serving.