Description
Soft dinner rolls are light, fluffy, and buttery with a tender crumb that pulls apart easily. These classic American rolls are perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you want warm homemade bread on the table.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter and salt into the yeast mixture to blend the flavors and fats.
- Add Flour and Form Dough: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms that is slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic, developing gluten for a tender crumb.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size, allowing fermentation and flavor development.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the dough to release air, divide into 12 equal portions, and shape each into a smooth ball for even baking.
- Arrange Rolls: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to maintain shape and prevent sticking.
- Second Rise: Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy, ensuring lightness and softness.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake Rolls: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden on top, indicating they are fully cooked and have a beautiful crust.
- Finish and Serve: Brush with melted butter and cool slightly before serving to add richness and moisture.
Notes
- For extra-soft rolls, brush with butter both before and after baking.
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight to develop flavor and allow flexible timing.
- Rolls freeze well once baked and cooled for convenient storage.
- Milk can be replaced with water if needed, though milk gives a softer texture and richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
