Why Make This Recipe
Soft Dinner Rolls are a must-have for any meal. They are fluffy, warm, and perfect for soaking up gravy or enjoying with butter. These rolls are easy to make and can elevate your dinner table. Whether you are hosting a gathering or just enjoying a family dinner, these rolls will impress everyone.
How to Make Soft Dinner Rolls
To create your delicious Soft Dinner Rolls, follow these simple steps. Just gather your ingredients and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
- 2 and 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 mixed with 1 Tablespoon honey
Directions:
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Prepare the dough: Whisk the warm milk, yeast, and 1 Tablespoon of sugar together in the bowl of your stand mixer. Cover and allow to sit for 5 minutes. If you do not own a stand mixer, you can mix this in a large bowl with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula.
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Mix the ingredients: Add the remaining sugar, egg, butter, salt, and 1 cup flour. With a dough hook or paddle attachment, mix on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the remaining flour. Beat on medium speed until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides, about 2 minutes. If it’s too sticky, add more flour 1 Tablespoon at a time until you can handle it.
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Knead the dough: Keep the dough in the mixer and beat for an additional 5 minutes, or knead by hand for 5 minutes on a floured surface. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not wet. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a teaspoon of flour at a time.
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First rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place the dough in the bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
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Prepare to bake: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch square or round baking pans.
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Shape the rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 14-16 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in the prepared baking pan.
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Second rise: Cover the shaped rolls and allow them to rise until puffy, about 1 hour.
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Bake the rolls: Adjust the oven rack to a lower position and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top. If the tops brown too quickly, tent the pan loosely with aluminum foil. Remove from the oven, brush with the optional honey butter topping, and let cool briefly before serving.
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Store leftovers: Cover leftover rolls tightly and store them at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
How to Serve Soft Dinner Rolls
Serve Soft Dinner Rolls warm with butter, or drizzle them with honey for a sweet touch. They are great alongside soups, stews, or salads. You can also use them for sliders or sandwiches!
How to Store Soft Dinner Rolls
To keep your rolls fresh, wrap them in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat them in the oven or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm again.
Tips to Make Soft Dinner Rolls
- Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast effectively.
- If you want extra fluffy rolls, do not skip the rising times.
- Knead the dough until it passes the windowpane test for the best texture.
Variation
You can customize these rolls by adding herbs, cheese, or garlic to the dough for extra flavor. Consider making them into sweet rolls by adding cinnamon and sugar!
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of yeast?
A: Yes, but you will need to adjust the rising times. Active dry yeast will require proofing in warm water before using.
Q: How can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the dough and let it rise. Shape the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate. Allow them to rise for about 1 hour before baking.
Q: What if my rolls don’t rise?
A: Ensure your yeast is active and your dough was kept in a warm place. If the dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to dead yeast or too cool of an environment.
