Soft Dinner Rolls are the epitome of comfort food, a warm embrace of fluffy goodness that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, Sunday dinner, or just a cozy weeknight meal, these rolls will make the table feel complete. With a tender crumb and a lightly sweet flavor, they’re perfect for slathering with butter or mopping up savory gravies. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful recipe that is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why It Deserves a Spot
The allure of Soft Dinner Rolls lies not just in their taste but also in their versatility. They can be paired with soups, stews, and salads, or enjoyed on their own with a bit of jam or honey. The aroma of freshly baked rolls wafting through your home is irresistible, making the experience of baking them just as rewarding as eating them. Plus, the joy of sharing these rolls with friends and family is a heartwarming experience that brings everyone together.
What’s in the Bowl
To create these Soft Dinner Rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 tsp salt (we used fine sea salt)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (minus 1 to 3 Tbsp, measured correctly)
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted to brush the tops of dinner rolls
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt, to sprinkle finished rolls
Setup & Equipment
Before you start, gather your tools:
- Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key to perfect rolls.
- Whisk or Spoon: To mix the dough.
- Kitchen Towel: For covering the dough while it rises.
- Baking Sheet: To bake the rolls in the oven.
- Cooling Rack: To let the rolls cool after baking.
Build Soft Dinner Rolls Step by Step
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by warming the whole milk to about 110°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast. Add the granulated sugar to the mixture. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Start with 4 cups of flour, reserving 1 to 3 tablespoons for adjustments later.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until a dough starts to form. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add the reserved flour until it reaches a manageable consistency.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process develops the gluten, which is essential for the rolls’ soft texture.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, covering it with a kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size, which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball by tucking the edges underneath to create a smooth top.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the shaped rolls on a greased baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Cover with the kitchen towel and let them rise again for another 30-45 minutes, or until they puff up.
Step 8: Preheat and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Once the rolls have risen, brush the tops with 1 tablespoon of melted butter for a beautiful golden finish. Sprinkle with kosher salt for added flavor. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful softness of your homemade Soft Dinner Rolls!
What to Use Instead
If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand, here are some alternatives:
- Whole Milk: You can substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Granulated Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can be used, but adjust the quantity as they are sweeter.
- All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour can be used for a chewier texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well for a dairy-free version.
Chef’s Notes
- Make sure your milk is not too hot when activating the yeast; otherwise, it can kill the yeast.
- Always measure flour accurately. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for the best results.
- If your kitchen is cold, consider placing the dough in a turned-off oven with the light on to create a warm environment.
- Feel free to experiment with add-ins like garlic or herbs to give your rolls a unique twist.
Storage & Reheat Guide
These Soft Dinner Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later use. Here’s how:
- Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze the rolls in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! You can use instant yeast, and there’s no need to activate it. Simply mix it in with the dry ingredients.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, check the freshness of your yeast. If it’s expired, it won’t work. Also, ensure your rising environment is warm enough.
Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding herbs like rosemary or garlic powder can enhance the flavor. You can also fold in shredded cheese for cheesy rolls.
How can I make these rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls, then refrigerate them overnight. Let them rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
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Ready to Cook?
With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create Soft Dinner Rolls that are sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of baking these delightful rolls. Your taste buds will thank you!
Soft Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups whole milk warmed to 110°F
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 Tbsp active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1.25 tsp salt fine sea salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (minus 1 to 3 Tbsp)
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter melted to brush the tops
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt to sprinkle finished rolls
Instructions
- Warm the whole milk to about 110°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and yeast. Add the sugar, stir gently, and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Reserve 1 to 3 tablespoons of flour for adjustments.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. If sticky, gradually add reserved flour until manageable.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball.
- Place the shaped rolls on a greased baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffed.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack. Serve warm.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon
- Kitchen Towel
- Baking Sheet
- Cooling rack
Notes
- Ensure milk is not too hot when activating yeast; it can kill it.
- Measure flour accurately by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off.
- For a warm rising environment, place dough in a turned-off oven with the light on.
