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The Ultimate Soft and Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls (Classic Buttery Recipe)

Six freshly baked, golden brown, and glossy dinner rolls arranged on a white plate near a bright window.

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Make incredibly soft, fluffy, and buttery dinner rolls from scratch. This recipe delivers comfort food baking that tastes far better than store-bought options, perfect for holiday side dishes or any family meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus 4 tablespoons for brushing
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • For topping (Optional Texas Roadhouse Style): 4 tablespoons butter, melted, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: Add the remaining sugar, warm milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk until combined.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups of the flour and the salt.
  4. Form the dough: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
  5. Knead the dough: Knead for 6 to 8 minutes, adding more flour one tablespoon at a time if the dough is too sticky, until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should pass the windowpane test.
  6. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  7. Shape the rolls: Gently punch down the dough. Divide the dough into 12 or 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Place the balls close together in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
  8. Second rise: Cover the pan loosely and let the rolls rise again in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
  9. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
  10. Brush with butter: Immediately after removing the rolls from the oven, brush the tops generously with the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter.
  11. Optional topping: For Texas Roadhouse Style Rolls, whisk together the 4 tablespoons of melted butter, honey, and cinnamon. Brush this mixture over the hot rolls immediately after baking.
  12. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For make ahead dinner rolls, you can complete the shaping step, place the rolls in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before the second rise and baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
  • If you need quick dinner rolls, ensure your water and milk are the correct temperature to speed up the yeast activation and rising time.
  • These rolls freeze well after baking. Cool completely, place in an airtight freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

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