Here’s a simple recipe for soft, fluffy dinner rolls that are perfect for any meal. These rolls are light, buttery, and easy to make. You can serve them with soups, stews, or as a side dish with your main course.
Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 large egg (for the dough)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for brushing after baking)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the top of the milk mixture and stir gently to combine. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired or the water may have been too hot or too cold, so try again with fresh yeast.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg.
- Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment of a stand mixer until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
- If you’re kneading by hand, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough on medium speed for about 5-6 minutes.
- If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable, but try not to add too much flour, as it will make the rolls dense.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball and place them into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a round cake pan, arranging them close together.
6. Second Rise:
- Cover the pan with a cloth and let the rolls rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up and filled the pan.
7. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Brush with Butter:
- Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter to give them a soft, shiny finish.
9. Serve:
- Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re perfect as a side for any meal or with a bit of jam or honey!
Tips:
- For a Sweet Touch: If you prefer a slightly sweet roll, you can increase the sugar to 1/3 cup or add a tablespoon of honey to the dough.
- Storage: These rolls stay soft for a few days if kept in an airtight container. You can also freeze them after they’ve cooled for up to 2-3 months. Just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- For Extra Flavor: Try adding garlic powder, herbs, or grated cheese to the dough for a savory twist.
Enjoy these soft and buttery dinner rolls with your favorite meal! They’re sure to be a hit.
