Angie’s Perfect Dinner Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love these dinner rolls because they’re incredibly soft, light, and buttery. The dough is easy to work with, and the rolls come out perfectly every time. The process of letting the dough rise three times might seem long, but it’s totally worth the wait for the soft, pillowy rolls that are golden on top and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside. Drizzling melted butter on top right after baking takes them over the top!

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups warm milk

• 4 teaspoons active dry yeast

• ½ cup white sugar

• ½ cup butter, softened

• 2 eggs

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 7 cups all-purpose flour, or as needed

• ½ cup butter, melted (for drizzling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, pour in the warm milk and sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface. Let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate.

2. Mix the dough: Beat in the sugar, softened butter, eggs, and salt. Once mixed thoroughly, gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms.

3. First rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and set it in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in volume.

4. Punch down and rise again: Punch the dough down, cover the bowl again, and allow it to rise two more times, with each rise taking about 1 hour.

5. Form the rolls: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Break off pieces of dough, about 2-3 inches in size, and gently roll them into round shapes. Place them in the prepared baking dish so that their edges are touching. Repeat until you have 36 dough balls.

6. Second rise: Cover the dish with a towel and let the dough rise for another hour, or until the rolls have doubled in size.

7. Preheat and bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

8. Butter and serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately drizzle the melted butter over the tops. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 36 dinner rolls.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Additional Time: 4 hours (for rising)

• Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes

Variations

• Garlic butter rolls: Add some garlic powder and Italian seasoning to the melted butter for a garlic bread twist.

• Herb rolls: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough before the first rise for a fragrant addition.

• Cheese-filled rolls: Place a small cube of cheese in the center of each dough ball before shaping it into a roll for cheesy, gooey goodness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat rolls in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.

Can you freeze it? Yes! You can freeze the dough balls after the first rise. Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet, freeze them individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw, then follow the second rise and baking steps.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe. You’ll still get soft, fluffy rolls!

What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?

Make sure your yeast is active by testing it with warm milk and sugar before using it. If your kitchen is too cold, try placing the bowl in a slightly warm oven or near a warm window to encourage the dough to rise.

Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix the dough by hand in a large bowl, then knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up until the first rise and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before continuing with the second rise and baking the rolls.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

White sugar is best for this recipe, but you can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a slight variation in flavor.

Conclusion

Angie’s Perfect Dinner Rolls are everything you want in a roll—soft, buttery, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday meal, a family gathering, or just as a special treat, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household. The process may take a little time, but the result is a batch of rolls that are totally worth the effort!

Print