Easy Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe (Ready in 1 Hour!)

Soft dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any meal, transforming ordinary dinners into memorable family gatherings. Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked rolls filling your kitchen, creating that warm, homey atmosphere everyone loves.

I discovered this easy homemade dinner rolls recipe during a particularly busy weeknight when I needed something special but didn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. These fluffy dinner rolls became an instant hit with my family, and I’ve been making them weekly ever since.

What makes this yeast dinner rolls recipe special is its simplicity and speed. You can have warm, buttery rolls on your table in just one hour. This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients and delivers consistently perfect results every time.

Ingredients

This best dinner roll recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen:

Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For Brushing:

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

The beauty of this dinner rolls with active dry yeast recipe lies in its simplicity. Unlike complicated bread recipes, you don’t need special flours or hard-to-find ingredients. Most home bakers already have everything needed.

Ingredient Tips:

• Use whole milk for the richest flavor
• Ensure your yeast is fresh for best results
• Room temperature eggs mix more easily

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect Soft Dinner Rolls recipe results every time:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast Combine warm milk and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy and bubbly.

Step 2: Mix the Dough Add melted butter and beaten egg to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 3: Knead the Dough Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.

Step 4: First Rise Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath.

Step 6: Second Rise Place the shaped rolls on a greased baking sheet, leaving space between each roll. Cover and let rise for 15 minutes.

Step 7: Bake Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush the tops with melted butter and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8: Final Touch Remove from the oven and immediately brush with remaining melted butter for that perfect glossy finish.

This easy Soft Dinner Rolls recipe quick method ensures you have fresh rolls in about one hour from start to finish.

Pro Tips and Variations

Temperature Matters The key to successful 30 min Soft Dinner Rolls (plus rising time) is maintaining proper temperatures. Your milk should feel comfortably warm, not hot. Hot liquids will kill the yeast, while cold liquids won’t activate it properly.

Dough Consistency The perfect dinner buns recipe dough should be soft and slightly tacky. If it’s too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add warm milk one teaspoon at a time.

Rising Environment Create the ideal rising environment by placing your covered bowl in a warm, draft-free location. I often use my oven with just the light on for consistent warmth.

Flavor Variations:

• Sweet dinner rolls: Add an extra tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Herb rolls: Mix in dried rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder
• Whole wheat version: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour

Make-Ahead Tips You can prepare the dough through the first rise, then refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and continuing with the recipe.

Freezing Instructions These rolls freeze beautifully. Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

These one hour soft dinner rolls pair wonderfully with countless meals and occasions:

Holiday Dinners Serve alongside roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib. The soft texture perfectly complements rich gravies and cranberry sauce.

Weeknight Meals Transform simple soups and stews into satisfying dinners. These rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of your favorite broth.

Breakfast and Brunch Split and toast leftover rolls for breakfast sandwiches or serve with jam and butter for a delightful morning treat.

Party Appetizers Use these 1-hour soft and buttery dinner rolls as a base for slider sandwiches or mini pulled pork servings.

Serving Temperature Always serve these rolls warm for the best experience. If they’ve cooled, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

Butter and Spreads Provide softened butter, honey butter, or flavored compound butters for guests to enjoy. The rolls’ mild flavor pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory spreads.

Conclusion

This soft dinner rolls recipe proves that homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With basic ingredients and simple techniques, you can create bakery-quality rolls that will impress your family and guests.

The versatility of this recipe makes it a valuable addition to any home baker’s repertoire. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just want to make an ordinary meal extraordinary, these Soft Dinner Rolls deliver consistent, delicious results.

Remember, baking is as much about the love you put into it as the ingredients you use. These Soft Dinner R carry the warmth of homemade comfort food that brings families together around the dinner table.

Start making these easy homemade Soft Dinner today, and watch them become a beloved tradition in your household. The smiles and satisfied sighs from your loved ones will make every minute of preparation worthwhile.

Would you like to:For more culinary inspiration and delicious recipe ideas, join me on  Pinterest  and Facebook to discover even more mouthwatering creations to share

Aitor

Easy Soft Dinner Rolls

Soft dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any meal, transforming ordinary dinners into memorable family gatherings. Warm, buttery, and fluffy in just one hour.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

rising time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 165

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For Brushing

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Method

 

1. Step 1: Activate the Yeast Combine warm milk and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: Mix the Dough Add melted butter and beaten egg to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the Dough Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or 5–6 minutes with a stand mixer).
4. Step 4: First Rise Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until doubled.
5. Step 5: Shape the Rolls Punch down dough, divide into 12 pieces, and shape each into a ball.
6. Step 6: Second Rise Place rolls on greased baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 15 minutes.
7. Step 7: Bake Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush rolls with melted butter and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
8. Step 8: Final Touch Brush with remaining melted butter right after baking for a beautiful glossy finish.

Notes

Use whole milk for richer flavor. Ensure milk is comfortably warm—not hot to avoid killing yeast. Serve rolls warm; to refresh, wrap in foil and warm at 300°F for 5 minutes. Freezes well for up to three months.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 165
• Total Fat: 4.2g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 205mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 3.5g
• Protein: 5.2g

FAQs