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

A close-up of several golden-brown, fluffy dinner rolls glistening with melted butter on a white plate.

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Bake incredibly soft, fluffy, and buttery dinner rolls from scratch. This easy recipe delivers warm, comforting bread that is far better than store-bought options, perfect for any family meal or holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • For the topping: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • For the topping: 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for Texas Roadhouse style)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: Add the sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk gently to combine.
  3. Add flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook for 5 minutes on medium-low speed.
  5. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the rolls: Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (for large rolls) or 18 pieces (for standard rolls). Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
  7. Second rise: Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, leaving a small space between each roll. Cover the pan loosely and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
  8. Preheat and bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
  9. Apply butter topping: While the rolls are still hot, brush the tops generously with the 1/4 cup of melted butter. For a sweeter, Texas Roadhouse style finish, mix the honey into the melted butter before brushing.
  10. Serve warm: Serve your soft, fluffy dinner rolls immediately.

Notes

  • For the softest texture, ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
  • If you need quick dinner rolls, you can try to speed up the rising time by placing the covered bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off) with a pan of hot water on the rack below.
  • You can make these ahead: After shaping (Step 6), place the rolls in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Before baking, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 3-5 minutes to the bake time.

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