Perfect Homemade Soft Dinner Rolls

There’s something magical about homemade dinner rolls fresh from the oven. These pillowy-soft rolls, with their glossy golden-brown tops and cloud-like texture, are the kind of bread that makes everyone at the table reach for seconds. They’re perfect for soaking up gravy, making mini sandwiches, or simply enjoying warm with a pat of butter.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Storage: Up to 3 days at room temperature

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
• ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature

For the Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• Pinch of salt

Special Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer with dough hook (or strong arms for hand kneading!)
• Large mixing bowl
• Clean kitchen towel
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Pastry brush
• Wooden board for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (110°F/43°C) with 1 teaspoon of the sugar
2. Sprinkle the yeast over the top
3. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy and fragrant

2. Make the Dough

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine:
   • The remaining sugar
   • 3 cups of the flour
   • Salt
2. Add the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs
3. Mix with the dough hook on low speed until combined
4. Gradually add remaining flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl
5. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic

3. First Rise

1. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl
2. Cover with a clean kitchen towel
3. Let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size

4. Shape the Rolls

1. Gently punch down the dough
2. Divide into 12 equal portions (about 85g each)
3. Shape each portion into a tight ball:
   • Flatten slightly
   • Fold edges into center
   • Pinch to seal
   • Roll between palms until smooth
4. Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch pan, slightly touching

5. Second Rise

1. Cover shaped rolls with a kitchen towel
2. Let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) during this time

6. Bake to Perfection

1. Whisk together egg wash ingredients
2. Gently brush rolls with egg wash
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown
4. Internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C)

Pro Tips for Success

1. Temperature Matters: All ingredients should be at room temperature for the best rise and texture.
2. Don’t Rush the Rise: A slow rise develops better flavor. Look for visual cues rather than strictly following time guidelines.
3. Proper Spacing: Place rolls close but not touching in the pan. They’ll grow together as they rise and bake, creating that classic pull-apart texture.
4. Even Sizing: Use a kitchen scale to divide dough equally for perfectly uniform rolls.
5. The Perfect Egg Wash: A touch of salt in your egg wash helps break down the proteins, creating that beautiful glossy finish we see in the photo.

Storage & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezer: Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes
• Make Ahead: Shape rolls and refrigerate overnight for the second rise

Common Questions

Q: Can I make these without a stand mixer? A: Absolutely! You’ll need to knead by hand for about 10-12 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Q: How do I know when they’re done? A: Look for an even golden-brown color on top, and the internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C).

Q: Can I halve the recipe? A: Yes! All ingredients can be halved for a smaller batch. Baking time remains the same.

Perfect Pairings

These rolls are versatile enough to complement any meal, but they’re especially delicious with:

• Holiday roasts
• Soups and stews
• Sunday dinners
• Breakfast with butter and jam

Remember, the key to these perfectly fluffy rolls is patience and attention to detail. Don’t rush the process, and you’ll be rewarded with rolls that look just like our photo – golden-brown, glossy, and irresistibly soft.

Happy baking! 🍞✨