The Best Dinner Rolls
This recipe for the Best Dinner Rolls has become my go-to roll recipe. These rolls are buttery, light as a feather, and so delicious!
I had every intention of posting this recipe for The Best Dinner Rolls before Thanksgiving, but I ended up taking some much-needed time off. Now that I’m back in full swing, I thought I still must share these amazing rolls with you. These homemade dinner rolls are truly incredible. They’re buttery, soft, and light as a feather as all bread rolls should be. You can eat one hundred of them, if you’re like me, and have no willpower when it comes to bread. Ha!
Try these other delicious dinner roll recipes: Amazing Dinner Rolls, World’s Best Dinner Rolls, Rosemary Rolls, Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls, and French Bread Rolls.
THE BEST DINNER ROLLS
I love experimenting with bread recipes and bread baking in general. Particularly bread rolls. I have many on my blog, such as these French Bread Rolls, which are another go-to of mine. I also have Amazing Dinner Rolls. The title itself speaks for itself. They are a must-try and are a beautiful presentation for holiday gatherings and family dinners. I also have a similar recipe called The World’s Best Dinner Rolls. You can’t go wrong with any of these dinner roll recipes. All of them are delicious in their own way, but this recipe for the best dinner rolls has become my favorite at the moment. I’m sure my carb-loving heart will go back and forth between all of them!
Find my expert tips on how to make the best dinner rolls below! Don’t forget to tag me in all of your creations @lifeinthelofthouse on Instagram or Facebook. Let’s stay connected. ❤️
Why You’ll Love This Dinner Rolls Recipe:
- Fun & Easy to Make: Shaping 24 small rolls is simple, and watching them rise and transform in the oven is endlessly rewarding.
- Soft & Fluffy: These rolls are enriched with butter, eggs, and milk, giving them a tender, pillowy texture that practically melts in your mouth.
- Lightly Sweet: A touch of sugar balances the rich flavors, making them perfect for both savory meals and sweet spreads.
- Golden & Beautiful: Baking until golden brown and brushing with melted butter gives each roll a shiny, irresistible finish.
- Perfect For Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast, weeknight dinner, or special brunch, these rolls are sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm whole milk (105 degrees F.) divided
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups all-purpose flour divided
- 6 Tablespoons salted butter melted then cooled to room temperature
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
In a small bowl stir together 1/2 cup of the warm milk, sugar, yeast and salt. Let stand for 5 minutes or until foamy. Stir in 1/2 cup of the flour. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, with the dough hook, beat melted butter, eggs and remaining 1 cup milk. Mix on low speed until combined.
Add the yeast mixture and continue to beat until well combined.
Gradually add in remaining flour and continue mixing until dough pulls away from the side of the bowl. Continue to beat on low speed for 5 minutes to knead dough. (Dough will be sticky, if it is too sticky then add 1/4 cup flour but no more than that).
Spray a large bowl with non-stick spray. Place dough in bowl then cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let rise until doubled in size. About 1 to 2 hours depending on how warm your kitchen is).
Lightly flour a clean kitchen counter and turn out dough onto it. Divide dough in half and shape each half into a ball. Cover and let rest 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or grease with non-stick spray.
Divide dough into 24 pieces (about 2 ounces each if you want to weigh them) and roll each into a ball. Place each dough ball, side by side, in prepared pan. Cover and let rise until double in size (about 30 minutes).
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings
Yields: 24 dinner rolls.
Storage and Reheating
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm rolls in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave a roll wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15–20 seconds. Brushing with melted butter after reheating restores that fresh-from-the-oven flavor and shine.
Holly’s Tips for The Best Dinner Rolls Ever:
- Proof The Yeast Correctly: Make sure your milk is warm (around 105°F) and let the yeast mixture foam for 5 minutes. This ensures a light, airy rise.
- Handle Sticky Dough Gently: A slightly sticky dough is normal. Add flour gradually (no more than 1/4 cup extra) to prevent dense rolls.
- Double Rise For Softness: Letting the dough rise twice (before and after shaping) gives rolls a tender, fluffy texture.
- Uniform Roll Size: Weighing or dividing dough evenly ensures all rolls bake evenly and look consistent.
- Golden, Buttery Finish: Brush melted butter over hot rolls for shine, extra flavor, and a soft crust.
- Rest The Dough: Allowing dough to rest before shaping makes it easier to handle and creates a smoother surface on each roll.
- Optional Flavor Enhancements: Sprinkle with coarse sea salt, herbs, or a little garlic butter for added flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Make sure your milk is warm (around 105°F) and let the yeast mixture sit for 5 minutes. It should foam and bubble, which ensures a light, airy rise.
A slightly sticky dough is normal. Add flour gradually, no more than 1/4 cup extra, to prevent dense rolls.
Allowing the dough to rise before and after shaping creates tender, fluffy rolls with a light texture.
Brush the rolls with melted butter immediately after baking for a soft crust, extra flavor, and a golden appearance.
Resting the dough makes it easier to handle and helps create a smooth, uniform surface on each roll.
To make The Best Dinner Rolls gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan or guar gum (or add 1 teaspoon per cup if it doesn’t). You may need slightly more milk to achieve a soft, slightly sticky dough. Handle gently and avoid over-kneading, and allow extra rising time, as gluten-free dough may take longer to double in size. Shape carefully and bake as directed, brushing with melted butter afterward for a golden, soft finish.
Similar Recipes
Looking for something similar? Try my World’s Best Dinner Rolls and French Bread Rolls next.
Wanting something different? My Rosemary Rolls are fluffy and buttery with a hint of rosemary flavor. The best part about them is that they’re a cinch to make! Perfect for all holiday meals.
Craving something sweet? My Perfect Cinnamon Rolls are the best cinnamon roll recipe ever, look no further! These are the most delicious, soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls you’ll ever eat!
Searching for something extra savory? My Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Rolls feature buttermilk biscuits covered in melted cheese, herbs, and garlic butter. These can be a delicious side dish or snack!
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Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook! @lifeinthelofthouse! #TheBestDinnerRolls #HolidayDinnerRolls #LifeInTheLofthouse
The Best Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm whole milk (105 degrees F.) divided
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups all-purpose flour divided
- 6 Tablespoons salted butter melted then cooled to room temperature
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- In a small bowl stir together 1/2 cup of the warm milk, sugar, yeast and salt. Let stand for 5 minutes or until foamy. Stir in 1/2 cup of the flour. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, with the dough hook, beat melted butter, eggs and remaining 1 cup milk. Mix on low speed until combined.
- Add the yeast mixture and continue to beat until well combined.
- Gradually add in remaining flour and continue mixing until dough pulls away from the side of the bowl. Continue to beat on low speed for 5 minutes to knead dough. (Dough will be sticky, if it is too sticky then add 1/4 cup flour but no more than that.)
- Spray a large bowl with non-stick spray. Place dough in bowl then cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let rise until doubled in size. About 1 to 2 hours depending on how warm your kitchen is.)
- Lightly flour a clean kitchen counter and turn out dough onto it. Divide dough in half and shape each half into a ball. Cover and let rest 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or grease with non-stick spray.
- Divide dough into 24 pieces (about 2 ounces each if you want to weigh them) and roll each into a ball. Place each dough ball, side by side, in prepared pan. Cover and let rise until double in size (about 30 minutes.)
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Brush tops of rolls with melted butter. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
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These look delicious! In the directions you say to add the milk in the beginning but is it just the 1/2 cup at first? The directions aren’t real clear there. I am not a yeast baker and would love to try to make these so I am just checking for when I make these! Keep up the good work!
So sorry about that. I just fixed that error!
So, you don’t put half cup of milk in the beginning?
Hi,!these rolls look incredible! I don’t have a stand mixer, and know my hand mixer isn’t up to it. Any suggestions for how long of a knead they would require? Thank you so much.
Hi Mary. I would hand knead for a good 5 minutes! 🙂
Good Morning Holly, these look so yummy! Any idea about reheating them for later use? Can they be frozen?
Hi Ginny. These reheat well in the microwave. I also freeze my baked rolls in freezer ziploc bags. I microwave 4 frozen rolls at a time for about 2 minutes.
Are they sweet?
I don’t feel they are sweet. They’re really delicious! : )
Ok I only ever use salted butter. But I will try a little bit of extra sat next time anyway.
Absolutely I will try this one , I already tried the French roll made it two days in a row , they are so good.. I can’t wait to try on this one, thank you for sharing I love bread I love to bake rolls and other bread.
These look amazing! Have you tried making these in a bread maker?
They are really good! I have never used a bread maker, believe it or not. lol
I made these for xmas dinner. They were so light and fluffy.