Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, fluffy dinner roll straight from the oven. These Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls are light, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, and once you try them, you’ll be hooked! Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast or enjoying them as a side for a simple family dinner, these rolls are guaranteed to elevate your meal. Trust me, they’re soft, pillowy perfection—and the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make. Get ready for your new favorite dinner roll recipe!
Why You’ll Love Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about making moments. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy family dinner, these rolls will always be a hit. Here’s why they’re such a favorite:
Versatile: These rolls go with just about anything! They’re perfect alongside soups, stews, or any hearty dish.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. These rolls are affordable yet oh-so-delicious!
Quick and Easy: You won’t need any special equipment or techniques. A bit of kneading and patience will reward you with the fluffiest rolls ever.
Customizable: Add a little garlic butter for extra flavor, or sprinkle them with herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fresh twist. You can easily make them your own!
Crowd-Pleasing: These rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—everyone will love them! They’re perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or even as a snack with a bit of jam or honey.
Ingredients in Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls
These soft and fluffy dinner rolls are made with a few simple ingredients, but each one plays a key role in giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough. It gives the rolls their structure and texture.
Yeast: The magic ingredient that makes these rolls rise beautifully and gives them that airy, light texture.
Sugar: A little sweetness to help activate the yeast and balance the flavor.
Butter: For that rich, tender texture and a touch of flavor.
Milk: Adds a creamy texture to the dough and helps make these rolls soft.
Eggs: They help bind the dough and contribute to the soft, fluffy texture.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the dough and bringing all the flavors together.
Warm Water: Used to activate the yeast and help the dough rise.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dinner rolls:
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to rise.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, eggs, and melted butter. Gradually add the yeast mixture and warm milk. Stir everything together until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed. This step is key to developing that soft, airy texture.
Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, and then divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and arrange them in a greased baking dish, making sure they’re close together.
Let It Rise Again: Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until they’ve doubled in size and are puffy.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top.
Brush with Butter: Once the rolls are out of the oven, brush them with melted butter for an extra touch of richness and shine.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the rolls cool slightly, and serve them warm. These fluffy rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they’ll stay soft for a few days if stored in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 150
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
How to Serve Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls
These dinner rolls are incredibly versatile and pair well with just about anything! Here are a few ways to serve them:
- Serve them alongside a hearty soup or stew for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Use them to make sliders or mini sandwiches.
- Serve with a generous spread of butter, honey, or jam for a sweet treat.
- Pair with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or beef for a delicious side.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- If you want a little extra flavor, brush the rolls with garlic butter just before serving.
- Make sure the water is warm (about 110°F/43°C) when activating the yeast—not too hot, as it could kill the yeast.
- For an extra golden finish, brush the rolls with egg wash before baking.
- These rolls freeze wonderfully! Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Simply reheat them in the oven when ready to serve.
FAQs
1 Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind the texture might be a little denser.
2 Can I make these rolls without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or use an egg replacer for a vegan version.
3 How can I make these rolls sweeter?
You can add a bit more sugar to the dough, or brush the rolls with honey or cinnamon sugar after baking for a sweeter touch.
4 Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and then bake them the next day.
5 How do I store leftover rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
6 Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. You can skip the step of activating it and just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
7 How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
The rolls should be golden brown on top. You can also tap the top gently; if it sounds hollow, it’s done.
8 Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Yes! Feel free to mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even shredded cheese, to create a savory twist on these rolls.
9 Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?
Yes, if you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can knead the dough for about 5-6 minutes until smooth.
10 Can I make mini rolls instead of full-sized ones?
Absolutely! Just divide the dough into smaller portions and adjust the baking time to about 12-15 minutes.
Conclusion
These Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls are the ultimate comfort food—soft, buttery, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them with a hearty meal or enjoying them on their own with a touch of butter, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you’ll be baking up these delicious rolls in no time. Enjoy!
PrintFluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls
These Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. With a tender crumb and buttery flavor, they are ideal for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or as a base for sliders. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these rolls will become a staple in your baking repertoire.
- Prep Time: 25min
- Cook Time: 25min
- Total Time: 2hr15min
- Yield: 16rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
– 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 standard packet)
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3 cups (390g) all-purpose flour or bread flour
– Optional topping: 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter mixed with 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
1. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
2. Add the sugar, egg, softened butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
3. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes, either by hand or using the dough hook attachment, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm environment for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 14–16 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
7. Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for about 1 hour, or until puffy.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Remove the rolls from the oven and brush with the optional honey butter topping for added flavor and shine.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For make-ahead preparation, shape the rolls and place them in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Allow the rolls to come to room temperature and rise before baking. Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1roll
- Calories: 150kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg