Fluffy Dinner Rolls with Active Dry Yeast

Making homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated, and these Fluffy Dinner Rolls are a great place to start. They bake up soft and pillowy with a lightly golden crust and a tender texture inside. They’re an easy recipe to come back to whenever you want fresh bread on the table.

I like making a batch to serve with soups, roasted chicken, or a holiday dinner. They’re soft enough to pull apart easily and soak up all those delicious sauces and gravies on your plate.

Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe

Key Ingredients

Instant yeast takes the dough rise into soft, puffy rolls with a light, airy crumb. Active dry yeast works too, but you need to stir it into the warm milk and let it sit for a few minutes to activate.

Whole milk makes the rolls soft and rich. I keep it just warm to the touch, since milk that’s too hot can damage the yeast.

Butter and egg add richness and help make the rolls soft and tender.

Tips & Tricks

Knead until smooth and springy: The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky. If it’s very sticky and difficult to handle, I’ll add flour a tablespoon at a time, since too much flour can make the rolls dense.

Let the dough double: Rising time depends on how warm your kitchen is, so look for the dough to double in size instead of watching the clock.

Brush with butter right out of the oven: Brushing the tops with butter while the rolls are still hot helps keep them soft and adds a little shine.

Try my simple fluffy dinner rolls recipe:

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Fluffy Dinner Rolls

Soft, pillowy yeast dinner rolls made with milk, butter, and an egg, with a golden buttery top.

⏱ Prep 25 min🔥 Cook 20 min⏰ Total 2 hr 15 min⏳ Rising Time 1 hr 30 min🟢 Easy🍽 Side Dish🌍 American

Rate this recipe ★★★★★

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Ingredients

Servings:

− 12 +

US Metric

• 3 1/4 cupsall-purpose flour (about 410 g, plus more for dusting)
• 2 1/4 teaspoonsinstant yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cupgranulated sugar
• 1 teaspoonsalt
• 1 cupwhole milk (warm, 105 to 110°F)
• 1/4 cupunsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• 1large egg
• 1 tablespoonmelted butter (for brushing)
• oil (for greasing the bowl)

Instructions

1. 1Whisk the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl.
2. 2Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg, and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. 3Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes (or 6 minutes in a stand mixer with the dough hook), until smooth and springy. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky. If it's very sticky and difficult to handle, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
4. 4Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
5. 5Punch the dough down and divide it into 12 equal pieces (about 2 oz each).
6. 6Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath, and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. 7Cover and let rise for 30 minutes, until puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes.
8. 8Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until deep golden brown.
9. 9Brush with the melted butter right away and serve warm.

Nutrition per serving

200

cal

30g

carbs

6g

fat

5g

sugar

5g

protein

200mg

sodium

📌 Notes

• Milk that's too hot can damage the yeast. It should feel warm, not hot.
• A warm spot, like an oven with just the light on, helps the dough rise.
• Active dry yeast works too: stir it into the warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes first.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

By Sam

How to Pair

Fluffy dinner rolls taste buttery, lightly sweet, and wonderfully soft. Their mild flavor complements savory main dishes, hearty soups, and relaxed holiday meals.

Here are my suggestions:

• Serve them with roast chicken, glazed ham, or slow-cooked pot roast to soak up flavorful pan juices.
• Pair them with tomato soup, beef stew, or creamy chicken soup for a warm and satisfying meal.
• Enjoy them alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and hot coffee for a comforting breakfast.