Soft & Buttery Dinner Rolls (Easy Homemade Yeast Rolls)

There’s nothing better than homemade dinner rolls—golden on top, and soft and fluffy inside. Whether you’re planning holiday dinners or keeping weeknight meals simple, these soft & buttery dinner rolls deliver restaurant-style results with minimal effort.

In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make fluffy yeast rolls at home, plus make-ahead tips, shaping ideas, and ways to serve them.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe

• Super soft & fluffy: Milk, butter, and egg create that pillowy interior.
• Buttery finish: Brush when hot for glossy, pull-apart rolls.
• Beginner-friendly: Straightforward method with rapid rise yeast.
• Make-ahead option: Chill shaped rolls overnight and bake fresh.
• Perfect for any meal: From pull-apart dinner rolls for holidays to simple weeknights.

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Ingredients for Homemade Dinner Rolls

• ¾ cup warm milk (about 105–110°F)
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened ( 6 tbsp in dough, 2 tbsp for brushing)
• 1 large egg, room temperature and beaten
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp fine salt
• 2 tsp rapid rise (instant) yeast

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How to Make Fluffy Yeast Rolls (Step-by-Step)

Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl (or stand mixer bowl), whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and rapid rise yeast.

Add Wet Ingredients
Add the warm milk, beaten egg, and 6 tbsp softened butter to the dry mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead
Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes in a stand mixer (or 8–10 minutes by hand) until smooth and elastic.

First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 45 – 55 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Shape Rolls
Punch down the dough, divide into 12 equal pieces, and shape into balls. Arrange in a greased 9×13-inch pan.

Second Rise
Cover loosely and let rise for 30–40 minutes, or until puffy.

Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 13 –15 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Butter & Serve
Brush hot rolls with the remaining 2 tbsp melted butter. Serve warm.

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Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Dinner Rolls

• Temperature matters: Keep milk around 105–110°F so the yeast thrives.
• Windowpane test: A small piece of dough should stretch thin without tearing—this shows gluten development which gives the rolls that fluffy texture.
• Steam boost (optional): Place a small pan of hot water on the lower rack for the first 10 minutes to encourage oven spring.
• Make-ahead dinner rolls: After shaping, cover and refrigerate up to 18 hours. Bring to room temp while the oven preheats, then bake. You can also freeze shaped dough on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. After they are frozen, place them in a Ziploc bag. To cook them, set them out a few hours before you need them so they have time to thaw and rise. Cook at normal temperature and time.

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Serving Ideas

• Pair with soups, stews, and roasts.
• Split for slider buns (ham & swiss, turkey & cranberry, pulled pork).
• Brush with garlic butter and parsley for quick garlic pull-apart rolls.
• Add honey butter or jam.

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Storage & Freezer

• Room temp: Airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freeze baked rolls: Up to 3 months. Reheat at 325°F for 10–12 minutes.
• Freeze unbaked: Freeze shaped balls on a sheet lined with wax paper, transfer to a bag. Thaw in pan in the fridge overnight, proof to puffy, then bake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Bread flour will make them a little chewier, while all-purpose keeps them soft and fluffy.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely—just use two baking pans.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you’ll need to let it proof in the warm milk and sugar for about 10 minutes before mixing.

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Why Homemade Dinner Rolls Are Worth It

Sure, you can buy a bag of rolls at the store, but once you try making your own, you’ll never want to go back. Homemade dinner rolls taste fresher, have no preservatives, and fill your home with the most comforting aroma. Plus, they’re budget-friendly and a great way to slow down and enjoy the process of baking from scratch.

Every roll you bake is made with love—and trust me, your family will taste the difference.

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Final Thoughts

These soft and buttery dinner rolls are the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. They’re warm, fluffy, and the perfect companion to any meal. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, these rolls will always bring smiles to the table.

So next time you’re planning a meal, skip the store-bought bag and bake these homemade rolls instead—you’ll be glad you did!

And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:15

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