Nothing beats the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen. These quick soft dinner rolls are perfect for any meal. With a tender crumb and a golden crust, they’re simple to prepare and sure to impress. Ready in under an hour, these rolls are a delightful addition to your table.
Steps
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar. Cover and let stand for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the remaining sugar, egg, butter, salt, and one cup of flour to the yeast mixture. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then scrape the sides of the bowl. Add the remaining flour and continue mixing on medium speed until the dough forms and pulls away from the bowl.
- Knead the Dough: Keep the dough in the mixer or transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. If the dough is sticky, add a teaspoon of flour at a time until it becomes soft and slightly tacky.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough to remove air. Divide it into 14-16 pieces and shape each into a smooth ball. Arrange them in a greased baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise for another hour until they become puffy.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the rack at a lower level. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown, rotating the pan midway. Optionally, brush with a mixture of melted butter and honey before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (such as Platinum Yeast from Red Star)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons or 56g) unsalted butter, softened and divided into 4 pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (390g) all-purpose flour or bread flour, spooned and leveled
- Optional topping: 2 tablespoons (28g) melted unsalted butter mixed with 1 tablespoon honey
FAQ
- What ingredients are needed for soft dinner rolls?
- You need 7 key ingredients: whole milk, yeast, sugar, egg, butter, salt, and flour. Whole milk provides optimal flavor and texture, while you can choose between all-purpose or bread flour for different roll textures.
- Can I use a hand mixer for this recipe?
- While a hand mixer can be used, the sticky dough may get stuck in the beaters. It is recommended to mix by hand with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for the best results.
- How do I make these dinner rolls ahead of time?
- Prepare the dough, let it rise, shape the rolls, and then refrigerate them for up to 16 hours. Before baking, let the rolls rise on the counter for about 1-2 hours.
- What are some variations for these dinner rolls?
- You can add ingredients like rosemary, cheddar cheese, or garlic and herbs to the dough for different flavors. Simply mix them in when adding the flour.
- How do I store and freeze the dinner rolls?
- Store leftover rolls at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, either freeze the shaped dough for up to 3 months or freeze after baking. Thaw and reheat as needed.
- How do I ensure my dough rises properly?
- Make sure your yeast is fresh and measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling. The dough should rise in a warm environment until it doubles in size, taking about 1-2 hours for the first rise.
Tips
- Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use the spoon and level method to measure flour to avoid dense rolls. This ensures your dough remains soft and not overly heavy.
- Knead Thoroughly: Proper kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the rolls their soft texture. Use the windowpane test to check if the dough is ready; it should stretch without tearing and allow light to pass through.
- Monitor Yeast Freshness: Ensure the yeast is not expired for optimal rising. Fresh yeast will activate better, resulting in fluffier rolls.
- Utilize Make-Ahead Options: To save time, prepare the dough in advance. You can refrigerate shaped rolls for up to 16 hours or freeze them for several months, allowing flexibility in baking fresh rolls when needed.
Equipment
- Electric Stand Mixer – Useful for mixing and kneading the dough with a paddle attachment or dough hook.
- 9×13-inch Glass Baking Pan – Preferred for baking the rolls as it helps prevent them from browning too quickly.
- Bench Scraper – Helpful for dividing and shaping the dough.
- Pastry Brush – For brushing the optional honey butter topping onto the rolls.
