Soft, pillowy homemade dinner rolls with golden tops and tender, buttery centers. Fresh from the oven and brushed with melted butter, these rolls are perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
- Yield
- 12 servings · 24 dinner rolls
- Cook time
- 12–15 minutes
- Rest / chill time
- 60 minutes
Ingredients
- 4–5 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 tablespoons instant yeast (rapid-rise)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups warm milk (110°F)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, for brushing
Method
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine 3 cups flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, warm milk, softened butter, and egg.
- Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-low and knead for 2 minutes.
- Add ½ cup flour at a time, mixing well between additions, until a soft dough forms. Add only enough of the remaining flour for the dough to pull away from the bowl while remaining slightly tacky.
- Knead for another 4–5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for approximately 30 minutes, or until noticeably puffy.
- Gently deflate the dough and divide into 24 equal portions. Shape each into a smooth ball.
- Arrange the rolls in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving small spaces between them.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes, or until puffy and nearly touching.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are baked through. Extend baking slightly if needed.
- Immediately brush the warm rolls with melted butter.
- Serve warm.
Kitchen notes
Timing guide:
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Practical Woman's Secret
Add the flour gradually rather than all at once. A soft, slightly tacky dough produces lighter, fluffier rolls than a stiff dough overloaded with flour.







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