Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe

Over the years, these dinner rolls have become a delicacy in my home. My kids prefer having these homemade Dinner rolls to store-bought ones!

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There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh-baked dinner rolls wafting through your kitchen. These soft, fluffy, golden rolls are a must-have for any dinner table, whether it’s a holiday meal or a regular weeknight dinner. These homemade dinner rolls will quickly become a family favorite with a rich buttery flavor and delicate texture.

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PRO TIPS for the Best Dinner Rolls

• Use warm milk (not hot!) to activate the yeast properly.
• Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
• Don’t skip the second rise—it makes all the difference in fluffiness.
• Grease your bowl lightly to help the dough rise evenly.
• Bake until light golden brown for that perfect dinner roll look and taste.

Personalizing the Recipe

• Swap sugar with honey for a subtle flavor twist.
• Brush the tops with garlic butter or herb-infused butter for added flair.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt or sesame seeds before baking for a gourmet finish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk – Helps activate the yeast and makes the rolls rich and tender. Growing up, my mum used 1/2 cup dry milk and 1 cup warm water, but it’s easier for me to get liquid milk than powdered milk. Emphasis is on the use of warm water. If you use hot water, the yeast becomes inactive!!!
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 3/4 cup sugar: You can round this up to 1 cup for the sweet tooth bakers.
• 2 medium eggs
• 5 cups bread flour: If you do not have bread flour readily available, substitute with 6 cups of all-purpose flour.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter: Makes the dinner rolls fluffy and creamy.
• 2 teaspoons oil: Needed to coat the baking tray and your dinner rolls before baking.

Homemade Dinner Rolls recipe

I have written the instructions for making your dinner rolls by hand and using a mixer.

Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve instant yeast in warm milk with 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Let it sit until slightly foamy (skip this step if using instant yeast and proceed to mixing).

Add the eggs, remaining sugar, flour, and salt. Mix for 2 minutes on a mixer at Speed 2 or stir by hand until well combined.

Increase the speed to 4 and knead for 2 minutes. Add the softened butter and oil, and continue kneading for 4 more minutes if using your hands.

Knead on Speed 6 for another 2 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, add butter after combining ingredients and knead for 4 minutes.

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and coat with oil.

Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Note on rising time: The time may vary depending on the weather around you. I advise placing the dough closer to a warm place. I have successfully placed mine next to the windows on a sunny day.

Punch down the dough and divide into equal portions.

Shape into smooth balls

Place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Cover again and let rise for 40–60 minutes until puffy.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.

Different Methods of Mixing

• Stand or Hand Mixer: Saves time and effort.
• By Hand: Ideal for hands-on bakers.
• Bread Machine: Can be used for kneading and first rise.

Different Methods of Serving

• Serve warm with butter.
• Slice and use for mini sandwiches.
• Pair with soups or stews for a comforting meal.

How to Store Leftovers

• Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat as needed.
• Reheat in the oven at 300°F wrapped in foil for 10 minutes.

Dinner Rolls FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour? Yes, but bread flour gives a chewier texture. If using all-purpose flour, add one more cup of flour.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, refrigerate after the first rise and bring to room temperature before shaping.

Can I use a milk substitute? Yes, almond milk or oat milk works well.

What’s the best way to get even rolls? Use a kitchen scale to weigh each portion of dough.

If your dinner rolls dough isn’t rising, don’t worry—this is a common issue, and there are a few likely reasons why it’s happening. Let’s troubleshoot:

Why is my dinner rolls dough not rising

1. Inactive or Expired Yeast

• Most common culprit. If your yeast is old or expired, it won’t activate properly.
• Test it: Mix the yeast with warm water (100–110°F) and a pinch of sugar. It should bubble and foam within 5–10 minutes.

2. Liquid Too Hot or Too Cold

• Too hot: Can kill the yeast.
• Too cold: Won’t activate the yeast properly.
• Ideal temp: Warm (not hot!) milk or water between 100°F and 110°F is best for yeast activation.

3. Cold Environment

• Yeast needs warmth to thrive.
• Fix: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot. Try placing it near a warm oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on.

4. Not Enough Time

• Some doughs, especially enriched ones (with eggs, butter, milk), take longer to rise.
• Tip: Be patient—let it rise until doubled in size, not just for a set amount of time.

5. Too Much Salt

• Salt can slow down or kill yeast if it’s directly mixed in before other ingredients.
• Tip: Mix salt in with the flour or after the yeast is combined with the wet ingredients.

6. Dough Is Too Dry

• A dry dough can limit yeast movement and rising power.
• Solution: Ensure your dough is slightly tacky but not sticky. Adjust with a bit more liquid if needed.

7. Over-Kneading or Under-Kneading

• Under-kneading: Dough doesn’t build enough structure.
• Over-kneading (especially with a mixer): Can tighten the gluten too much, restricting the rise.

Whether you’re prepping for a holiday feast or craving homemade bread, these dinner rolls are the answer. Soft, fluffy, buttery, and easy to make—you’ll want them at every meal. Let me know how your version of this recipe goes!

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