Ingredients
3½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
2¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp vegetable oil, for greasing the bowl
For the topping:
1 egg
1 tbsp milk
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
2 tbsp melted butter, for brushing
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Pour the warm milk into a small bowl. The milk should be warm to the touch, not hot, ideally around 105–110°F (40–43°C).
Add the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If it does not foam, the yeast may be inactive.
Step 2: Prepare the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter.
Mix with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a soft dough forms. The dough may initially look slightly sticky.
Step 3: Knead the dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes by hand, or 5–7 minutes using a stand mixer on low to medium speed.
Continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Avoid adding too much extra flour, as this can make the rolls dense.
Step 4: First rise
Lightly grease a large bowl with vegetable oil. Place the dough inside and turn it once to coat it lightly.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Leave it in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the rolls
Gently press the risen dough to release excess air. Transfer it to a clean work surface.
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball by pulling the edges underneath and rolling it gently against the work surface.
Arrange the dough balls in a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking tray, leaving a little space between them.
Step 6: Second rise
Cover the tray loosely with a clean kitchen towel. Let the rolls rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 7: Apply the egg wash
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of milk.
Gently brush the tops of the risen rolls with the egg wash. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top if desired.
Step 8: Bake the rolls
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and cooked through.
If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil during the remaining baking time.
Step 9: Brush with butter
Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter.
Allow them to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. The result will be soft, fluffy rolls with a beautiful golden crust and buttery finish.
Cooking Tips
Use warm milk: Milk that is too hot can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off rather than packing it down.
Knead thoroughly: Proper kneading develops gluten, giving the rolls their soft and stretchy texture.
Allow enough rising time: The dough should visibly expand and become puffy before baking.
Avoid adding too much flour: Slightly tacky dough generally produces softer rolls.
Brush with butter: Brushing the rolls immediately after baking keeps the crust tender and adds rich flavor.
For extra softness: Replace 2 tablespoons of milk with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with butter, jam, or honey.
Pair with soups, stews, or creamy chicken dishes.
Use for mini chicken or beef sandwiches.
Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled meat.
Enjoy with scrambled eggs for breakfast.
Nutrition Information
Approximate values per roll, based on 12 rolls.
Nutrient
Amount
Calories
210 kcal
Protein
6 g
Carbohydrates
32 g
Fat
6 g
Saturated Fat
3 g
Fiber
1.2 g
Sugar
5 g
Sodium
230 mg
Values are estimates and may vary depending on the flour, butter, and toppings used.
Nut Information (Allergy & Dietary Notes)
Peanuts: None in the listed ingredients.
Tree nuts: None in the listed ingredients.
Dairy: Contains milk and butter.
Eggs: Contains eggs in the dough and egg wash.
Gluten: Contains wheat flour.
Sesame: Optional sesame seed topping is a common allergen.
Soy: May be present in some commercial ingredients; check labels.
For people with food allergies, check all ingredient labels and prevent cross-contamination. Although no peanuts or tree nuts are included, verify that the flour and other packaged ingredients are processed in a facility suitable for your allergy needs.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days.
Refrigerator: Refrigeration is not recommended, as it can make bread stale faster.
Freezer: Freeze completely cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes or microwave briefly until soft and warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are my dinner rolls not fluffy?
This can happen if the yeast is inactive, too much flour is added, the dough is not kneaded enough, or the rolls do not rise sufficiently. Allow the dough to become smooth and puffy before baking.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. After kneading, cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it warm slightly, shape the rolls, and allow them to rise until puffy before baking.
3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes. Use the same quantity of instant yeast and mix it directly with the flour. You can skip the activation step, although the dough still needs sufficient time to rise.
4. How do I keep homemade rolls soft?
Brush the rolls with melted butter after baking and store them in an airtight container once completely cooled.
5. Can I make these dinner rolls without eggs?
Yes. You can omit the egg from the dough and add approximately 2–3 tablespoons of extra milk as needed to maintain a soft dough. Use milk or melted butter instead of egg wash, noting that the texture and color may differ.
Conclusion
These soft and fluffy homemade dinner rolls are a wonderful addition to any meal. With their golden tops, tender centers, and delicious buttery flavor, they are easy to make using simple ingredients. Whether served fresh from the oven with butter or used to make sandwiches, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite.