Name: Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, sliced thin; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 1/4 cups whole milk, divided; 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast; 1 large egg, beaten; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (more may be needed); 1 teaspoon vegetable oil; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

If you’ve ever dreamed of making bakery-quality bread at home, then this Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe is about to become your new best friend. I absolutely love how these rolls come out—pillowy soft, buttery, and with that perfect golden crust that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday meal or just a cozy weeknight dinner, these rolls will have everyone asking for seconds. Stick with me because I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get it just right, including tips and tricks I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!).

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the careful balance of yeast and kneading, these rolls literally melt in your mouth.
Buttery Goodness: The 2 rounds of butter—one in the dough and one brushed on top—give them that irresistible rich flavor.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the dough in advance or freeze leftovers without losing that soft texture.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These rolls are elegant enough for holiday feasts but easy enough to enjoy any day of the week.

A glass baking dish holds a layer of 12 evenly arranged soft dinner rolls, each roll golden brown on top and shiny from being brushed with melted butter. The rolls sit closely together in a grid pattern with a soft, slightly fluffy texture. A woman's hand holds a light wooden brush with brown bristles, applying butter to the top of one roll. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls, Soft dinner roll recipe, buttery dinner rolls, easy homemade bread, bakery-style dinner rolls

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe plays a crucial role in achieving that soft and buttery perfection. I like to keep things simple and quality-focused so you can find these easily in any grocery store.

Flat lay of thin slices of unsalted butter, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a few crystals of kosher salt scattered neatly, a small white bowl with warm whole milk, a small white bowl with foamy active dry yeast dissolved in milk, one large whole uncracked egg with a clean shell, a neat pile of all-purpose flour, and a small white bowl with vegetable oil, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls, Soft dinner roll recipe, buttery dinner rolls, easy homemade bread, bakery-style dinner rolls

Unsalted butter: Use fresh butter and slice it thinly at first to help it melt evenly in the dough.
Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the flavor without overpowering the breadiness.
Kosher salt: It’s coarser than table salt, providing better control over seasoning.
Whole milk: Makes the dough tender—warming it gently is key to activating the yeast.
Active dry yeast: Your fluffy rolls depend on healthy, bubbly yeast—don’t skip the proofing step.
Large egg: Adds richness and helps with the roll’s structure.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough; keep some extra handy for kneading.
Vegetable oil: For greasing the bowl so your dough rises perfectly without sticking.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe is how versatile it is. You can tweak it to suit your preferences or the occasion, so don’t be afraid to get creative!

Garlic Herb Rolls: I like to mix some garlic powder and Italian herbs into the melted butter before brushing it on the rolls—instant crowd-pleaser.
Whole Wheat Twist: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor; your family might not even notice.
Sweet and Soft: Add a tablespoon of honey to the milk for slightly sweeter rolls, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter—works surprisingly well.

How to Make Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Butter, Sugar, and Salt Ready

Start by slicing 1/4 cup of unsalted butter as thin as you can—you’ll want it to melt smoothly into the dough. Add those slices to the bottom of your stand mixer bowl along with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. No need to mix yet; just set this base while you warm your milk.

Step 2: Warm the Milk and Activate the Yeast

Warm 1 1/4 cups of whole milk in the microwave, in 15-30 second bursts. Aim for a gentle temperature between 105-110°F. It’s key not to exceed 110°F or you risk killing the yeast, which can happen more easily than you think! Pour 1 cup of this warm milk right into the mixer bowl over the butter slices—no need to stir; the butter will soften gradually. Now, in a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of milk with 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, give it a stir, and let it sit for 5 minutes until it’s foamy and alive. This yeast bloom tells you it’s working!

Step 3: Add the Egg and Flour

Once the yeast is foamy, add it to your mixer bowl along with 1 beaten large egg. Use the paddle or dough hook attachment to combine everything slightly. Then, start adding 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, one cup at a time. Remember to scrape down the sides occasionally to make sure all those buttery bits are getting incorporated. Your dough should start pulling together and becoming less sticky.

Step 4: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic

Switch to medium-high speed and let the machine knead the dough for about 3 minutes. If you notice the dough sticking too much to the sides, sprinkle in a little extra flour—a tablespoon at a time, up to half a cup total. The goal is a soft dough that mostly cleans the bowl, but it’s okay if it’s still attached at the bottom. Kneading develops gluten, which gives you those light, airy rolls you want.

Step 5: Oil the Bowl and Let the Dough Rise

Grease a large bowl with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Remove your dough from the mixer and roll it around the oiled bowl to coat it well. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, until it’s doubled in size. This rise is what makes your dinner rolls so fluffy inside!

Step 6: Shape and Proof the Rolls

While the dough is rising, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter and use some of it to lightly grease a 9″x13″ baking dish—just a little to keep the rolls from sticking. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air bubbles (a satisfying step I love), then divide it into 15 equal pieces. Roll each piece between your hands into a smooth ball, making sure to tuck the edges underneath for a nice shape. Place them seam side down in the baking dish, arranging them in rows of 3 by 5. Cover again with plastic wrap and let them proof for another hour until they puff up beautifully.

Step 7: Bake and Finish with Butter

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap and bake your rolls for 20-25 minutes—or until the tops turn golden brown and they sound hollow when tapped. Right after they come out, brush them all over with the rest of the melted butter. This final touch makes the crust shiny and irresistibly soft on the outside.

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Pro Tips for Making Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe

Right Milk Temperature: I discovered this trick when warming milk slowly in bursts—too hot and your yeast dies, too cold and it won’t activate.
Don’t Skimp on Kneading: The dough needs that extra 3 minutes at medium-high speed for a soft yet structured crumb.
Use Fresh Yeast: Expired or old yeast won’t rise well—always check the expiration and proof it before starting.
Cover Rolls During Proofing: Keep the plastic wrap snug to avoid a crust from forming before baking—it keeps the rolls extra soft.

How to Serve Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe

The image shows four soft, shiny bread rolls with a golden brown top, stacked and placed inside a metal baking tray on a white marbled surface. The bread looks fluffy and light, with a slightly textured white inside. Behind the rolls, there is a small white bowl holding a pale yellow stick of butter and a butter knife resting on the bowl's edge. Bright green parsley leaves are scattered around the tray, adding a fresh touch. A blue and white striped cloth is partly visible on the left side, contributing to a cozy, homey feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls, Soft dinner roll recipe, buttery dinner rolls, easy homemade bread, bakery-style dinner rolls

Garnishes

I love brushing the rolls with melted butter right after baking because it adds that beautiful sheen and rich flavor. Sometimes, I sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or freshly chopped rosemary on top for a fancy touch. Garlic butter is another favorite—simply mix minced garlic and parsley into the melted butter before brushing for an easy upgrade.

Side Dishes

These rolls are perfect alongside soups like creamy tomato or chicken noodle, and they also make a great side for hearty meals such as roast chicken, beef stew, or pasta dishes. I often serve them with a salad to balance the richness, and my family goes crazy for dipping them into gravy or herbed olive oil.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these rolls on a beautiful platter and brushed each one with herb-infused butter for a touch of elegance. Another fun idea is pulling them apart from a braided roll shape or shaping them into mini pull-apart loaves with cheese stuffed inside. Your guests will be impressed by the effort, and you’ll love how fun and festive it feels!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which I hope you do!), keep them fresh by placing the cooled rolls in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature. They usually stay soft and tasty for 2-3 days. I learned it’s best not to refrigerate them as that can dry them out.

Freezing

Freezing these rolls works like a charm. After they’re completely cooled, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to use them, I thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

To bring your rolls back to life, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave a roll for 15 seconds, then brush with melted butter. Both methods keep that fluffy, buttery magic intact.

FAQs

Can I make this Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix by hand using a large bowl and a wooden spoon, then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It takes a bit more elbow grease, but it works just fine.
Why don’t my rolls come out fluffy sometimes?

If your rolls are dense, it’s often because the yeast wasn’t activated properly, the dough was under-kneaded, or the rising times were too short. Make sure your milk is warm but not hot, and give your dough enough time to double. Don’t rush the proofing steps.
Can I substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour?

Yes, bread flour has a higher protein content and can give your rolls even chewier texture. You might need to adjust the amount slightly since bread flour absorbs more liquid—add flour gradually until dough feels soft but not sticky.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

Look for golden brown tops, and give them a gentle tap—if it sounds hollow, they’re done. An internal temperature of about 190°F on an instant-read thermometer is a good indicator too.
Can I add flavorings directly into the dough?

You sure can! Add herbs, garlic powder, or even grated cheese with the flour during mixing. Just don’t overload the dough as it might affect rising.

Final Thoughts

This Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliable, delicious, and makes mealtime a little more special. I remember the first time I baked them and how my whole family lit up when they tasted that buttery, soft goodness fresh from the oven. Give this recipe a try—you’ll enjoy the process, and the results are so rewarding that these rolls will soon earn a permanent spot at your table, just like they did at mine. Happy baking!