There’s something absolutely joyful about pulling a tray of Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls from the oven—the golden tops, the inviting aroma, and the promise of pillowy layers inside. Whether you’re hosting a holiday spread or simply want to brighten an ordinary meal, these irresistible rolls are the perfect finishing touch. Each bite is a little hug of homemade goodness, and you’ll be amazed at just how easy it is to bring bakery-quality dinner rolls to your own table with a handful of simple ingredients.

Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s no need for anything fancy—these Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls are all about pantry staples coming together to create something magical. Each ingredient has a purpose, working behind the scenes to make your rolls rise tall, taste rich, and bake to perfection.

Warm milk (1 cup, about 110°F): This cozy temperature helps activate the yeast and makes the rolls extra soft.
Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): For that beautiful, fluffy lift that gives these rolls their signature texture.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Gently sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast for a perfect rise.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened): Adds a rich, buttery flavor and keeps the crumb supremely tender.
Large egg (1): Enhances structure and gives a subtle golden hue to your rolls.
All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): The backbone of the rolls, creating a light-but-structured dough.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out all the wonderful flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted, for brushing): This delicious finishing touch adds shine and an extra layer of buttery goodness.

How to Make Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining your warm milk with the sugar and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Give it a gentle stir, then let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until you see a foamy, frothy layer form across the top. This is a great sign that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, setting the stage for supremely fluffy and soft dinner rolls.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Once your yeast is bubbly, mix in the softened butter, egg, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined—a soft, slightly glossy mixture will form. This is the cozy, flavorful foundation for your rolls, so make sure everything is fully incorporated before moving on.

Step 3: Add the Flour and Knead

Gradually add your flour to the bowl, mixing as you go until a soft dough begins to pull away from the sides. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic ball with just a touch of tackiness—it should feel soft, not sticky, under your hands. The kneading process creates strength, and that’s what allows the rolls to rise so beautifully.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, then cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Set the bowl in a warm spot and let the dough rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This slow, gentle rise is the secret to those signature airy layers inside fluffy and soft dinner rolls.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

After the dough has risen, give it a loving punch-down to release extra air. Divide it evenly into 12 pieces (it helps to use a bench scraper or sharp knife for this), then gently roll each piece into a smooth, tight ball. Arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them evenly for the most even rise.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the baking dish and let the shaped rolls rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, until they look full and puffy. This final rise gives the rolls their crowd-pleasing, featherlight texture—the signature hallmark of truly fluffy and soft dinner rolls.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 18 to 22 minutes, until the tops are beautifully golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven. Don’t be tempted to overbake—the goal is a soft, tender crumb inside, with just the slightest bit of golden crust on top.

Step 8: Finish with Butter

As soon as you pull the pan from the oven, brush the warm rolls generously with melted butter. This last step makes them extra inviting and adds that glossy, bakery-style finish.

How to Serve Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls

Garnishes

You can keep it classic and simply brush with a little extra melted butter before serving, or sprinkle with a touch of flaky sea salt or fresh chopped herbs for a special touch. Warm rolls don’t need much to shine!

Side Dishes

These fluffy and soft dinner rolls are the ultimate holiday or Sunday dinner sidekick. Serve them alongside roasted meats, a bowl of hearty soup, or your favorite pasta dish—basically anywhere you want a comforting, swoon-worthy bread basket on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the baked rolls on a rustic wooden board with butter curls and seasonal jams, or use a linen-lined bread basket for a homestyle look. For a wow-worthy presentation, pile the rolls high and drizzle with honey butter just before serving—sure to spark joy with every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover rolls (a rarity!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay surprisingly soft and pillowy after baking thanks to the buttery dough.

Freezing

To freeze, let your fluffy and soft dinner rolls cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their texture for up to three months and reheat beautifully when you’re ready for fresh bread in a hurry.

Reheating

For that just-baked taste, warm the rolls in a 300°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. Brushing with a bit more melted butter after reheating is always a tasty idea.

FAQs

Why didn’t my rolls rise enough?

If your rolls didn’t get quite as tall and fluffy as you wanted, the yeast may have been old, the milk too hot or cold, or the dough needed a bit more time to rise. Always double-check your yeast freshness, keep the milk just warm, and trust your eyes over the clock.

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Bread flour has a bit more protein, so your fluffy and soft dinner rolls might be even chewier and a touch more robust in texture. Both flours will produce delicious results.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The tops should be deeply golden, and the rolls should sound hollow when gently tapped. If you’re unsure, an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a roll should read around 190°F.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Shape the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight for an easy head start. The next day, let them come to room temperature and finish rising before baking as usual.

Are these rolls vegetarian?

Yes, these rolls are naturally vegetarian, containing no meat or animal byproducts beyond milk, butter, and egg. Swap the dairy and egg for plant-based versions if you wish to make them vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls is like pressing a magic button for instant coziness at your dinner table. Whether you’re a first-time bread baker or a seasoned pro, I can’t recommend this recipe enough—your family and friends will be asking for a second helping before you know it!

Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Fluffy and Soft Dinner Rolls are a perfect addition to any meal, with their light and airy texture and buttery flavor. They are easy to make and will impress your family and friends with their homemade goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Rolls:

1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 large egg
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt

For Brushing:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add softened butter, egg, and salt, and stir to combine.
Knead the Dough: Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Rise the Dough: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Shape and Bake: Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.
Finish: Brush the warm rolls with melted butter before serving.