Description
These soft and fluffy Dinner Rolls are perfect for any meal, with a tender crumb and golden crust. Made from a simple yeast dough enriched with butter and milk, they are ideal for serving alongside soups, salads, or holiday dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, salt, the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, and the egg. Stir until a dough forms. Add more flour if necessary until the dough is workable and not overly sticky.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to knead the dough to the same consistency.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough gently to release air. Divide it into 12 to 15 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them close together in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or spaced on a greased baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes until they are puffed and nearly doubled.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare: While the rolls are undergoing their second rise, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, brush the tops of the rolls with 2 tablespoons of melted butter for a golden crust.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.
- Final Butter Brush: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them again with melted butter to keep them soft and add a rich flavor.
- Serve Warm: Serve the dinner rolls warm alongside your favorite main dishes or soups for a comforting addition to your meal.
Notes
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter roll, increase the sugar by a tablespoon or two.
- Ensure the milk is not too hot when activating yeast, as high temperatures can kill the yeast.
- Kneading by hand should take about 8-10 minutes; if using a stand mixer, knead for about 5-7 minutes.
- For softer rolls, cover them with a damp kitchen towel during rising stages to prevent drying out.
- These rolls can be frozen after shaping and second rise; bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
