Name: Homemade Fluffy 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 use); 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, for brushing)

If you’re on the hunt for a recipe that delivers soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness every single time, you’ve just hit the jackpot with this Homemade Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe. I absolutely love how these rolls come out—light, pillowy, with just the right amount of sweet and salt. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, these rolls will have everyone reaching for seconds.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fluffy, Buttery Texture: These rolls come out perfectly soft with a rich butter flavor that melts in your mouth.
Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy needed—just pantry staples that blend together beautifully.
Great for Beginners: I’ve included tips so you won’t feel overwhelmed, even if you’re new to bread making.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight side or a festive dinner, these rolls shine.

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 - Homemade Fluffy Dinner Rolls, soft dinner roll recipe, buttery dinner rolls, easy bread rolls, homemade bread rolls

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the texture and flavor in this Homemade Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe. I always recommend using fresh yeast and good-quality butter—you’ll taste the difference, trust me.

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 - Homemade Fluffy Dinner Rolls, soft dinner roll recipe, buttery dinner rolls, easy bread rolls, homemade bread rolls

Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted lets you control the salt balance perfectly in the dough and for brushing on top.
Granulated Sugar: Just the right amount to slightly sweeten the rolls and feed the yeast.
Kosher Salt: Adds flavor depth; kosher salt dissolves nicely in the dough.
Whole Milk: Gives richness and softness compared to water or low-fat milk.
Active Dry Yeast: The magic that makes your rolls rise fluffy and airy. Make sure it’s fresh!
Large Egg: Adds structure and a tender crumb to the rolls.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone for structure; add a little more if needed to get the right dough consistency.
Vegetable Oil: Helps prevent sticking and keeps the dough pliable during the first rise.

📝

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

I love to keep things classic with this Homemade Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe, but feel free to get creative and make it your own. Experimenting with add-ins or toppings can elevate the rolls for special occasions or dietary needs.

Garlic Herb Rolls: I sometimes brush the tops with garlic butter before baking; it adds an irresistible aroma and flavor that my family adores.
Whole Wheat Blend: Substituting half the flour with whole wheat flour adds a nutty touch and boosts nutrients without sacrificing fluffiness.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter and milk for plant-based alternatives like olive oil and almond milk to suit dietary preferences.
Sweet Rolls: Add cinnamon and a bit more sugar for a sweeter twist, turning these into breakfast treats.

How to Make Homemade Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Butter and Warm Milk

Start by slicing the butter thinly—that little trick helps it melt gently and blend smoothly into the dough. Warm your milk carefully (between 105-110°F) in short bursts in the microwave; I like to check with a thermometer to avoid overheating because too hot can kill the yeast.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Mix your yeast with the reserved warm milk and give it about 5 minutes to foam up. If it doesn’t bubble, your yeast might be inactive, so always start with fresh packets to avoid disappointment.

Step 3: Mix and Knead the Dough

Pour the milk, butter, sugar, salt, egg, and activated yeast into the mixer bowl and begin to stir. Add your flour gradually, scraping down the sides so everything combines evenly. When the dough starts pulling away from the bowl, knead on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes. If it’s too sticky, add flour little by little—don’t add too much, or your rolls could turn dense.

Step 4: First Rise in an Oiled Bowl

Once kneaded, place the dough in a bowl coated lightly with vegetable oil. Turn the dough to coat it completely and cover with plastic wrap. I like to let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, until doubled in size—this step is crucial for those fluffy rolls.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

After the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Divide it into 15 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball by stretching and tucking the edges underneath. This takes a minute but it’s worth it for that picture-perfect shape.

Step 6: Second Rise in the Baking Dish

Place each dough ball seam side down in a butter-brushed 9×13 inch pan, arranged in 5 rows of 3. Cover it again and let them rise for another hour until doubled. This is when you can relax and let the yeast work its magic!

Step 7: Bake and Butter the Tops

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the rolls uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until they’re golden on top and sound hollow when tapped. This little tap test is my favorite way to confirm they’re done without overbaking. As soon as they’re out, brush the tops with the remaining melted butter—this keeps the crust soft and gives that irresistible sheen.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe

Milk Temperature: I discovered warming the milk just right really wakes up the yeast without killing it—115°F is too hot, but 105°F works perfectly.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Patience pays off. I used to rush this, and the rolls turned dense. Waiting for the dough to double yields those lovely fluffy layers.
Butter for Brushing: Always spread melted butter on hot rolls immediately off the oven to keep them soft and bring out rich flavor.
Flour Addition: Add extra flour sparingly—stickiness is better than dry dough to ensure soft rolls that don’t crack.

How to Serve Homemade Fluffy 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 - Homemade Fluffy Dinner Rolls, soft dinner roll recipe, buttery dinner rolls, easy bread rolls, homemade bread rolls

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little flaky sea salt or fresh herbs like rosemary right after buttering the rolls—it adds a subtle pop of flavor and looks so inviting on the table.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with hearty soups, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. At family dinners, we often serve them alongside roasted chicken or brisket, basically any comfort food that benefits from dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the rolls in a festive basket lined with a pretty cloth napkin. Sometimes I’ll make mini sliders by slicing the rolls and adding deli meat and cheese—kids love that for party platters!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover rolls in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain softness—no fridge drying here!

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the rolls in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 5-10 minutes wrapped in foil. This refreshes their softness and buttery aroma. You can also microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15-20 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand, though it will take a bit more effort. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If the dough doesn’t rise, it could be because the yeast was old or the milk too hot. Make sure to use fresh yeast and keep liquids between 105-110°F so you don’t kill the yeast cells.
Can I add fillings to the rolls?

Yes! Small additions like cheese or herbs tucked inside the dough before shaping can be delicious. Just be gentle to keep the fluffy texture intact.
How do I make the rolls more golden?

You can brush them with an egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) before baking for an extra shiny, golden crust.
Is it okay to substitute milk with non-dairy alternatives?

Yes, you can use non-dairy milks like almond or oat milk. Just choose unsweetened varieties to keep the balance of flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s reliable and just downright delicious. I truly believe that nothing beats the smell of fresh rolls baking, and sharing them with loved ones makes every meal feel special. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is to turn simple ingredients into something everyone raves about!