Homemade quick & fluffy dinner rolls are a timeless addition to any dinner table. These quick and fluffy dinner rolls are buttery, soft, and golden brown—making them the perfect companion for everything from weeknight meals to holiday dinners. This buttery dinner rolls recipe is easy enough for first-timers and versatile enough to become a family favorite. Using instant yeast and warm milk, you can enjoy fluffy rolls in no time, without compromising on flavor or texture. These are so easy to make that I made them while I was trying Tini's Mac and cheese recipe. You can serve these alongside some Tomato Soup or Lasagna Soup for the ultimate comforting meal. If you love easy homemade breads, you’ll also enjoy these roasted-garlic focaccia muffins!
Why You’ll Love These Quick & Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe
Easy for Beginners: Even if it’s your first time making bread, this homemade dinner roll recipe is foolproof, with step-by-step instructions to guarantee the best results.
Soft and Pillowy Texture: These fluffy dinner rolls bake to perfection, with a tender interior and slightly crusty bread edges.
Quick Rise Time: Thanks to instant yeast, you can have soft dinner rolls on the table in just over an hour.
Perfect for Any Meal: Whether for Thanksgiving dinner or as a side for soups, these rolls are a classic addition to your dinner table.
Quick and Fluffy Dinner Rolls Video
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Ingredients
Full recipe, instructions, and photos in the recipe card at the end of post
- 4.5 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
- 2 tablespoons instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
- ¼ cup honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups warm milk (whole milk preferred), 110°F
- 5 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
Full recipe, instructions, and photos in the recipe card at the end of post
Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, 3 cups of flour, honey (or sugar), and instant yeast. Add the softened butter, room temperature egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a dough hook on low speed or by hand with a wooden spoon for 3 minutes making sure to scrape the sides. Turn the mixer to medium and add the remainder of the flour ½ cup at a time mixing for a minute each time in between. If the dough is too sticky, add a little bit more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If kneading by hand, knead for 10 minutes or until smooth ball forms.
Making by hand: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it by hand for 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, but avoid adding too much to keep the rolls soft.
Let the Dough Rise:
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Place the bowl in a warm spot and let the dough rise for 30-35 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Dough Balls:
Punch down the dough and divide it into 20 equal pieces using a digital kitchen scale or measuring cup for accuracy. Mine were 2 oz each. Roll each piece into a smooth ball (see video) and arrange them in a greased baking pan or baking dish, leaving a little space between each ball.
Second Rise:
Cover the dough balls with a damp towel or saran wrap and let them rise a second time for 30 minutes, until puffy
Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls on a baking sheet for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Brush the tops with melted butter for a shiny, buttery finish. If they aren't ready and the top is browning to fast, cover with aluminum and continue baking until done.
Top:
If I'm making them for savory dishes, I like to brush them with melted butter and garlic. If making them to eat with something sweet, just brush them with butter.
Tips for the Best Dinner Rolls
Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven to bring back their softness.
Check Your Milk Temperature: Warm liquid (110°F) is essential for activating the yeast without killing it. Use a digital kitchen scale or thermometer for accuracy.
Don’t Add Too Much Flour: For soft rolls, start with 4 cups of flour and add more only if the dough is sticky. Avoid adding too much flour to keep the dough light and fluffy.
Make-Ahead Options: Shape the rolls and refrigerate overnight in a greased baking dish. Let them come to room temperature before baking the next day.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Serve with Butter or Jam: These buttery rolls pair perfectly with softened butter, jam, or honey.
Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier roll.
Add Flavor: Mix in garlic powder, herbs, or cheese for savory rolls. For a sweeter version, add a little extra honey or sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you’ll need to let the dough rise a little longer during the first and second rise.
How do I know if my dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size during the rise time and feel light and airy when poked gently.
Can I freeze these dinner rolls?
Yes, you can freeze baked rolls in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven to enjoy fresh-tasting rolls anytime.
These quick and fluffy dinner rolls are everything you want in homemade bread. With their golden brown crust, soft texture, and buttery flavor, they’re sure to be the highlight of any meal. Whether it’s your first time baking rolls or you’re looking for new recipes to try, this dinner roll recipe is guaranteed to impress. Serve them warm at holiday dinners, alongside soups, or simply enjoy them with a smear of butter. Give them a try next time you’re craving homemade rolls!
⭐️ Recipe
Quick & Fluffy Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
- 4.5 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
- 2 tablespoons instant yeast or active dry yeast
- ¼ cup honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups warm milk whole milk preferred, 110°F
- 5 tablespoons butter softened
Instructions
Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, 3 cups of flour, honey (or sugar), and instant yeast. Add the softened butter, room temperature egg, and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Mix with a dough hook on low speed or by hand with a wooden spoon for 3 minutes making sure to scrape the sides. Turn the mixer to medium and add the remainder of the flour ½ cup at a time mixing for a minute each time in between. If the dough is too sticky, add a little bit more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If kneading by hand, knead for 10 minutes or until smooth ball forms.
Let the Dough Rise
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Place the bowl in a warm spot and let the dough rise for 30-35 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Dough Balls
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 20 equal pieces using a digital kitchen scale or measuring cup for accuracy. Mine were 2 oz each. Roll each piece into a smooth ball (see video) and arrange them in a greased baking pan or baking dish, leaving a little space between each ball.
Second Rise
- Cover the dough balls with a damp towel and let them rise a second time for 30 minutes, until puffy.
Bake the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls on a baking sheet for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Brush the tops with melted butter for a shiny, buttery finish. If they aren't ready and the top is browning to fast, cover with aluminum and continue baking until done.
Top
- If I'm making them for savory dishes, I like to brush them with melted butter and garlic. If making them to eat with something sweet, just brush them with butter.
Lukas L. says
so easy and delicious!!