Perfectly Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of pulling a tray of golden, pillowy dinner rolls straight from your oven, this Perfectly Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe is your answer. With simple pantry ingredients and a straightforward method, these rolls come out soft, buttery, and lightly sweet every single time.

1. Perfectly Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe (Yield: 18 Rolls)

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 to 4 cups all-purpose flour (use closer to 3 cups for soft dough)
• ⅛ cup milk (room temperature, for brushing before baking)

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to help the rolls rise.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Once the yeast is foamy, stir in the vegetable oil, beaten egg, softened butter, and salt. Mix until combined. The butter and oil give the rolls their signature tenderness and rich flavor.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. You may need between 3 to 4 cups depending on your humidity and flour type. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes. Avoid adding too much flour—this keeps the rolls tender and airy.

Step 5: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough to release excess air. Divide it into 18 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath. Arrange the dough balls evenly in a greased 10×15-inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each for expansion.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and let the rolls rise again for 20–30 minutes, or until puffy and doubled in size.

Step 8: Preheat and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls with room temperature milk for a golden finish. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the pan from the oven and brush the tops with a little melted butter if desired. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. These rolls are best enjoyed warm with butter, jam, or as a side to soups, stews, and roasts.

2. Tips for Perfect Homemade Dinner Rolls (Soft & Fluffy)

Use Fresh Yeast: Always check your yeast’s expiration date. Active yeast ensures the dough rises properly.

Warm, Not Hot Water: Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast. Keep it around 105–110°F (40–43°C).

Soft Dough = Soft Rolls: Avoid adding too much flour. A slightly sticky dough yields lighter, fluffier rolls.

Warm Environment for Rising: Let your dough rise in a warm spot—an oven with the light on works perfectly.

Don’t Overbake: Remove the rolls when they’re just golden on top. Overbaking can make them dry.

Brush with Butter or Milk: Brushing before baking adds color, and brushing afterward adds softness and shine.

Let Them Cool Slightly: Allowing the rolls to rest for a few minutes enhances their texture and flavor.

3. Recipe Variations

These dinner rolls are highly adaptable. Try these delicious variations to suit your taste or dietary needs:

Vegan Dinner Rolls

Replace the egg with 3 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water). Use plant-based milk and vegan butter.

Brioche Dinner Rolls

Replace vegetable oil with ½ cup melted butter and add an extra egg yolk for a rich, tender crumb.

Oatmeal Dinner Rolls

Substitute ½ cup flour with ½ cup rolled oats, and add 2 tablespoons honey for a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.

Whole Wheat Rolls

Use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. Add 1 extra tablespoon of water to maintain softness.

Sweet Wheat Rolls

Add 2 tablespoons of honey or molasses for a hint of sweetness and a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum if not already included in the mix.

Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls

Mix in 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon finely chopped herbs (parsley, rosemary, or thyme) into the dough. Brush baked rolls with garlic butter for extra flavor.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before baking.

Q2: Can I freeze the dinner rolls?

Absolutely. Baked rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes or until warm.

Q3: What if my dough doesn’t rise?

This usually means the yeast was inactive or the water was too hot. Always test the yeast in warm (not hot) water before adding the other ingredients.

Q4: How do I keep the rolls soft after baking?

Cover warm rolls with a clean towel to trap steam, which helps maintain their softness.

Q5: Can I use a different pan size?

Yes. If using a smaller pan, the rolls may bake closer together and take slightly longer to cook. Just keep an eye on the color and texture.

5. Nutrition Information

This Perfectly Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe is a must-have for any home baker. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, holiday feast, or Sunday brunch, these rolls never fail to impress.

Soft, golden, and slightly sweet, they’re perfect for pairing with butter, soup, or your favorite main dish. Once you master this simple recipe, you’ll never want store-bought rolls again!