Soft, Fluffy, Buttery Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy, buttery dinner rolls that fit any occasion, quick enough for weeknights, special enough for the holidays.
——Ingredients——
4 cups bread flour
1 cup whole milk (warm microwave for 1 minute)
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
Avocado spray (for the bowl)
——Egg wash——
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
Sesame seeds (sprinkle on top after the egg wash)
——Topping——
1 tablespoon unsalted melted butter (for brushing the top of rolls once out of the oven)
Flaky salt
1. Activate the yeast— Warm 1 cup of whole milk in the microwave for about 1 minute — it should feel warm to the touch, not hot. Pour into the bowl of a stand mixer, then stir in 1/4 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons active dry yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough— Add 2 eggs, 4 cups of flour, and 2 teaspoons salt to the yeast mixture. Fit the mixer with a dough hook and mix until the dough comes together.
3. Incorporate the butter— Add the softened butter and knead on medium speed for 5–6 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. First rise— Remove the dough from the mixing bowl and form it into a ball. Lightly spray the mixing bowl with avocado oil, return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1–1½ hours).
5. Shape the rolls— Punch down the risen dough to gently deflate it. Divide it into 15 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball. Place the rolls seam-side down in a 9×13-inch pan lined with parchment paper.
6. Second rise (proofing)— Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the rolls proof for 1 hour, until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
7. Egg wash & toppings— Whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water. Gently brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
8. Bake— Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 22–25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through if needed, until golden brown on top.
9. Remove rolls from oven. Immediately brush the tops with 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter. Sprinkle a little flaky salt if you like. Serve warm and enjoy!
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Soft, fluffy, and buttery dinner rolls are a timeless classic that complement any meal, from everyday dinners to festive holiday spreads. Achieving the perfect texture and flavor involves not only following the recipe but also understanding a few key baking tips that help make your rolls irresistibly tender and delicious. First, the choice of bread flour is essential—its higher protein content helps develop the gluten structure needed for a soft yet elastic dough. The warm whole milk activates the active dry yeast effectively, producing a light and airy dough. Be sure the milk is warm to the touch but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. Incorporating softened unsalted butter into the dough enriches the rolls, giving a moist crumb and tender bite. Kneading the dough with a stand mixer using a dough hook for about 5 to 6 minutes ensures thorough gluten development, which contributes to the dough’s smooth and elastic consistency. The two-rise process is vital for fluffy dinner rolls. The first rise allows the dough to develop flavor and expand, while the second proofing after shaping the rolls helps achieve that perfect puffiness before baking. Covering the dough and rolls during rising with plastic wrap and kitchen towels retains moisture and warmth, creating optimal conditions for yeast fermentation. Applying an egg wash brushed with water before baking not only adds an attractive golden hue but also helps sesame seeds adhere beautifully, adding a subtle crunch and nutty flavor. Finally, brushing the hot rolls with melted butter and sprinkling flaky salt right after baking enhances the buttery richness and adds a delicate savory touch. For variations, you can customize toppings with herbs like rosemary or garlic butter for savory rolls, or add a touch of honey to the dough for a slightly sweeter version. Whether served warm from the oven or used for sandwiches, these soft, fluffy, buttery dinner rolls bring comfort and delight to the table every time.
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