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The Ultimate Soft and Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls (Classic Buttery Recipe)

A close-up of twelve golden brown, glossy dinner rolls baked together in a white dish, brushed with butter.

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You can make incredibly soft, fluffy, and buttery dinner rolls from scratch. This classic yeast roll recipe delivers comforting homemade bread that tastes much better than store-bought options, perfect for any family meal or holiday side dish.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus 4 tablespoons for topping
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • For topping: 2 tablespoons honey mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: Add the warmed milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, and the beaten egg to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups of the flour and the salt.
  4. Form the dough: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add the remaining flour only if the dough is too sticky to handle.
  6. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  7. Shape the rolls: Gently punch down the dough. Divide the dough into 12 or 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Place the balls close together in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
  8. Second rise: Cover the pan loosely and let the rolls rise again in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
  9. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
  10. Apply topping: While the rolls are still hot, mix the 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the warm rolls.
  11. Serve: Brush the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the rolls right before serving for extra buttery flavor. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For Texas Roadhouse Style Rolls: After brushing the rolls with the honey-butter topping, sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon sugar (1 teaspoon cinnamon mixed with 1 tablespoon sugar) over the tops while they are still hot.
  • Make Ahead Tip: You can assemble the rolls in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and add 3-5 minutes to the bake time.
  • For extra soft dinner rolls, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.

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