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–+ servings
Yeast Dinner Rolls
These yeast dinner rolls are soft, buttery, and perfect for any meal, from holiday feasts to casual weeknight dinners. The dough is enriched with milk, butter, and egg, producing a tender crumb with a hint of sweetness. This recipe uses a straightforward method that allows for refrigeration before shaping, making it easy to prepare the dough in advance. Perfect served warm with butter, these rolls are a comforting classic that pairs beautifully with soups, roasts, and salads.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine American
Servings 16 rolls
Calories 265 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup milk
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 cup butter (softened)
  • 4½ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup warm water (110°F)
  • 1 egg (large )

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Milk

  • Scald milk in a small saucepan until just below boiling. Allow to cool to lukewarm.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, butter, yeast, and salt.

Step 3: Activate Yeast

  • In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.

Step 4: Mix Dough

  • Add the lukewarm milk and egg to the flour mixture. Pour in the yeast mixture. Beat until well blended.

Step 5: Refrigerate Dough

  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate if desired until ready to shape.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

  • Bring dough to room temperature. Shape into rolls.
  • Place on a greased baking sheet and let rise until doubled in size.
  • Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips

  • Let dough chill overnight for enhanced flavor and easier handling.
  • Shape into cloverleaf, knotted, or crescent-style rolls.
  • Brush baked rolls with melted butter for extra softness and shine.
  • Add 1–2 tbsp honey for lightly sweet honey-butter rolls.
  • Substitute part of the flour with whole-wheat flour (up to 1½ cups) for nuttier flavor.
  • Add garlic butter or herbs for savory dinner rolls.
  • For freezer prep, shape rolls and freeze before final rise; thaw and bake later.
  • Use a stand mixer with dough hook for easier blending.
  • Bake in greased muffin tins for uniform size.
  • Top with flaky salt or seeds before baking for texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 32.4gProtein: 4.8gFat: 12.7gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 145mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 0.9gSugar: 3.9gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword buttery rolls, comfort food, holiday rolls, homemade bread, refrigerator dough, vintage, yeast rolls
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