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.
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
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