Soft Fluffy Golden Dinner Rolls

Featured in: Family Meals

These soft, fluffy golden dinner rolls offer a tender crumb and rich buttery flavor that enhances any meal. Yeast gently leavens the dough after blending warm milk, butter, sugar, and egg, resulting in perfectly risen rolls. After kneading to an elastic texture and two rises, the rolls bake to a golden brown finish, brushed with melted butter for extra richness. Ideal as a warm side or snack, these rolls can be flavored with herbs or adapted for dairy-free versions with simple swaps.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 14:53:00 GMT
Golden Homemade Dinner Rolls, freshly baked and brushed with butter, ready to share with friends. Pin It
Golden Homemade Dinner Rolls, freshly baked and brushed with butter, ready to share with friends. | pecanpan.com

Soft, fluffy, and beautifully golden, these classic dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. Their tender crumb and buttery flavor make them irresistible fresh from the oven.

I have baked these golden dinner rolls countless times, and they never fail to bring smiles to my family at the dinner table.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 3 1/4 cups (400 g) all-purpose flour
  • Dough: 2 1/4 tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
  • Dough: 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • Dough: 1 tsp (6 g) salt
  • Dough: 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F/43°C
  • Dough: 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • Dough: 1 large egg, room temperature
  • For Brushing: 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2:
Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix to combine.
Step 3:
Gradually add flour, stirring with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a soft dough forms.
Step 4:
Knead on a floured surface (or with a mixer) for 8 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 5:
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 6:
Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
Step 7:
Arrange balls in a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 40 minutes, until puffy.
Step 8:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 9:
Brush rolls with melted butter.
Step 10:
Bake for 18 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 11:
Remove from oven and brush again with remaining butter. Let cool slightly before serving.
Warm and fluffy, these golden Homemade Dinner Rolls are pictured steaming on a platter, inviting you in. Pin It
Warm and fluffy, these golden Homemade Dinner Rolls are pictured steaming on a platter, inviting you in. | pecanpan.com

My family loves to gather around when these rolls are fresh out of the oven, sharing stories while enjoying the warm softness.

Additional Tips

For extra flavor, add 1 tsp dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook, measuring cups and spoons, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, pastry brush, kitchen towel

Nutritional Information

Calories 180, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 27 g, Protein 4 g per serving

Imagine this: soft, pillowy Homemade Golden Dinner Rolls, perfect alongside a comforting, savory meal. Pin It
Imagine this: soft, pillowy Homemade Golden Dinner Rolls, perfect alongside a comforting, savory meal. | pecanpan.com

Enjoy your golden dinner rolls fresh for the best taste and texture or freeze for later convenience.

Questions & Answers

How do I achieve soft and fluffy rolls?

Ensure the dough is kneaded until smooth and elastic, and allow it to rise properly until doubled in size. Using warm milk and the right yeast activates fermentation for fluffiness.

Can I add flavors to the dough?

Yes, adding dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough before kneading enhances the aroma and taste without overpowering the rolls.

What is the best way to brush the rolls?

Brush melted butter on the rolls before baking and immediately after they come out of the oven to achieve a rich golden crust and tender crumb.

How can these rolls be made dairy-free?

Substitute whole milk with plant-based milk and replace butter with vegan margarine to create a dairy-free alternative without sacrificing texture.

What tools are recommended for making the dough?

A large mixing bowl, wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook, measuring cups and spoons, baking dish, pastry brush, and kitchen towel help with preparation and shaping.

Soft Fluffy Golden Dinner Rolls

Soft, fluffy golden rolls with a tender crumb and rich buttery taste, ideal fresh from the oven.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Created by Anthony Hughes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Portions

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You Need

Dough

01 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
03 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
06 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
07 1 large egg, room temperature

For Brushing

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

How-To

Step 01

Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast; allow to rest 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

Combine wet ingredients and salt: Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture; mix until incorporated.

Step 03

Incorporate flour: Gradually add flour, stirring with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a soft dough forms.

Step 04

Knead dough: Knead on floured surface or with mixer for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 05

First rise: Place dough in greased bowl, cover with towel, and let rise in warm location 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 06

Shape rolls: Punch down dough, divide into 12 equal pieces, and shape each into a smooth ball.

Step 07

Second rise: Arrange dough balls in greased 9x13-inch pan; cover and let rise 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.

Step 08

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 09

Brush with butter: Brush tops of rolls with melted butter before baking.

Step 10

Bake rolls: Bake 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 11

Finish with butter: Remove from oven, brush again with remaining melted butter, and let cool slightly before serving.

Tools You Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Pastry brush
  • Kitchen towel

Allergy Notice

Review each ingredient, check for allergens, and talk to a professional if needed.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and egg
  • Verify ingredient labels for allergy concerns, substituting as needed for dairy- or egg-free diets

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference and isn’t medical guidance.
  • Kcal: 180
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 4 g