Homemade Golden Dinner Rolls

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These homemade golden dinner rolls are soft, tender, and beautifully golden with a rich buttery flavor. Starting with warm milk and active yeast, the dough is kneaded until smooth, then allowed to rise twice for lightness. After shaping into rolls, they're brushed with butter before baking to a golden brown. Finished off with extra melted butter, these rolls offer a fluffy texture and delicate crumb, making them a comforting addition to any meal.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 14:22:00 GMT
Golden dinner rolls, fresh from the oven, glistening with melted butter, ready to be enjoyed. Pin It
Golden dinner rolls, fresh from the oven, glistening with melted butter, ready to be enjoyed. | urbanspatula.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.

This recipe has been a family favorite for years, bringing warmth and comfort to our 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, homemade golden dinner rolls with a soft interior and crusty, golden-brown tops are delicious. Pin It
Warm, homemade golden dinner rolls with a soft interior and crusty, golden-brown tops are delicious. | urbanspatula.com

Making these rolls always brings my family together for a cozy meal.

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

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) Milk Egg For allergy concerns, verify labels on all ingredients. Substitute as needed for dairy or egg free diets.

Nutritional Information

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

Perfectly baked golden dinner rolls, displayed in a baking dish, ready for a comforting holiday meal. Pin It
Perfectly baked golden dinner rolls, displayed in a baking dish, ready for a comforting holiday meal. | urbanspatula.com

Enjoy these golden dinner rolls fresh from the oven for the best taste and texture.

Questions & Answers

What makes dinner rolls soft and fluffy?

The combination of warm milk, yeast fermentation, and thorough kneading creates a light, airy crumb that keeps dinner rolls soft and fluffy.

Can I add herbs for extra flavor?

Yes, incorporating dried herbs such as rosemary or thyme into the dough adds a subtle aromatic note to the rolls.

How long should the dough rise?

The dough should rise until doubled in size, roughly one hour for the first rise and 30-40 minutes after shaping, to achieve a tender texture.

What temperature is best for baking these rolls?

Baking at 375°F (190°C) ensures a golden brown crust while keeping the inside soft and tender.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes, substitute whole milk with plant-based milk and butter with vegan margarine to make a dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor.

Homemade Golden Dinner Rolls

Tender, buttery golden rolls with a soft and fluffy crumb, ideal alongside your favorite dishes.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Created by Carter Phillips


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 12 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

What You’ll 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 cooled
07 1 large egg, room temperature

For Brushing

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

How-To Steps

Step 01

Activate yeast: Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl; let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

Mix wet ingredients: Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and allow to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 06

Shape rolls: Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions; shape each into a smooth ball.

Step 07

Second rise: Arrange dough balls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.

Step 08

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 09

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

Step 10

Bake: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.

Step 11

Final touch: Remove from oven and brush again with remaining melted butter; allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tools You’ll 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 Warnings

Review every ingredient for allergens and ask a professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and egg.
  • Verify ingredient labels and substitute as needed for dairy- or egg-free diets.

Nutrition Info (for each serving)

These nutrition details are for reference and don’t replace medical guidance.
  • Energy: 180
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 4 g