Easy Dinner Yeast Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and buttery — these Easy Dinner Rolls are beginner-friendly and perfect for holidays, family dinners, or any cozy meal. Includes make-ahead and freezer tips!
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories: 53kcal
Ingredients
- ¼ cup + 1 teaspoon granulated sugar divided
- 2 Tablespoons + 1 tablespoon unsalted butter divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk or water, warmed to 105–115°F
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast (same as 1 packet)
- 1 large egg beaten
- 3 3–3 ½ cups all-purpose flour start with 3 cups, add more as needed
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing pan
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ¼ cup lukewarm water (around 110°F). Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
- Make the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Add 1 cup of warm milk or water. Let the mixture cool to lukewarm (this is important so you don’t kill the yeast).
- Mix the Dough: Add the beaten egg and yeast mixture to the large bowl. Stir in 2 cups of flour until combined, then gradually add remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough forms a soft, smooth ball that’s no longer sticky.
- Knead the Dough: Knead by hand for 6–8 minutes, or in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes on medium speed, until elastic and smooth.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1½ hours.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and divide into 9–12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by folding the edges underneath. Place in a greased 9x9-inch baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy. (For make-ahead rolls, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temp for 1 hour before baking.)
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and the centers reach 190°F.
- Finish: Brush warm rolls with melted butter and serve.
Nutrition
Serving: 1roll | Calories: 53kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 207mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 111IU | Vitamin C: 0.002mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 0.1mg
