Homemade golden dinner rolls

Featured in: Breads & Sweet Bakes

These soft, fluffy golden dinner rolls offer a tender crumb and rich buttery flavor. Made by combining warm milk, yeast, sugar, melted butter, and egg, the dough is kneaded until smooth and then left to rise twice for perfect texture. Brushed with melted butter before and after baking, the rolls develop a beautiful golden crust. They pair well with herbs or can be adapted for dairy-free diets.

Ideal for serving fresh from the oven, these rolls add a warm, comforting touch to any table setting and store well when frozen.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:06:00 GMT
Golden, fluffy homemade dinner rolls, ready to be pulled apart with steam rising from their soft interiors. Save
Golden, fluffy homemade dinner rolls, ready to be pulled apart with steam rising from their soft interiors. | shiftoven.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 become a family favorite, bringing everyone together around the dinner table with its warm aroma and satisfying taste.

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

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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.
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Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
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Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
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Freshly baked golden dinner rolls are pictured, perfect for sharing and a welcome addition to any table. Save
Freshly baked golden dinner rolls are pictured, perfect for sharing and a welcome addition to any table. | shiftoven.com

Baking these rolls always brings back fond memories of family dinners and warm gatherings.

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, and egg. For allergy concerns, verify labels on all ingredients and substitute as needed for dairy- or egg-free diets.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 180, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 27 g, Protein 4 g.

These beautiful homemade golden dinner rolls are pictured, boasting a delightful, buttery, oven-fresh sheen. Save
These beautiful homemade golden dinner rolls are pictured, boasting a delightful, buttery, oven-fresh sheen. | shiftoven.com
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These rolls will add a golden touch to your dinner and delight everyone at the table.

Recipe Q&A

What makes these dinner rolls fluffy?

The combination of active dry yeast, warm milk, and proper kneading develops gluten and traps air, resulting in a light, fluffy texture.

Can I use plant-based milk and butter alternatives?

Yes, substituting whole milk with plant-based milk and butter with margarine works well for a dairy-free version.

How long does the dough need to rise?

The dough should rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size, then again for 30–40 minutes after shaping the rolls.

How do I get the rolls golden and shiny?

Brushing melted butter on the rolls before and after baking gives them a beautiful golden crust and shiny finish.

Can I add flavors to the rolls?

Adding dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough can enhance flavor without overpowering the buttery softness.

Homemade golden dinner rolls

Fluffy, golden rolls with tender crumb and buttery notes, ideal as a meal complement.

Time to Prep
20 min
Time to Cook
20 min
Overall Time
40 min
Recipe by Samuel Hill


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-free

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 cooled
07 1 large egg, room temperature

For brushing

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Step 01

Activate yeast: Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Allow mixture to rest for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

Incorporate fats and egg: Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture and mix to combine.

Step 03

Add flour: Gradually incorporate the flour, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

Preheat oven: Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).

Step 09

Apply butter: Brush the rolls evenly with melted butter before baking.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Final brushing and resting: Remove from oven, brush with remaining melted butter, and let cool slightly before serving.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review each item to spot allergens, and consult a health expert if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and egg.
  • Verify ingredient labels for allergy concerns; substitutions may be necessary for dairy- or egg-free diets.

Nutrition (per serving)

For guidance only. Always check with a medical provider for advice.
  • Energy: 180
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 4 g