Sweet and Fluffy Dinner Rolls – The Ultimate Homemade Recipe
These sweet dinner rolls are irresistibly soft, perfectly fluffy, and lightly sweetened – the kind that melts in your mouth with every bite. They’re simple to make and elevate any meal, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. Brushed with butter right out of the oven, they shine with golden perfection.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (125 ml) whole milk
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (56.8 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (125 ml) warm water (about 115°F / 46°C)
- 2 packets active dry yeast (about 4½ teaspoons)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- About 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
- Additional melted butter, for brushing tops
Instructions:
- Scald the Milk
In a small heavy-bottom saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and continue stirring to help it cool slightly. Set aside. - Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, 2 teaspoons of the sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until bubbly and frothy. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, add the proofed yeast mixture, the remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and cooled milk. Mix until well combined. - Add the Flour
Gradually add flour, about ½ cup at a time, mixing continuously. Stop once the dough pulls away from the bowl and becomes soft, elastic, and slightly tacky. - Knead the Dough
Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 5–8 minutes until the dough is smooth and springy. - First Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. - Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough gently. Pinch off small portions (about 2 tablespoons each) and roll them into smooth balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased baking pan, leaving some space between each roll. - Second Rise
Cover the rolls loosely with a damp towel and let rise again for about 1 hour, or until puffy and nearly doubled. - Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for about 18–20 minutes or until golden brown on top. - Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter. Let cool slightly and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Results:
- Use fresh, active yeast for a reliable rise.
- Don’t skip scalding the milk – it improves texture and flavor.
- For extra shine, brush with butter twice: once out of the oven and again after 5 minutes.
These sweet dinner rolls are ideal for holidays, Sunday dinners, or whenever you’re craving a soft, bakery-style bread at home. Serve them with butter, jam, or alongside savory dishes