🍞 Soft Dinner Rolls
🕒 Prep Time: 20 min (plus 1.5–2 hrs rising)
🕒 Bake Time: 15–18 min
🍽️ Makes: 12–16 rolls
Ingredients
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3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
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2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast or instant yeast
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1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 tsp salt
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1 large egg
Optional for brushing:
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2 tbsp melted butter
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Sea salt or herbs for topping
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast (if using active dry)
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In a bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
(Skip this step if using instant yeast; just mix everything together.)
2. Make the Dough
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In a large bowl or stand mixer: combine flour, salt, softened butter, egg, and yeast mixture.
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Mix until dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or 5–6 min in a mixer with a dough hook).
3. First Rise
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Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Rolls
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Punch down the dough and divide into 12–16 equal pieces.
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Shape each into a ball and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan or onto a lined baking sheet.
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Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
5. Bake
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
6. Finish
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Brush warm rolls with melted butter right after baking for that soft, glossy finish.
Tips
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For extra fluffy rolls, replace half the milk with buttermilk or use bread flour.
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Add herbs, garlic, or cheese into the dough for variations.
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These freeze well — just reheat in foil at 300°F for 10–12 minutes.
Would you like a no-egg version, whole wheat option, or one that uses a bread machine?