Homemade Golden Dinner Rolls

Featured in: Family Meals

These golden dinner rolls offer a soft, fluffy texture with a tender crumb and rich buttery notes. Warm milk, yeast, and a touch of sugar create a smooth dough that rises twice for optimal lightness. Brushed with melted butter before and after baking, the rolls develop a beautiful golden crust. Perfect for pairing with any meal, they can be customized with herbs or made dairy-free by substituting ingredients.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 09:09:00 GMT
Warm, golden Homemade Golden Dinner Rolls, freshly baked and ready to be torn apart and enjoyed. Save to Pinterest
Warm, golden Homemade Golden Dinner Rolls, freshly baked and ready to be torn apart and enjoyed. | rapidskillet.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.

I have found these rolls bring warmth and comfort to every family dinner, making the meal truly special.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 3 1/4 cups (400 g) all-purpose flour, 2 1/4 tsp (7 g) active dry yeast, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1 tsp (6 g) salt, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk warmed to 110°F/43°C, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled, 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.
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| rapidskillet.com

These rolls have been a hit at every family gathering adding warmth and smiles to the table.

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

A close-up of fluffy Homemade Golden Dinner Rolls, showing a perfect, tender, and inviting texture. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of fluffy Homemade Golden Dinner Rolls, showing a perfect, tender, and inviting texture. | rapidskillet.com

Serve these rolls warm with butter for the best experience they truly elevate any meal.

Recipe FAQs

How do I get soft and fluffy dinner rolls?

Using warm milk and letting the dough rise twice ensures a light and airy texture. Kneading the dough until smooth also helps develop gluten for softness.

Can I add herbs to the dough?

Yes, incorporating dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough adds an aromatic flavor twist to the rolls.

What is the best way to brush rolls for a golden finish?

Brush melted butter on the rolls before baking and again immediately after removing them from the oven to enhance color and flavor.

Can I make these without dairy?

Substitute whole milk with plant-based milk and use vegan margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free version with similar texture.

How should I store leftover rolls?

After cooling, store rolls in an airtight container. They freeze well and can be reheated gently in the oven before serving.

Homemade Golden Dinner Rolls

Fluffy, golden dinner rolls with a tender crumb and rich buttery taste, ideal warm from the oven.

Time to Prep
20 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Total Duration
40 minutes
Shared by Ethan Wilson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Portions

Diet Details 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 slightly cooled
07 1 large egg, room temperature

For Brushing

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

How To Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Mix Wet Ingredients and Salt: Add melted butter, egg, and salt, then mix until blended.

Step 03

Incorporate Flour: Gradually stir in flour using a wooden spoon or dough hook until a soft dough forms.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 09

Brush with Butter: Brush rolls with melted butter before baking.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Final Butter Brush and Cool: Remove rolls from oven, brush with remaining butter, and let 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 Info

Review all items for allergens. When unsure, ask a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and egg

Nutrition Details (per portion)

For informational use only. Always follow your doctor's advice.
  • Energy: 180
  • Fats: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 27 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams