Name: Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup (59 grams) lukewarm water (100 to 110°F); 1 cup (237 grams) warm milk (100 to 110°F); 1 tablespoon (14 grams) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt; 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast; 4 ½ cups (572 grams) bread flour; 1 egg, lightly beaten; Melted butter; Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

There's something so comforting about warm, pillowy bread fresh from your own oven. This Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe delivers soft, tender rolls with a golden crust, perfect for cozy dinners or holiday gatherings. Once you try them, store-bought rolls won’t stand a chance!

The image shows a white baking pan with twelve golden brown bread rolls arranged in a 4 by 3 grid. Each roll has a shiny, smooth surface with a rich brown top and lighter golden sides, giving them a soft and fluffy look. Some coarse salt flakes are sprinkled on top of the rolls, adding texture and contrast. A woman's hand is seen sprinkling the salt over the bread, while another woman's hand holds a bowl filled with more white salt. The pan is placed on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface, which adds a clean and bright background to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've baked a lot of rolls over the years, and this recipe always stands out because it hits that perfect balance of soft, fluffy, and flavorful. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make with just a few ingredients you might already have at home.

Softness that Lasts: Thanks to the blend of milk, butter, and eggs, these rolls stay tender even after a day or two.
Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to bread baking, the step-by-step process breaks it down in a friendly way.
Versatile: These rolls pair beautifully with soups, stews, or just a pat of butter for breakfast.
Customizable: You can add herbs, cheese, or seeds to make them your own.

A shiny golden brown bread roll with a soft, fluffy inside sits on a simple white plate in the front. The top of the roll is sprinkled with coarse salt crystals that catch the light. Behind it is a white baking dish full of similarly golden rolls, close together with a slightly glossy finish. To the right, on the white marbled surface, is a small white bowl holding two pale yellow cubes of butter. The whole scene is bright with soft light, showing the warm colors and textures clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe plays a key role in creating that irresistible texture and flavor. Using the right flour and enriching the dough with dairy and eggs makes all the difference.

Flat lay of two whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of lukewarm water, a small white ceramic bowl of warm milk, a small white ceramic bowl of melted unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of fine sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl of instant yeast, a small white ceramic bowl of bread flour, a small white ceramic bowl of flaky sea salt, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lukewarm Water: Activates the yeast without killing it, creating the perfect rise.
Warm Milk: Adds moisture and richness for softness in the crumb.
Unsalted Butter: Melts into the dough for tender, fluffy rolls and a slightly buttery taste.
Eggs: Give structure and a beautiful golden color when baked.
Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness.
Fine Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Instant Yeast: Makes the dough rise effortlessly without proofing if you're short on time.
Bread Flour: Provides the ideal protein content for chewy yet soft rolls.
Egg Wash & Flaky Sea Salt: For that gorgeous golden finish and a slight crunch of salt.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe depending on the occasion. Sometimes I add fresh rosemary and a little garlic powder to the dough for a savory twist – it’s heavenly alongside roasted chicken!

Herb-Infused Rolls: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the dough for added aroma and flavor; it instantly elevates the humble roll.
Cheesy Rolls: Mix in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a savory bite that's perfect with soups and salads.
Sweet Version: Brush with honey butter after baking for a touch of sweetness great with breakfast.
Gluten-Free Variation: While I haven’t made a GF version myself, swapping bread flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend might work with some added xanthan gum – just keep an eye on the dough texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Begin the Dough

Start by combining the lukewarm water, warm milk, melted butter, lightly beaten eggs, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in your stand mixer bowl. Then stir in 2 cups of bread flour until you get a rough, shaggy dough. This initial mix helps bring everything together before kneading.

Step 2: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic

Attach your dough hook and slowly add the rest of the flour while mixing on medium-low speed. When the dough forms a ball, bump your mixer up to medium-high and knead for 4 to 5 minutes. You want a dough that feels soft, smooth, and just a tad tacky—not sticky. This makes a huge difference in the final fluffiness of your rolls.

Step 3: First Rise – Let It Puff Up

Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a towel, and let it rise at room temperature for about 1 to 1 ½ hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s doubled and looks puffy. This step is key–don’t rush it, because that rise gives you soft, airy rolls.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

Once risen, gently deflate your dough and cut it into 12 equal pieces. I find using a bench scraper makes this super easy. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them close together in a buttered 9x13-inch baking pan. Cover and let rise again for about an hour, until doubled. This second rise builds those beautiful soft layers inside.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a shiny golden finish, then bake your rolls at 375°F for about 20 minutes until they're perfectly golden brown. The smell at this stage? Absolutely irresistible!

Step 6: Butter and Serve Warm

Right after they come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top. This finishing touch adds richness and a subtle crunch. Serve them warm for that delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Top Tip

Making these rolls for the first time, I learned a few tricks that really helped my results - and I want you to feel confident too. The right dough feel and rise times make all the difference here.

Perfect Dough Texture: Don’t add extra flour beyond what the recipe calls for—even if the dough feels a bit sticky, it will bake up fluffier. Wet your hands to handle sticky dough instead.
Patience with Rising: Waiting for the dough to double makes your rolls lighter and airier, so don’t rush this step.
Even-Shaped Rolls: Roll each piece into smooth balls, tucking the edges underneath. This creates a nice rounded top after baking.
Egg Wash Timing: Brush gently just before baking; too early can cause the wash to dry out and lose that lovely shine.

How to Serve Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe

homemade dinner rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on warm rolls – it cuts through the richness and adds a delicate crunch. Sometimes I add a bit of chopped fresh thyme or rosemary right after baking for a fragrant, herby touch.

Side Dishes

These rolls shine alongside creamy soups like tomato bisque or loaded potato soup. I also love pairing them with roasted chicken, hearty stews, or even pulled pork for a comforting meal. They’re great for sopping up sauces!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a serving platter and tuck sprigs of rosemary in between for a festive look. Adding small bowls of flavored butters—garlic herb, honey cinnamon—makes it extra special and interactive for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they cool, I keep leftover rolls in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days, which is perfect for quick snacks or sandwiches.

Freezing

I usually freeze leftover rolls by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them all in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, I thaw them at room temperature and warm in the oven to bring back that fresh-baked softness.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat rolls is to wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This refreshes that fluffy texture without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It will take a little longer and some elbow grease, but the results are just as delicious. Just knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Why are my rolls not fluffy?

If your rolls aren’t fluffy, it’s likely because the dough didn’t rise enough or too much flour was added making it dense. Make sure to allow the dough to double in size during both rises and resist adding extra flour even if the dough feels slightly sticky.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes! If using active dry yeast, you’ll need to proof it first by dissolving it in the warm water with a pinch of sugar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Then proceed with the recipe as directed.

How do I keep rolls soft the next day?

Store your rolls in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature. Reheat gently in the oven wrapped in foil to bring back softness. Avoid refrigerating as that can dry them out faster.

Final Thoughts

This Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe is one of those kitchen joys that feels like a little gift every time you pull a tray of golden rolls from the oven. It’s comforting, approachable, and endlessly adaptable. I really hope you give this a try soon — because once you do, these rolls will become your go-to for family dinners and special occasions alike!