Imagine pulling fresh, golden-brown dinner rolls straight from the oven, with a crisp exterior and soft, pillowy inside that melts in your mouth. These Simple and Quick Dinner Rolls are about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen - perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu dinner parties, or when you simply crave that irresistible homemade bread aroma. No fancy baking skills required, just a few basic ingredients and 30 minutes stand between you and bread heaven!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) of instant yeast, and 1/2 tsp of salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of warm water, 1/4 cup of milk, and 2 tbsp of sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. The water should be warm to the touch but not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
- Pour the warm liquid mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add 2 tbsp of melted butter to the mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together.
- Once the dough is combined, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 10 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
- Place the dough balls on a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll. Cover them lightly with a towel and let them rise for another 10 minutes.
- While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the rolls have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Serve warm, optionally brushing the tops with a little melted butter for extra flavor.
Tips
- Water Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is warm (around 110°F), not hot. Too hot water will kill the yeast, preventing your rolls from rising.
- Kneading Technique: Don't skip the 5-minute kneading process. This develops gluten and gives your rolls that perfect texture.
- Rising Environment: Find a warm, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. Near a preheating oven or in a slightly warm room works perfectly.
- Even Sizing: Use a kitchen scale or divide the dough carefully to ensure all rolls are uniform in size for consistent baking.
- Butter Brush: For a bakery-style finish, brush the tops with melted butter immediately after baking for a golden, glossy appearance.
- Storage Tip: These rolls are best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore their fresh-baked texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 106kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg