Imagine pulling a batch of warm, golden-brown dinner rolls from the oven, their soft and fluffy texture beckoning you to take a bite. These "Perfect Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls" are not just any rolls; they are the ultimate comfort food that can elevate any meal, from family dinners to holiday feasts. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create these mouthwatering rolls that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to impress your guests and fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread? Let’s dive into this easy recipe that promises delicious results every time!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 3 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons), 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of warm milk (about 110°F), 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1 egg.
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture along with the melted butter and the egg. Using a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer, mix the ingredients until they come together to form a dough.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
- Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges under and rolling it gently in your hands.
- Place the dough balls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them to allow for further rising. Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising. This will ensure the oven is hot and ready for baking.
- Once the rolls have risen, you can optionally brush the tops with a little melted butter for extra flavor and shine. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your perfect soft and fluffy dinner rolls warm or at room temperature!
Tips
- Activate Your Yeast: Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, as temperatures above 120°F can kill the yeast. A good test is to ensure it feels comfortably warm to the touch.
- Knead for the Right Texture: Kneading the dough is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the rolls their soft and fluffy texture. If you're using a stand mixer, keep an eye on the dough; it should be smooth and elastic after about 5 minutes of mixing.
- Perfect Rising Conditions: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, you can turn on the oven for a few minutes, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside with the oven light on.
- Don’t Skip the Second Rise: Allowing the shaped rolls to rise again before baking is key to achieving that light, airy quality. Be patient; the extra 30 minutes makes a big difference!
- Brush with Butter: For a beautiful golden crust, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter right before baking. This adds flavor and gives them a lovely shine.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the rolls cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their structure and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag, and reheat them in the oven when you're ready to enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
