Name: Fluffy 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 almost magical about the soft, pillowy texture of a perfectly baked batch of rolls fresh from the oven. That’s exactly what you get with this Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe—they’re irresistibly tender, buttery, and just right for soaking up gravy or butter. I can’t wait to share how you can make these at home with confidence!

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 Dinner Rolls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve been baking these dinner rolls for years and honestly, they always steal the show. What makes this Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe stand out is how soft and airy each bite is, paired with a buttery crust that’s just perfect. Whether you’re making dinner for family or prepping a holiday feast, these rolls never disappoint.

Perfectly Soft Texture: The dough stays slightly tacky, which keeps the rolls unbelievably fluffy—no dry crumb here.
Easy to Follow: Clear, step-by-step instructions make this recipe beginner-friendly and stress-free.
Versatile Use: These rolls are wonderful on their own, with butter, or as a base for sliders and sandwiches.
Reliable Rise: Using instant yeast means you get a great rise without extra hassle or timing worries.

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 Dinner Rolls Recipe plays a special role to build those soft layers and buttery flavor. I find that investing in good quality bread flour and fresh yeast really elevates the final result.

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 gently without killing it—don’t go too hot! Think warm bath temperature.
Warm Milk: Adds richness and moisture, enhancing the tenderness of the crumb.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter enriches the dough and helps keep the rolls soft and flavorful.
Eggs: Adds structure and a beautiful golden color to the crust when baked.
Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and browns the crust for that perfect dinner roll color.
Fine Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
Instant Yeast: Reliable and quick rising, meaning you don’t wait forever for dough to puff up.
Bread Flour: Higher protein content develops strong gluten, creating that ideal chewy yet tender texture.
Egg Wash: Gives the rolls a shiny, golden finish that makes them look irresistible.
Flaky Sea Salt: Optional finishing touch for a little pop of salty crunch on top.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often mix in fresh herbs or swap melted butter for olive oil for a different flavor profile, and each twist is a winner.

Herb-Infused Rolls: Adding chopped rosemary or thyme to the dough gives the rolls an aromatic lift—my family loves these during holiday dinners.
Garlic Butter Finish: After baking, brushing rolls with garlic-infused melted butter makes a delicious, savory twist perfect for pasta nights.
Whole Wheat Variation: Swap half the bread flour for whole wheat for a nuttier taste and chewier texture—adds a nice rustic feel.
Egg-Free Option: You can leave out the eggs, just increase the butter slightly and use a touch more milk. The rolls will still be soft but slightly less rich.

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

Step 1: Mixing the Dough

In a stand mixer bowl, combine lukewarm water, warm milk, melted butter, beaten eggs, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. I like to use warm—not hot—liquid to avoid killing the yeast. Then, stir in 2 cups of bread flour with a wooden spoon until it forms a shaggy dough. This first rough mix helps hydrate the flour before kneading.

Step 2: Kneading to Perfection

Attach the dough hook to your mixer and start on medium-low speed, gradually adding the remaining flour. Once all the flour is incorporated, knead on medium-high for 4 to 5 minutes until the dough feels soft, smooth, and slightly tacky. It’s okay if it’s a little sticky—this is key for those fluffy rolls.

Step 3: First Rise

Spray a large bowl lightly with cooking spray and place your dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for 1 to 1.5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough doubles in size and looks puffy—patience here really pays off in fluffiness.

Step 4: Shaping the Rolls

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter and gently deflate the dough. Divide it into 12 equal pieces using a bench scraper or knife. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by pulling the edges underneath and pinching at the bottom—this technique tightens the surface for beautiful rise.

Step 5: Second Rise & Baking

Arrange the shaped dough balls in your greased pan, leaving a little space between each. Cover loosely and let rise for about an hour or until doubled again. Then, preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush the tops with beaten egg for that gorgeous golden shine, and bake for around 20 minutes. The rolls should be beautifully browned and springy to the touch.

Right after taking them out, brush melted butter over the rolls and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if you like that delightful salty crunch.

Top Tip

From baking dozens of batches, I’ve learned a few tricks to make sure your Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe is foolproof every time.

Sticky Dough Is Good: Resist the urge to add extra flour if the dough feels tacky; this ensures softness – wet hands help when shaping.
Proof Yeast in Warm Liquids: Even with instant yeast, mixing it first with warm water and milk can kick-start the rise faster.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow dough to double fully both times for the best airy texture; temperature affects timing.
Use Egg Wash for Shine: Brushing the rolls before baking not only colors them but improves crust texture beautifully.

How to Serve Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe

Fluffy Dinner Rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing my rolls with a generous brush of melted butter right after they come out of the oven, plus a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. That little salty crunch balances the richness and makes the rolls just a little more special.

Side Dishes

These rolls are a dream alongside hearty soups, roasted chicken, or a big pot roast with gravy. They soak up sauces beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your rolls in a circle or braid before the second rise for stunning presentation—perfect for holiday tables or dinner parties. Tucking shredded cheese or herbs inside the rolls before baking makes for a delightful surprise with every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover rolls in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature. They stay soft for about three days, perfect for snacking or breakfast toast.

Freezing

You can freeze these rolls baked or unbaked. I usually freeze them fully baked and cooled, wrapped tightly in foil and a freezer bag. When I want more, I just thaw overnight and warm them before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a little water on the rolls, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This keeps them moist and fresh-tasting like they just came out of the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this dough by hand without a mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. Use a large bowl to combine ingredients, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It might take a little more arm work but the results are just as good.

What if my dough is too sticky to handle?

Don’t panic if the dough feels sticky—that’s actually key to getting fluffy rolls. Wet your hands lightly with water before shaping the dough balls instead of adding more flour. This prevents the dough from becoming dry and dense.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

You can, but bread flour is preferred because it has higher protein content, which builds gluten for the chewy, airy texture. If all-purpose is your only option, expect a slightly softer structure but still tasty rolls.

How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

Look for a golden brown crust and rolls that spring back gently when touched. You can also tap the bottom—if it sounds hollow, they’re done. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye toward the end.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these rolls have become my go-to whenever I want a warm, comforting bite that feels a little special but isn’t complicated to pull off. I love how accessible this Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe is for all home bakers, and I hope you end up loving them as much as I do. Give them a try next time you want to impress your dinner guests or just treat yourself to something delightful—you won’t regret it!