Imagine walking into your home, greeted by the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked dinner rolls that melt in your mouth. These Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls are not just a side dish; they are a delightful addition to any meal that will leave your family and guests begging for more! With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a batch of 12 golden-brown rolls that are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious. Whether it's a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a simple weeknight meal, these rolls will elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. Ready to impress? Let's dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the well in the flour mixture. Add the melted butter to the bowl as well.
- Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients together until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add a little more flour until it is manageable.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 15 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.
- Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, placing them close together. Cover the dish with a towel and let them rise again for about 10 minutes.
- While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the rolls have puffed up slightly, place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and brush the tops with additional melted butter, if desired. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- Perfect Yeast Activation: Ensure your warm water is around 110°F (43°C) for optimal yeast activation. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself. This method develops the gluten, giving your rolls that perfect fluffy texture.
- Warm Rising Environment: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can turn your oven on for a minute or two, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside.
- Don’t Rush the Second Rise: Allowing the shaped rolls to rise again for about 10 minutes ensures they puff up beautifully in the oven. Patience here pays off with light and airy rolls!
- Brush with Butter: For an extra touch of flavor, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter right after they come out of the oven. This not only adds richness but also gives them a gorgeous shine.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just reheat in the oven when you're ready to enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
