Homemade Golden Dinner Rolls

Featured in: Sweet Bakes & Treats

These golden dinner rolls offer a soft, fluffy texture with a beautifully tender crumb. Made with warm milk, melted butter, and yeast, the dough is kneaded until smooth and allowed to rise twice for lightness. Brushed with butter before and after baking, they achieve a rich, golden crust. Their buttery aroma and tender bite make them an ideal side to complement any meal.

Simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and a touch of salt balance flavor while the gentle baking produces warm, inviting rolls perfect for sharing. Optional herbs add an aromatic touch, and substitutions for dairy make them versatile for different diets.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 13:59:00 GMT
Golden Homemade Dinner Rolls, freshly baked with a glistening, buttery top, ready to serve. Save
Golden Homemade Dinner Rolls, freshly baked with a glistening, buttery top, ready to serve. | pixelforks.com

Soft, fluffy, and beautifully golden, these classic dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. Their tender crumb and buttery flavor make them irresistible fresh from the oven.

These rolls have been a family favorite since I started baking them. The smell that fills the house is simply unforgettable.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 3 1/4 cups (400 g) all-purpose flour
  • Dough: 2 1/4 tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
  • Dough: 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • Dough: 1 tsp (6 g) salt
  • Dough: 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F/43°C
  • Dough: 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • Dough: 1 large egg, room temperature
  • For Brushing: 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

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Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
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Step 1:
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2:
Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix to combine.
Step 3:
Gradually add flour, stirring with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a soft dough forms.
Step 4:
Knead on a floured surface (or with a mixer) for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 5:
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 6:
Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
Step 7:
Arrange balls in a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.
Step 8:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 9:
Brush rolls with melted butter.
Step 10:
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 11:
Remove from oven and brush again with remaining butter. Let cool slightly before serving.
Product image
Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon
Save
| pixelforks.com

Baking these rolls always brings my family together for a cozy meal filled with warmth and laughter.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook, measuring cups and spoons, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, pastry brush, kitchen towel

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and egg. For allergy concerns, verify labels on all ingredients and substitute as needed for dairy- or egg-free diets.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 180, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 27 g, Protein 4 g.

Fluffy Homemade Golden Dinner Rolls, a warm and inviting image of delicious, golden-brown bread. Save
Fluffy Homemade Golden Dinner Rolls, a warm and inviting image of delicious, golden-brown bread. | pixelforks.com
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Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
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These golden dinner rolls are sure to become your new go-to side for every meal.

Recipe FAQ

What makes these rolls soft and fluffy?

Using warm milk and active dry yeast encourages the dough to rise well, while kneading develops gluten for elasticity, resulting in a tender, fluffy texture.

Can I add herbs for extra flavor?

Yes, incorporating dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough enhances the aroma and adds subtle savory notes.

How do I achieve the golden crust on these rolls?

Brushing melted butter on the dough before and after baking helps develop a rich golden crust and adds extra moisture and flavor.

Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute whole milk with plant-based milk and replace butter with vegan margarine for a dairy-free alternative.

How long should the dough rise for best results?

The dough should rise twice—first for about an hour until doubled in size, then again for 30–40 minutes after shaping—ensuring light and airy rolls.

Homemade Golden Dinner Rolls

Fluffy, tender dinner rolls with a golden crust and rich buttery flavor, ideal fresh from the oven.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Recipe by Ethan Bell


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

What You Need

Dough

01 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
03 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
06 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
07 1 large egg, room temperature

For Brushing

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

How-to Steps

Step 01

Activate Yeast: Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl; let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

Step 02

Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture; stir to combine.

Step 03

Form Dough: Gradually add flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a soft dough forms.

Step 04

Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface or with a mixer for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 05

First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Step 06

Shape Rolls: Punch down the dough, divide into 12 equal pieces, and shape each into a smooth ball.

Step 07

Second Rise: Arrange dough balls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.

Step 08

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 09

Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter before baking.

Step 10

Bake Rolls: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 11

Final Butter Brush: Remove from oven and brush rolls again with melted butter; let cool slightly before serving.

Gear Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Pastry brush
  • Kitchen towel

Allergy Details

Go over each item for allergens and speak with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and egg

Nutrition Details (each serving)

This data is for your info and isn't meant as health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fats: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 27 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams