There's nothing quite like the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked dinner rolls filling your kitchen. These quick and easy dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with rich, buttery flavor—without the long wait. With a shortcut rising method, you’ll have homemade bread on the table in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights, holiday feasts, or any meal that needs a comforting side.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Quick Rise Method – Ready in just 45-50 minutes.
- Soft & Buttery – A melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- No Special Equipment Needed – Easily made by hand or with a stand mixer.
- Versatile – Add herbs, cheese, or garlic for extra flavor.
Ingredients & Their Roles
Essential Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (105-115°F/40-46°C) – Activates the yeast and adds richness. Whole or 2% milk is best.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Feeds the yeast and enhances the flavor.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast – Helps the dough rise quickly.
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, melted – Adds moisture and a rich, buttery taste. (Plus extra for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors and strengthens the dough structure.
- 3 - 3 1/2 cups (375-440g) all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the dough, providing structure.
Optional Additions:
- Fresh herbs – Add chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley for an aromatic twist.
- Garlic butter – Infuse the butter with minced garlic for brushing.
- Cheese topping – Sprinkle Parmesan or cheddar before baking for a cheesy crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. If no foam appears, your yeast may be expired or the milk too hot/cold.
2. Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in the melted butter and salt until well combined.
3. Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon or using a stand mixer with a dough hook. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough
- By Hand: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Using a Mixer: Knead with the dough hook for 5-7 minutes on medium speed.
The dough should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky. If needed, add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
5. Quick First Rise
Lightly grease a bowl and place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 20-30 minutes until slightly puffy. (It won’t double in size like a traditional rise.)
6. Preheat & Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
7. Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough to release some air. Divide into 12-15 equal pieces.
- For classic round rolls, roll each piece into a smooth ball.
- For oblong-shaped rolls, flatten slightly and shape into a small baguette-like log.
Place the rolls into the prepared pan, leaving space between each for expansion.
8. Optional Second Rise
For extra fluffy rolls, cover the pan with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise another 10-15 minutes. (Skip this step if in a hurry.)
9. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
10. Brush with Butter
Immediately after baking, brush with melted butter for a glossy, flavorful finish.
11. Cool & Serve
Let the rolls cool in the pan for a few minutes before serving warm.
Pro Tips for Perfect Dinner Rolls
✔ Check Your Milk Temperature – Too hot will kill the yeast; too cold won’t activate it. Use a thermometer if unsure.
✔ Don't Over-Knead – Overworking the dough can make the rolls dense instead of fluffy.
✔ Adjust for Your Oven – Oven temperatures vary, so check for golden tops around 12 minutes.
✔ Make Ahead – Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate overnight for an even better flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These soft and fluffy dinner rolls pair perfectly with:
- Soups & Stews – Serve with creamy tomato soup or hearty beef stew.
- Holiday Feasts – A must-have for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
- Sliders – Slice open and fill with ham, turkey, or pulled pork.
- Dipping – Enjoy with garlic butter, honey butter, or olive oil & balsamic vinegar.
Final Thoughts
This quick dinner roll recipe is your go-to for fluffy, buttery, homemade bread—without hours of waiting. Whether you're serving a cozy family meal or impressing guests, these easy, foolproof rolls will become a staple at your table. Make them once, and they’ll be your new favorite!
Want more homemade bread recipes? Stay tuned for more quick & easy baking ideas!