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 for brushing; Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

There’s nothing quite like the warm, pillowy softness of a really good roll fresh out of the oven, is there? This Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe is just that — irresistibly soft, tender, and buttery rolls that practically melt in your mouth. Once you nail this recipe, your family dinners will never be the same!

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

This Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen because it combines a few simple ingredients to create the softest, most tender rolls I’ve ever had. It’s perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts, and honestly, it’s fun to make!

Unmatched Softness: These rolls come out tender and fluffy without being dense or heavy.
Easy-to-Follow Method: Step-by-step instructions that even beginners can handle with ease.
Customizable: You can tailor the dough by adding herbs or cheese to suit your meal.
Perfectly Buttery: A generous brush of melted butter finishes each roll to golden perfection with a sprinkle of flaky salt.

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

What I love about this recipe is how each ingredient plays a crucial role in giving you those melt-in-your-mouth rolls. Using bread flour here is key because it provides the right structure, and the milk and butter enrich the dough so it’s soft yet stable.

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—temperature matters!
Warm Milk: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough thanks to its fats and sugars.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter goes into the dough for moisture and flavor; extra butter is perfect for greasing and finishing.
Eggs: Lightly beaten, they enrich the dough, add structure, and contribute to that lovely golden color.
Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps the rolls brown nicely.
Fine Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and strengthens gluten for perfect texture.
Instant Yeast: No proofing needed (though optional); it leavens your dough for that prized fluffiness.
Bread Flour: Provides more protein than all-purpose flour, helping those perfect chewy-soft rolls develop.
Egg Wash: Brushed on before baking for a glossy, golden finish.
Flaky Sea Salt: Added at the end for a subtle burst of flavor and texture.

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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 the best parts of this Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to add your spin. I often sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for an herby twist, or sometimes fold in shredded cheddar before shaping for cheesy rolls.

Herb Variation: Adding herbs makes these rolls pair beautifully with soups and roasted meats. I’ve tried dill and it’s fantastic!
Cheese Boost: Mix in your favorite cheese for a rich and gooey surprise inside.
Sweet Touch: For a sweeter roll, swirl in cinnamon sugar or brush extra honey butter after baking.
Gluten-Free Twist: I haven’t tried a gluten-free version myself, but using a high-quality gluten-free flour mix might work with some trial.

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

Step 1: Mix the Liquid Ingredients

Start by combining lukewarm water, warm milk, melted butter, lightly beaten eggs, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in your stand mixer bowl. Make sure the liquids are in that perfect 100 to 110°F range—that’s the sweet spot to wake up the yeast without overheating it. If your kitchen is chilly, this might take a minute, but patience here is key to fluffy rolls later!

Step 2: Add Flour and Begin Kneading

Next, stir in 2 cups of bread flour with a spoon until you get a shaggy mass. Switch to the dough hook and mix on medium-low, gradually adding the remaining flour. Keep kneading for about 4 to 5 minutes on medium-high speed until the dough becomes soft, smooth, and slightly tacky, but never sticky. If it sticks, wet your hands with water to handle it without adding extra flour.

Step 3: First Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, covering it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise at room temperature for 1 to 1.5 hours, until it’s puffy and roughly doubled in size. Watching the dough slowly expand is such a rewarding part of this recipe—it’s like magic right before your eyes.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

Butter your baking pan well to keep those rolls from sticking, then gently deflate the dough. Using a bench scraper or knife, cut it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a neat ball and place it in the pan. Cover loosely and let the rolls rise again for about an hour until they double in size and look soft and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush the tops of the rolls with beaten egg for that gorgeous golden color. Bake for around 20 minutes or until beautifully golden. While still warm, brush with melted butter and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. Serve them warm for that comforting, buttery goodness.

Top Tip

After making these rolls more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tips that really help get that ideal fluffiness and flavor every single time.

Perfect Liquid Temperature: Always double-check your water and milk temps with a kitchen thermometer—it makes a huge difference in yeast activity.
Don’t Over-Flour: The dough is a bit sticky—that’s exactly what you want. Resist adding extra flour or your rolls will turn out dense.
Gentle Handling: When shaping rolls, be soft but precise. Rolling dough into tight balls helps develop a nice crust and even texture.
Brush While Warm: Don’t skip brushing melted butter as soon as the rolls come out of the oven; it locks in moisture and adds shine.

How to Serve Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe

Fluffy Dinner Rolls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to keep it simple with a sprinkling of crunchy flaky sea salt and a brush of melted butter. Sometimes I’ll toss on a little fresh chopped parsley for color. For a cozy dinner, garlic butter spread on warm rolls is a perfect upgrade.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with hearty stews, roasted chicken, or a big bowl of soup. Around the holidays, I serve them alongside mashed potatoes and green beans, making the meal feel extra special and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive brunch or holiday gathering, arrange these rolls in a wreath shape on a large platter, brushing butter as you go. You can tuck small rosemary sprigs or cranberries between them for a beautiful centerpiece. Trust me—your guests will be impressed before they even take a bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover rolls in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. I recommend warming them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving to refresh their soft texture.

Freezing

I often freeze half the batch by wrapping individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully and thaw quickly, perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat frozen rolls, defrost at room temperature for an hour, then warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. If you brush a little butter on top before warming, it revives that fresh-baked aroma and softness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

You can, but bread flour has a higher protein content which helps develop more gluten, providing better structure and chewiness. Using all-purpose flour might result in rolls that are softer but less elastic and fluffy. If you only have all-purpose flour, try adding an extra tablespoon of flour and handle the dough gently.

Do I need to proof the yeast?

Because this recipe uses instant yeast, it doesn’t require proofing. However, if you’d like to make sure your yeast is active, combine it with the warm water and milk and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy before adding other ingredients.

My rolls are tough instead of fluffy. What went wrong?

This usually happens when too much flour is added, or the dough is over-kneaded. Keep the dough slightly tacky but manageable, and knead just until smooth. Also, ensure your yeast is fresh and the dough rises fully to get those soft, fluffy rolls.

Can I make the dough in a bread machine?

Yes! Add the ingredients in the order recommended by your machine’s manufacturer and use the dough cycle. After the machine finishes, shape the rolls and follow the rises and baking instructions as usual.

Final Thoughts

This Fluffy Dinner Rolls Recipe is one of those kitchen victories that stick with you because it’s just so rewarding—soft, fluffy, buttery rolls that everyone loves. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at yeast dough for the first time, this recipe guides you clearly and simply. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these as much as I do.