Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls in Just 90 Minutes

Name: Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls in Just 90 Minutes
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 packet active dry yeast; 1 1/2 cups warm water; 2 tbsp melted butter

Author: lia

Published: November 9, 2025

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There’s nothing like the smell of warm homemade bread filling your kitchen – it’s pure comfort wrapped in golden-brown deliciousness. These homemade dinner rolls have been my go-to recipe for years, perfected through countless Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings. Trust me, once you taste how light and fluffy these turn out, you’ll never go back to store-bought rolls again.

What makes these special? It’s all in the technique. After testing dozens of versions, I’ve nailed down the perfect balance of ingredients and timing to create rolls that practically melt in your mouth. The secret’s in letting the dough rise just right – not too fast, not too slow – until it turns into pillowy clouds of dough ready for the oven.

I still remember baking my first successful batch at 16 (after several not-so-successful attempts). My family devoured them before they even cooled! Now these rolls star at every family meal, from casual weeknight dinners to Thanksgiving feasts. Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary – that’s the magic of homemade bread.

Homemade Dinner Rolls - detail 1

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Dinner Rolls

These rolls check every box for the perfect homemade bread – here’s why they’ve become my family’s favorite:

Cloud-soft texture that stays moist for days (if they last that long!)
Simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now
Versatile – equally perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts
Beginner-friendly – no fancy techniques required
That unbeatable homemade taste that makes everyone ask for seconds

The best part? Watching people’s faces light up when they tear into their first warm, buttery roll fresh from the oven. Pure happiness!

Ingredients for Homemade Dinner Rolls

You’ll be amazed how just a few simple ingredients come together to create these heavenly rolls. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled – don’t pack it!)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (this feeds the yeast)
1 teaspoon fine salt (I use sea salt for better flavor)
1 packet active dry yeast (that’s 2 1/4 teaspoons if you’re using bulk yeast)
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F – think warm bath water, not hot!)
2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for brushing)

See? Nothing fancy – just pantry staples that transform into something magical. I always use real butter (never margarine) for the best flavor. And that warm water temperature? Crucial. Too hot kills the yeast, too cold won’t wake it up properly. A kitchen thermometer is your friend here!

Equipment Needed for Homemade Dinner Rolls

You don’t need fancy gadgets to make amazing rolls – just these kitchen basics:

Large mixing bowl (I prefer glass so I can watch the dough rise)
Measuring cups and spoons (for those perfect proportions)
Baking sheet (lined with parchment for easy cleanup)
Clean kitchen towel (to cover the dough while it rises)
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon (for mixing without a mess)

That’s it! No stand mixer required – though you can use one if you prefer. I actually enjoy kneading by hand – it’s therapeutic!

How to Make Homemade Dinner Rolls

Now for the fun part – turning those simple ingredients into golden, pillowy rolls! Follow these steps carefully and you’ll have bakery-quality bread right from your oven. I promise it’s easier than you think!

Mixing the Dough

First, whisk together your flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a big bowl. Make sure everything’s evenly distributed – no clumps of yeast hiding in the corners! Then pour in that warm water and melted butter. The mixture will look shaggy at first – that’s perfect. Keep stirring until it comes together into a rough dough ball. It should be slightly sticky but hold its shape. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it feels right.

Kneading and First Rise

Here’s where the magic starts! Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. Push with the heel of your hand, fold, turn, repeat. You’ll feel it transform from sticky to smooth and elastic. When it springs back slowly when poked, it’s ready. Pop it back in the bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. I like to turn my oven light on and let it rise there – the gentle warmth is perfect.

Shaping and Second Rise

After an hour, your dough should be doubled in size – exciting! Punch it down (so satisfying) and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into smooth balls between your palms – think golf ball size. Arrange them on your baking sheet about an inch apart so they can cuddle as they rise again. Cover and let them puff up for another 30 minutes. They won’t quite double this time, but they’ll get beautifully plump.

Baking Homemade Dinner Rolls

Time for the grand finale! Preheat your oven to 375°F (no peeking at the rising rolls while it heats). Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top. The rolls should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. The moment they come out, brush them with melted butter – this gives them that gorgeous shine and extra flavor. Resist eating them immediately (okay, maybe just one) – they’re hottest about 5 minutes out of the oven.

Homemade Dinner Rolls - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Homemade Dinner Rolls

After years of trial and error (and many batches of rolls), I’ve gathered all my best tricks to guarantee perfect results every time:

Yeast check: If your water’s the right temp but dough isn’t rising, your yeast might be old. Test it first by mixing with warm water and sugar – it should foam within 5 minutes.
Flour wisely: Add just enough flour to handle the dough – too much makes dense rolls. The dough should be slightly tacky but not stick to clean fingers.
Butter magic: That post-bake butter brushing isn’t just for looks – it keeps crusts soft and adds incredible flavor. Use salted butter for extra yum!
Rise right: If your kitchen’s chilly, let dough rise in the oven with just the light on – the gentle warmth helps yeast work its magic.
Storage secret: Keep leftover rolls in a paper bag – plastic makes them soggy. Reheat for 10 seconds in the microwave to revive that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Serving Suggestions for Homemade Dinner Rolls

Oh, where don’t these rolls belong? Honestly, I’ve served them with everything from Tuesday night spaghetti to Christmas dinner – they’re that versatile. My absolute favorite? Tearing open a warm roll to soak up the last bits of homemade soup or stew. Pure comfort!

For holidays, I’ll shape them into cloverleaf rolls – just divide each ball into three smaller pieces before the second rise. They look fancy but take seconds to make. Sunday roast chicken? These rolls make the perfect vehicle for mopping up gravy. Breakfast? Slice them open, toast lightly, and slather with jam – you’re welcome!

Storing and Reheating Homemade Dinner Rolls

Let’s be real – these rolls rarely last long enough to store! But when they do (miracle of miracles), here’s how to keep them tasting fresh. At room temperature, tuck them into a paper bag or bread box for 2-3 days – plastic traps moisture and makes them soggy. For longer storage, freeze them in airtight bags up to 3 months.

Reheating is simple magic: Wrap frozen rolls in foil and warm at 350°F for 10 minutes. For quick single servings? A 10-second microwave zap revives that just-baked softness. Pro tip: Brush with butter after reheating for that irresistible fresh-from-the-oven taste!

Homemade Dinner Rolls FAQs

Over the years, I’ve gotten all sorts of questions about these rolls – here are the ones that pop up most often with my tried-and-true answers:

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Absolutely! Instant yeast works fine – just mix it right in with the dry ingredients. You might notice a slightly faster rise, so keep an eye on your dough.

Why did my rolls turn out dense?
Usually this means either over-flouring your dough or not letting it rise properly. Next time, resist adding too much extra flour during kneading – a slightly sticky dough makes the lightest rolls. And check that your yeast is fresh!

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
You bet! Double everything except the yeast – use just 1 1/2 packets (about 3 1/4 tsp). The dough will be stickier at first, but resist over-flouring. You might need to extend the rise times by 15-20 minutes.

What’s the best way to add herbs or cheese?
I love tossing in a tablespoon of dried herbs or 1/2 cup shredded cheese during the initial mixing. For garlic rolls, brush with garlic butter right after baking. Get creative!

Nutritional Information for Homemade Dinner Rolls

While I’m all about flavor over counting calories, I know some folks like to keep track. Here’s the approximate nutrition per roll (based on standard ingredients): 150 calories, 27g carbs, 4g protein, 3g fat. But remember – nutrition can vary depending on your specific flour brand, butter type, or if you go wild with that post-bake butter brushing (no judgment here!).

Share Your Homemade Dinner Rolls

I’d love to hear how your rolls turned out! Leave a note below telling me about your baking adventure – did your family gobble them up like mine always does? You can find more delicious recipes on our Pinterest page.