Name: Irresistible Dinner Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting); 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet); 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F); ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing); 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon fine salt; Nonstick spray or oil for greasing bowl

There's something absolutely magical about pulling a tray of Irresistible Dinner Rolls, golden and steaming, right out of the oven. These ultra-soft, buttery rolls have a delicate, fluffy crumb that melts in your mouth and the perfect touch of sweetness in every bite.

They're the ultimate addition to any holiday table, weeknight dinner, or Sunday supper - trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds. Best of all? You only need a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of love to create these bakery-style rolls at home.

I've perfected this recipe over years of family gatherings, and it never fails to impress. Whether you're a bread-baking pro or it's your very first yeast recipe, these rolls are foolproof, quick to rise, and absolutely addictive!

Irresistible, golden dinner rolls fresh from the oven

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Soft, pillowy texture every single time
Easy, beginner-friendly recipe with simple ingredients
Gloriously buttery flavor and just the right hint of sweetness
Perfect make-ahead side for holidays, potlucks, or weeknights

Key Ingredients for Irresistible Dinner Rolls

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Bread Flour

Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, giving these rolls their signature chewy, fluffy texture. If you don't have bread flour, you can substitute all-purpose flour - just know your rolls might not be quite as airy, but still delicious!

Instant Yeast

Instant yeast gets these rolls rising fast. It's easy to use and doesn't require proofing in water beforehand. Active dry yeast works in a pinch - just let it dissolve in the warm milk for 5 minutes before mixing with other ingredients.

Whole Milk

Whole milk enriches the dough, creating that tender crumb and subtle richness we crave in classic dinner rolls. You can use 2% milk if necessary, but avoid skim for best results. Non-dairy milks (like oat or soy) can work for a dairy-free version, though texture may vary.

Butter

Butter is the magic touch for flavor and softness. Make sure it's melted but not hot when you mix it in. For extra decadence, brush freshly baked rolls with even more butter. If you need a dairy-free substitute, use a vegan butter alternative that melts well.

Sugar

A little sugar feeds the yeast and gives these rolls their irresistible golden color and faintly sweet flavor. If you prefer a less sweet roll, you can reduce the sugar slightly, or swap in honey for a more complex taste.

Irresistible Dinner Rolls cooking process

Instructions for Irresistible Dinner Rolls

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Whisk in the melted butter and egg until well combined. Add bread flour and salt, then stir with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead Until Smooth

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for about 8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky (but not sticky). You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5-6 minutes for extra ease.

First Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl with nonstick spray or oil. Place the dough ball into the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise in a warm spot for 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces (about 2.5 ounces each if you want to be precise!). Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan, spaced evenly.

Second Rise

Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let rolls rise for another 30-40 minutes, until puffy and almost doubled. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake rolls on the center rack for 20-22 minutes, or until tops are deep golden brown and centers sound hollow when tapped. Remove from oven and immediately brush the tops generously with melted butter.

Cool and Serve

Let the rolls cool 10 minutes in the pan before pulling apart. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

Recipe Variations

Make Them Whole Wheat

For a nuttier flavor and a little more fiber, substitute up to half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour. You may need an extra splash of milk if the dough feels stiff.

Dairy-Free Dinner Rolls

Replace the milk with unsweetened oat or soy milk and use a vegan butter substitute. They'll still bake up beautifully soft and fluffy, perfect for anyone avoiding dairy.

Add a Cheesy Twist

Before shaping, knead 1 cup of shredded cheddar, parmesan, or your favorite cheese right into the dough. You'll have rolls with gooey, cheesy pockets inside - totally irresistible!

Herbed Garlic Rolls

Add 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme) and 2 minced garlic cloves to the dough for savory, aromatic rolls. Or brush hot rolls with a mix of melted butter and garlic powder for a simple upgrade.

Mini Slider Buns

Divide the dough into 18 smaller balls for pull-apart slider buns - perfect for mini sandwiches or party platters. Bake for about 16-18 minutes, watching closely.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these Irresistible Dinner Rolls with classic comfort meals like roast chicken, creamy soups, or holiday ham. For extra flair, serve with soft butter sprinkled with flaky salt or a drizzle of honey on the side. They also make the best little buns for leftovers or breakfast sandwiches!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or microwave briefly with a damp paper towel for that fresh-baked feel. Rolls freeze beautifully: wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw and rewarm as above.

Frequently Asked Questions About Irresistible Dinner Rolls (FAQ)

Q: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Shape the rolls and refrigerate them (covered) overnight after the first rise. Let them come to room temp and rise until puffy, then bake as directed.

Q: Do I have to use bread flour?

A: Bread flour gives the best texture, but all-purpose flour will work too. The rolls may be a touch less chewy, but still super soft and delicious.

Q: Can I freeze the dough before baking?

A: Yes! Freeze shaped, unbaked rolls on a tray, then store in a bag once frozen. When ready to bake, thaw, rise until puffy, and bake as usual.

These Irresistible Dinner Rolls truly live up to their name - so soft, pillowy, and loaded with buttery flavor. Don't be surprised if you find yourself making them again and again! If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments below and leave a rating - I love hearing how your rolls turned out.

★★★★★ 4.80 from 164 ratings