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Soft Dinner Rolls
Pillowy soft on the inside with a beautiful golden crust, these homemade rolls will steal the show at your next meal. You'll build a simple yeast dough enriched with warm milk and butter, creating an incredibly tender crumb that pulls apart beautifully. Brushing the tops with melted butter right before baking gives them a rich, savory finish. They're the exact comforting side you need for soaking up hearty soups or serving alongside roasted meats.
Equipment
- Oven
- Hand Mixer
- Cake Pan
Ingredients
- 3½ to 3¾ cups all-purpose or bread flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 package regular active or fast-acting dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
- ½ cup very warm water (120°F to 130°F)
- ½ cup very warm milk (120°F to 130°F)
- 1 egg
Instructions
- 1Combine 2 cups of the flour, sugar, softened butter, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Pour in the warm water, warm milk, and the egg.
- 2Blend the mixture with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Increase the speed to medium and beat for another minute.
- 3Gradually stir in the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough becomes easy to handle.
- 4Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until it feels smooth and springy. Proper kneading develops the gluten, ensuring the rolls stay fluffy rather than dense.
- 5Place the dough inside a lightly greased large bowl, turning it over once to coat all sides. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- 6Test the dough by pressing two fingers into it gently. If the indentation remains, it's ready to shape.
- 7Coat a 13x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray or shortening. Gently punch the dough down to deflate it.
- 8Divide the dough into 15 equal portions, shape each into a smooth ball, and arrange them in the prepared pan. Brush the tops with melted butter. This keeps the crust soft and adds rich flavor as they bake.
- 9Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm area for another 30 minutes until they double in size again.
- 10Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls for 12 to 15 minutes until the tops turn golden brown, then let them cool slightly in the pan before serving.
Notes
- Temperature check: Make sure your milk and water are between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Liquids that are too hot will kill the yeast, while liquids that are too cold won't activate it.
- Storage: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm leftover rolls in a 300 degree Fahrenheit oven for 5 minutes, or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds until soft.
- Make ahead: You can let the shaped rolls do their second rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring them to room temperature for about an hour before baking.