Easy Dinner Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a warm, soft, and fluffy texture that perfectly complements a variety of dishes. These rolls, known for their simplicity and quick preparation time, begin with basic ingredients like all-purpose flour, which forms the backbone of the dough. Yeast is a crucial component, typically active dry yeast, which is responsible for the rise and airy texture of the rolls. Warm water and milk are used to activate the yeast, and sugar is added both for a hint of sweetness and to feed the yeast.
The dough also includes a small amount of salt for flavor, and often a bit of butter or oil to add richness and ensure a tender crumb. Once the ingredients are combined, the dough is kneaded until smooth and elastic. This process develops the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure.
After kneading, the dough is left to rise in a warm place. This first rise, or proofing, allows the yeast to ferment, causing the dough to double in size and develop flavor. The dough is then shaped into individual rolls, which are usually placed close together in a baking dish or tray. This proximity helps the rolls to rise upwards rather than spread outwards during the second rise, leading to a soft, pull-apart texture.
Before baking, the rolls are often brushed with a mixture of melted butter, which contributes to their golden-brown, glossy finish and adds an extra layer of flavor. The baking time is relatively short, ensuring that the rolls stay soft and moist inside, with just the right amount of crust on the outside.
Easy Dinner Rolls are versatile and can be adapted with various additions like herbs, cheeses, or seeds to match different cuisines and meals. When served, they’re often enjoyed warm, with their steamy, fluffy interior making them irresistible, especially when slathered with butter, jam, or used to mop up sauces and gravies. Their ease of preparation and comforting taste make them a favorite for both everyday dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (187.5 ml) water
- ¾ cup (183 ml) milk
- 4 tablespoons (56.7 g) butter , softened
- ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon (8.5 g) salt
- 3 ¾- 4 cups (468.75 – 500 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 – 3 teaspoons (7 -10 grams) rapid rise yeast (See notes 4)
Topping
- Melted butter
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 baking pan with baking spray or oil. Set aside.
- Combine warm water, milk, with the butter pieces, sugar, salt and microwave for about a minute. Stir until everything is melted. Add to a standing mixer.
- Add about 3 ½ cups of flour, together with the yeast and mix for at medium speed, using a paddle hook. Add in enough additional flour (if needed) to make soft dough. You want the dough to be slightly stick.
- Switch with hook dough and mix for about 6-8 minutes.
- If mixing by hand, turn dough into floured board and mix , for about 6-8 minutes
- Next divide dough into 15 pieces and roll to form balls. For even balls you might want to use a scale to measure evenly.
- Place dough into 9 x 13 greased pan.
- Cover with a clean cloth and let rise in a warm place (see notes ) for about 20 minutes or until doubled.
- Bake rolls in at 350 Degrees F. oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove rolls from oven and immediately brush with melted butter.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
