These easy dinner rolls can be made in just 30 minutes from start to finish! They’re so soft and tender, and hold their shape very well.
This is the only dinner roll recipe that you will ever need! It’s really simple to make, and the rolls taste amazing just like the 2-3 hour dinner rolls that you have no time to make.
Looking for more homemade bread recipes? Try my Texas Roadhouse Rolls, or these delicious Homemade Breadsticks.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these easy dinner rolls
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
- Yeast: If using instant/rapid yeast, then just mix with the ingredients and work with the dough. If using dry yeast, mix it with warm water and sugar and wait for it to bubble and activate.
- Flour: Either use all-purpose flour or bread flour. I tested the recipe with both, and both options worked well.
- Sugar: Sugar activates the yeast and adds the perfect amount of sweetness to these rolls.
- Salt: Fine salt or table salt will do, this is added to flavor the rolls.
How To Make Dinner Rolls
- Combine yeast with water and sugar. Give it a quick stir, and let it stand for 5 minutes to bubble and activate the yeast (this step is not necessary if using instant yeast).
- Knead. In a bowl of a stand mixer, or in a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with oil, egg, flour, and salt. Knead using a stand mixer with a dough hook, or by hand, until you get a smooth and tacky dough ball.
- Divide. On a lightly oiled surface, divide the dough into 9 balls (around 2oz/60g each).
- Rise. Lightly grease a 9-inch oven-proof ceramic baking dish (or a quarter baking sheet). And place the dough balls about half-inch apart. Cover with a towel or plastic/saran wrap and allow them to rise for at least 15 minutes. When I’m in a rush, I just let them rest for 15 minutes but if I have more time I let them rest for more until they double in size.
- Bake. Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C. Remove the plastic wrap, and you can either bake the dinner rolls for 12-15 minutes without brushing them with anything (and brush the melted butter after they’re baked and still warm). Or brush them with milk, egg wash, or butter before baking.
Tip!
Brush the rolls with melted unsalted butter while they are still warm. This way the butter seeps in and makes them super yummy!
Storing Tips
Store the dinner rolls in a Ziploc bag at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze very well for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Yes! The bread machine can knead the dough for you. Add all of the ingredients in the order listed, and select the dough setting. Remove the dough when it’s finished kneading, divide into rolls, and continue with the recipe.
Test your instant yeast and make sure that it’s still active. Sprinkle some yeast and a pinch of sugar over a bowl of warm water. Give it a stir and let it sit for a few minutes. If the mixture bubbles and the yeast dissolves completely into the water, it’s good! If not, toss it and buy a new one.
I hope that you love this recipe as much as I do! I know that you’ll keep making it for dinner every week! Pin this recipe so everyone can enjoy it.
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dry or rapid rise instant yeast
- 1 cup lukewarm water 110-115°F (43-46°C)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup oil vegetable, corn, or sunflower
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 large egg
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Combine yeast with water and sugar. Give it a quick stir, and let it stand for 5 minutes to bubble (this is not necessary if using instant yeast).
- In a bowl of a stand mixer, or in a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with oil, egg, flour, and salt. Knead using a stand mixer with a dough hook, or by hand, until you get a smooth and tacky dough ball.
- On a lightly oiled surface, divide the dough into 9 balls (around 2oz/60g each).
- Lightly grease an oven-proof ceramic baking dish (or a quarter baking sheet). And place the dough balls about half-inch apart. Cover with a towel or plastic/saran wrap and allow them to rise for at least 15 minutes. When I’m in a rush, I just let them rest for 15 minutes but if I have more time I let them rest for more until they double in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C.
- Remove the plastic wrap, and you can either bake the dinner rolls for 12-15 minutes without brushing them with anything (and brush the melted butter after they're baked and still warm). Or brush them with milk, egg wash, or butter before baking.
Notes:
- Brush the rolls with melted unsalted butter while they are still warm. This way the butter seeps in and makes them super yummy!
- Store the dinner rolls in a Ziploc bag at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze very well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
Patrick Winter says
First time making rolls and this is right up my alley. I love to cook but baking is not my forte. lol. Is it possible to let these rise too much? I was thinking about making them about an hour or two before dinner. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Little Sunny Kitchen says
They will continue to rise if left at room temperature. You can transfer the rolls to the fridge before baking to stop the rising process though. Enjoy!
Raheemah hatun says
yummy 🤤 and helpful tnx for sharing your talent
Little Sunny Kitchen says
You’re very welcome, and thank you for leaving a review and a comment!
Ty says
This recipe was a hit! Followed the instructions and they came out better than I expected. Be careful if you make these because you won’t be able to stop eating them!
Little Sunny Kitchen says
Thanks Ty! So glad to hear that you enjoyed the rolls!