Easy Yeast Dinner Rolls Recipe

These homemade yeast dinner rolls are made with just a handful of simple ingredients and are completely irresistible. They’re fluffy, buttery, and pillowy soft, and they make the BEST dinner rolls and part of any meal!

I used to be so intimidated by making anything with yeast. And while I’ll admit that I’m still not an expert, I’m grateful to say that I can make a batch of dinner rolls.

This easy dinner roll recipe is a must for your recipe box. They’re soft and buttery delicious. Plus, these fluffy rolls are versatile enough to add the perfect addition to each and every meal!

You’ll definitely want to make these yeast dinner rolls to go with Pan-Fried Cajun Blackened Catfish or my Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs!

The absolute best thing about these homemade rolls is that they’re perfect any time of day – enjoy them for sliders, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and more!

If you want more simple and easy bread recipes, try my Pretzel Bread Rolls or Air Fryer Cheese Bread.

Ingredients Needed For Easy Yeast Dinner Rolls Recipe

Believe it or not, you don’t need complicated ingredients to make the best homemade dinner rolls! You’ll just need these pantry staples:

• Active Dry Yeast – look for instant yeast or rapid-rise yeast
• Butter – softened
• Egg
• Warm water – shoot for 105 – 115 degrees (use a meat or candy thermometer to check)
• Bread Flour – or all-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Salt
• Salted Butter – melted, for brushing

NOTE: Please refer to the handy printable recipe card at the bottom of the post for full recipe details.

How to Make Easy Yeast Dinner Rolls

Step 1 – Prepare the Yeast

Mix water and yeast in a small mixing bowl and allow to proof for 5-10 minutes.

Step 2 – Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, mix butter, egg, flour, sugar, and salt.

Add the mixture to the activated yeast mixture. Mix again.

Step 3 – Knead the Dough

Place dough on a lightly floured surface.

Knead the dough for approximately 5 minutes until the ball is soft and round.

Step 4 – Make Dough Balls

Divide dough into 16 even pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Set to the side.

Pinch the bottom of the dough ball to ensure that it stays together. (See process picture)

Step 5 – Rise the Dough

Place the dough balls in a baking dish. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for 30 minutes.

Step 6 – Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven while the rolls are rising.

Step 7 – Bake Your Yeast Rolls

Once the rolls have risen, transfer them pinch-side down to a greased cookie sheet.

Bake until golden brown, approximately 12 – 15 minutes.

Step 8 – Brush Rolls With Butter

Remove from the oven and brush your soft dinner rolls with melted butter.

Easy Fluffy Dinner Rolls Notes And Expert Tips

• Check the expiration date on your yeast before using it. If it’s expired, buy new yeast, or your rolls will likely be flat instead of that fluffy texture you want.

• Water temperature is very important for activating the yeast without killing it! In fact, this is where most people go wrong when working with yeast. You want the water to be between 105 and 115 degrees. Too cold won’t activate it well, and too hot will kill the yeast.

• One packet of active yeast contains about 2.25 tsp of yeast. I tend to use bulk yeast and use a little more, but a packet should work if that’s what you have.

• Use a mixer with a dough hook or your hands to knead the dough, whatever your preference.

• Tip: Set a timer while the rolls are rising so you won’t forget to check their progress if you get busy with other things (like me!).

• Be sure to measure the flour accurately. If you add too much flour, the rolls will not be soft and fluffy.

• Make sure the size of the rolls is as uniform as possible to ensure even baking.

• If your rolls start to turn too brown before they are finished baking, cover them with foil to prevent additional browning.

How To Serve Easy Yeast Dinner Rolls

Toppings – Spread on a little butter, then add some homemade jelly such as our Dandelion Jelly or Apple Mint Jelly.

Side Dish – Serve with a main meal such as our Easy Bang Bang Salmon or Chicken Tortilla Soup! They’re also perfect for holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving dinner, or Christmas dinner!

Variations Of Easy Buttery Dinner Rolls To Try

• Be creative! Shape your dinner rolls into cloverleaf, crescent, or knotted rolls.

• Add in some herbs such as rosemary or thyme for delicious herbed rolls.

• Sprinkle in some shredded cheddar cheese before baking. Mmmmm!!!

Make It Gluten-Free 

You should be able to replace the regular bread flour with a gluten-free alternative to make these buttery rolls gluten-free. In full disclosure, I have not tried it with this recipe specifically, but I have had great results when using King Arthur gluten-free products!

Make it Dairy-Free

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter for a plant or vegan butter. You can also use shortening as well.

Instead of using salted butter to brush the top of the rolls, you can also use egg white for a beautifully browned yeast roll.

Easy Yeast Dinner Rolls Storage

Allow rolls to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This will prevent the rolls from getting moist and soggy. Place rolls in a storage bag or airtight container and store at room temperature for 4 – 5 days or in the refrigerator for 7 – 8 days.

To freeze, you have two options.

You can freeze the (unbaked) shaped dough balls for up to a month. Remove from freezer and allow them to thaw at room temperature, cover, let rise, and bake.

You can freeze the baked rolls in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. I do recommend warming frozen rolls (after they’ve thawed) up in an air fryer, oven, or toaster oven before serving so they aren’t soggy.

Easy Yeast Dinner Rolls FAQs

What is proofing yeast?

Great question! Proofing is the process of activating yeast so that it will make bread dough rise. 

Is all-purpose flour the same as bread flour?

No, they are not the same. The biggest difference is the amount of protein in each flour, which affects the texture and structure of baked goods. 

With that said, you can use all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I double this Easy Yeast Dinner Rolls recipe?

Definitely! I like to double the recipe if I am expecting a large group or in advance of the holidays. I often prefer to bake a batch and freeze a batch for parties or a last-minute addition to a meal.

Can I use whole wheat flour to make the dinner rolls?

Sure! You may find the rolls are a bit more dense than when using bread or all-purpose flour. They may also need a little more time to rise but they will still taste amazing!

Try These Quick Bread Recipes

• Easy Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Banana Bread
• Cinnamon Pumpkin Swirl Bread
• Moist Delicious Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
• Lemon Zucchini Bread (+ Easy Glaze)
• Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread
• Fresh Strawberry Bread
  

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