Classic Dinner Rolls - freshly baked bread

Classic Dinner Rolls

Dinner Rolls & Buns

Soft, pillowy dinner rolls that melt in your mouth. These buttery, golden rolls are the perfect addition to any family meal.

Prep Time

20 min

Proof Time

1h 15m

Bake Time

20 min

Servings

12

Calories

160

Ingredients

  • 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ tsp instant yeast
  • ¾ cup warm milk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix

    Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg.

  2. 2

    Knead

    Knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  3. 3

    First Rise

    Cover and rise 45 minutes until doubled.

  4. 4

    Shape

    Divide into equal pieces and shape as directed.

  5. 5

    Second Rise

    Cover and rise 20–25 minutes until puffy.

  6. 6

    Bake

    Brush with egg wash. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes until golden. Brush with butter.

Baker's Notes

The secret to incredibly soft dinner rolls is enrichment — butter, milk, and egg create a tender crumb that stays soft for days.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

There's something deeply satisfying about pulling a tray of freshly baked dinner rolls from the oven — that golden crust, the soft pillowy interior, the buttery aroma filling the kitchen. What sets these apart is the enrichment: butter, warm milk, and a whole egg folded into the dough, giving each roll a tender crumb that practically melts on the tongue.

Canadian families have been baking these since the early days of home kitchens, and for good reason. They're simple enough for a weeknight supper, elegant enough for Sunday dinner, and they pair beautifully with anything from roast chicken to a bowl of hearty lentil soup.

Tips for the Best Classic Dinner Rolls

Le secret de ces pains, c'est l'enrichissement — beurre, lait et oeuf rendent la mie tendre. Pétrissez jusqu'à ce que la pâte soit lisse et élastique. Laissez-la lever jusqu'à ce qu'elle double de volume, puis badigeonnez d'un mélange d'oeuf avant de cuire à 190°C (375°F). Badigeonnez de beurre immédiatement après la cuisson pour une croûte plus douce.

What to Serve With It

Serve warm alongside roast chicken, pot roast, or shepherd's pie — the kind of meals that fill a Canadian table in autumn and winter. They're equally at home with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a plate of baked beans. Try spreading them with maple butter or garlic herb butter for a little extra flair.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat individual rolls wrapped in foil at 300°F (150°C) for about five minutes, or warm the whole batch together in the oven. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to three months — just thaw and warm before serving.

Nutrition Facts

160

cal

4g

Protein

2g

Fat

33g

Carbs

1g

Fiber

268mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?+

Yes, but dissolve the yeast in the warm milk first and let it sit for five minutes until foamy before mixing. You may also want to add an extra ten minutes to the first rise time.

How do I know when the rolls have risen enough?+

The dough should roughly double in size and feel puffy when you press a finger into it. The indent should slowly spring back — if it springs back quickly, give it more time.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?+

Absolutely. After shaping, cover the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature for about thirty minutes before baking. They'll rise nicely and bake up just as soft.

Why are my dinner rolls dense instead of fluffy?+

This usually means the dough wasn't kneaded long enough or the yeast was old. Make sure your milk is warm but not hot — anything above 120°F (50°C) can kill the yeast.

Can I freeze these dinner rolls?+

Yes — they freeze beautifully for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm at 300°F (150°C) for five minutes before serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • Brush with butter immediately after baking for the softest crust.
  • These reheat beautifully wrapped in foil at 300°F for 5 minutes.
  • Freeze extras for up to 3 months — thaw and warm before serving.

Reviews (5)

Sarah M.★★★★★

So glad I found this recipe. The instructions are clear and the result is consistently great. I've made it four times already and it's perfect every time.

David C.★★★★★

Bakery-quality bread at home. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The proofing tips really helped.

Lisa P.★★★★★

Made this for a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe. The bread was the star of the table — warm, crusty, and absolutely delicious.

Robert B.★★★★★

Five stars! The crust was perfectly crispy and the crumb was soft and airy. I'll never buy store-bought bread again.

Jennifer K.★★★★★

This is now our go-to bread recipe. The house smelled incredible while it was baking. My kids couldn't wait to tear into a warm slice.