How to Make Homemade Dinner Rolls (EASY!)

Few things are more comforting than the smell of freshly baked homemade dinner rolls wafting from the oven. Soft, pillowy and golden, they have a way of making the whole table complete, whether you’re serving a holiday feast or a simple weeknight meal.

Dinner rolls are often one of the first projects would-be bread bakers try to make at home, and with good reason: The process is approachable, the ingredients are basic, and the reward is irresistible. Once you master a batch, you’ll find yourself looking for excuses to make them again and again.

Ready to rise to the occasion? We’ve got step-by-step directions and a basket-full of tips to keep you rolling.

How to Make Dinner Rolls

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Dinner Rolls

The beauty of dinner rolls lies in their simplicity. You’ll only need a handful of pantry staples:

• Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but bread flour can create a slightly chewier texture.
• Yeast: Active dry or instant yeast is the leavening powerhouse that makes rolls light and airy.
• Milk: The liquid activates the yeast; try whole milk for the softest rolls.
• Butter: Use some in the dough and set some aside for brushing after they bake.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar feeds the yeast, helping it activate.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the rolls.
• Eggs: An egg adds richness and color.

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to bring them together in a simple recipe that beginners can master with ease, and this dinner roll recipe hits the spot. If terms like “knead the dough” and “let it rise” sound too professional, rest assured the step-by-step directions will help you feel like a bread master in no time.

HOMEMADE ROLLS WITH CINNAMON HONEY BUTTER RECIPE

This dinner roll recipe is ideal for beginners, using the ingredients as described above, but finished with a delicious infused butter that elevates these dinner rolls from the basic.  Honey and sugar offer sweetness, while  McCormick® Ground Cinnamon and McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract provide cozy, aromatic flavor. The result is a silky-smooth concoction that’s perfect for slathering on homemade dinner rolls fresh from the oven.

Tips for Perfect Dinner Rolls

Even with a simple recipe, small details can make a difference. Here are a few practical tips to help you consistently turn out tasty rolls.

1. Measure carefully.

Some people say baking is an art, but it’s also a science. Using the precise amount of each ingredient will help set you up for success.

2. Knead the dough thoroughly.

Kneading the dough develops gluten, yielding chewy, light rolls. If kneading by hand, that step should take about 10 minutes. The dough is adequately kneaded if it holds its shape in a ball and has lost its sticky texture.

3. “Wash” the rolls.

For a beautiful, glossy finish, brush them lightly with egg (as suggested in the recipe above) or melted butter

4. Customize & have some fun.

While classic dinner rolls are delicious as is, you can enhance them with a few subtle touches that let you tailor the rolls to complement your menu. Some potential add-ins include:

• Herbs: rosemary, thyme, chives, parsley
• Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, smoked paprika
• Cheese: cheddar, Parmesan, mozzarella, feta
• Sweet add-ins: dried cranberries, raisins, currants, orange zest
• Savory add-ins: caramelized onions, roasted garlic, chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes
• Seeds and nuts: sesame, poppy, sunflower, pumpkin, walnuts, pecans
• Heat: minced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper

In addition, you can always customize your butter, as indicated in the recipe above.

5. Store dinner rolls carefully.

While you’re unlikely to have “leftover” dinner rolls, you may want to make them in advance for a special occasion — or just to have in the freezer to pop out anytime your family needs a pick-me-up.

Fortunately, dinner rolls freeze perfectly. After they’ve cooled completely, wrap them tightly in foil and pop into a freezer bag for up to three months. Bring them back to life by thawing and warming in a 325-degree oven for about 10 to 15 minutes.

In the event you do have leftover dinner rolls, store them in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to three days. Avoid refrigerating them, which will dry them out.

Ready to Roll? 

Baking dinner rolls at home is a simple pleasure that offers a small but satisfying sense of accomplishment. Their soft, golden goodness turns every meal into a little celebration.