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Easy Yeast Rolls Recipe

Baked rolls in a baking tray.
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5 from 6 reviews

This Easy Yeast Dinner Rolls recipe will show you how to make soft, fluffy, and buttery rolls perfectly. They are simple to make and impossible to resist. Ideal for both special occasions and everyday meals, they're sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 2 and 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 3 and 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 and 1/4 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Optional Topping:

  • 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

  1. To make the yeast mixture, whisk together warm water, instant yeast and sugar in a small bowl. Wait for 5 minutes. Although this step is not necessary for this type of yeast and you can just whisk it together with flour, we find it works even better when mixed together with warm water first.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, milk and butter. Pour the proofed yeast in the large mixture.
  3. Combine everything using your hands. Knead it with your hands right in the bowl. Wet your fingers with a little water occasionally so that the dough doesn't stick. Keep kneading until you have a smooth but slightly sticky dough.
  4. Transfer the dough into a large bowl that is slightly greased (not just the bottom, all the sides inside). Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour to rise.
  5. When the dough doubles in size, punch it down to release the air.
  6. Transfer the dough on the slightly floured counter and shape it into a log. Cut it into 12 pieces.
  7. Preheat oven to 375 F / 190 C.
  8. Roll each into a ball and place them in a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 cm) baking pan that is lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise, at least for 40 minutes.
  9. Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until golden.
  10. Remove from the oven and brush each with melted butter and let them cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
  11. Keep the leftover rolls tightly covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator up to 1 week.

Notes

To make the yeast roll dough in a stand mixer:

  1. Combine Ingredients in Mixer: Place the flour and salt in the bowl of your stand mixer. Add the warm milk and melted butter to the flour mixture. Pour the proofed yeast mixture over these ingredients.
  2. Mixing the Dough: Attach the dough hook or paddle attachment to your stand mixer. Set the mixer to a low speed and beat the mixture until the dough starts to come together. You'll notice the dough beginning to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
  3. Knead in the Mixer: Continue beating the dough for 1-2 minutes at the same low speed. The goal is to achieve a smooth and slightly sticky dough.
  4. To make the yeast rolls sweeter: You can add extra 3 tablespoons of sugar in the flour and salt mixture if you want your dinner rolls to be sweeter.

Keep the following tips in mind:

  1. Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients, especially liquids, are at the right temperature – warm, but not too hot, to activate the yeast without killing it. 
  2. Quality of Yeast: Check the expiration date of your yeast. Fresh, active yeast is vital for a good rise.
  3. Gentle Kneading: Knead the dough enough to develop gluten, which gives the rolls their structure, but avoid over-kneading which can lead to tough rolls.
  4. Proper Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size. Rushing this process can affect the texture and flavor of the rolls. Don't skip the step of second rise.
  5. Avoid Drafts During Rising: Keep the dough in a warm, draft-free area while it's rising. Temperature consistency is key to a good rise.
  6. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls as they bake to prevent overbaking, which can dry them out and make them hard.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.giverecipe.com/soft-homemade-yeast-dinner-roll-recipe/