How to Make Easy and Delicious Dinner Rolls

Homemade dinner rolls were always a special treat in my home growing up. My mother taught me how to make these tasty rolls when I was a kid and I have always loved making them to go along with dinner. The purpose of this instructable is to teach you how to make 16 delicious and fluffy dinner rolls that can be eaten however you choose. Baking rolls doesn't require much previous knowledge. To some it may seem like an intimidating task because it requires a lot of time. If you follow these instructions carefully, you will be surprised how easy it is to bake rolls! If you want to impress your dinner guests, then bake these rolls and they'll think you're a professional baker.

The time required to make these rolls is about 2 hours and 45 mins.

Note: It's important to not rush the procedures, as certain steps such as letting the dough rise is crucial to the rolls coming out correctly.

Ingredients List:
- 1 package of yeast (2 ¼ tsp)

- 1/4 cup warm water

- 1/3 cup white granulated sugar

- 1/4 cup butter, softened

- 1 tsp salt

- 1 cup hot milk

- 1 egg, lightly beaten

- 4 ½ cups, all-purpose flour

- 2 Tbsp melted butter

Cooking Tools:

- large glass bowl

- wooden mixing spoon

- large glass measuring cup

- measuring spoons and cups

- butter knife

Note: All types of yeast work for this recipe. It’s just a matter understanding how each type of yeast works. Instant dry yeast doesn’t have to be proofed and can be added straight to the dry ingredients due to the smaller size of the granules. Whereas active dry yeast is larger granules which needs to be dissolved in liquid before adding in to the other ingredients.

Safety Information:

- Be sure to wear oven mitts when taking the rolls out of the oven as you may burn your hands if you do not.

- Allow the rolls sit for at least 5 -10 minutes before removing from the pan as they are very hot and might burn you.

Step 1: Proof the Yeast

First pour 1/4 cup warm water into a large bowl. Empty the yeast package into the bowl of water. Stir until the yeast dissolves (see images) and leave this alone for about 10 minutes so it can get foamy.

Note: "Proofing" is just a fancy term for dissolving active dry yeast into warm water in order to activate it.

Step 2: Mix the Hot Milk With the Sugar, Softened Butter, and Salt

Stir this mixture until the sugar dissolves and until the butter is completely melted (see image). Allow the mixture to completely cool down.

Caution: Failure to let this mixture cool down could cause the egg (used in step 4) to scramble or be cooked when added.

Step 3: Add the Milk Mixture to the Yeast in the Large Bowl

Step 4: Crack the Egg and Mix All Together

Be sure the egg is fully mixed in (see images).

Caution: Be careful not to get any of the egg shell into the mixture when cracking the egg.

Step 5: Mix in the Flour Using a Large Spoon

Be sure to only mix in 1 cup of flour at a time, until all 4 cups are mixed in. Mix until this forms a soft dough (see images). The dough may not be fully mixed yet.

Step 6: Sprinkle the Leftover 1/2 Cup of Flour Onto a Clean Surface

It is important that the surface is floured well so that the dough doesn't stick to the counter (see image).

Step 7: Knead the Dough for About 5-8 Minutes

Kneading dough involves folding the dough in half towards you and then using the palm of your hands to push down into the dough (see images). Add more flour to the dough if it feels too sticky. The dough should feel soft and elastic when done kneading.

Step 8: Rub Butter Into a Bowl and Place Dough in It

This step is to prevent the dough from sticking to the bowl (see image).

Step 9: ​Let the Dough Rise for 1-1/2 Hours

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or cloth and let the dough rise until it has doubled in size (see images).

Troubleshooting: If the dough doesn't rise enough, it will not make light and fluffy rolls, so you may need to restart.

Step 10: Re-knead the Dough

Punch down the dough and follow step 7 on how to knead the dough. Knead for about 4-5 minutes (see images).

Caution:The dough should be slightly sticky. Limit the amount of flour on the surface in order to prevent the dough from getting too tough or dry. The rolls won't be as light and fluffy if this happens.

Step 11: Use the Stick of Butter to Grease the Baking Pan

This is important to prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan (see image).

Step 12: Cut the Dough Into 16 Pieces

First cut the dough into four large pieces with a butter knife (see image). Then cut each piece into four more pieces so that you end up with 16.

Step 13: Roll Each Piece in Your Hands to Form a Ball

This will help you get the dough into the shape of a roll (see image).

Step 14: Pull the Sides Down and Under the Ball

This helps the roll have a smoother surface (see image). Repeat this step for all 16 pieces of dough.

Step 15: ​Place the Rolls With Smooth Side Facing Up

Note: I only made 15 rolls as the picture shows (see image), but 16 can be made.

Step 16: Cover Rolls With a Towel and Let Them Rise Until Doubled in Size

This may take about take 30 - 45 minutes. The reason it is important to let the rolls re-rise is because in step 10, the dough was re-kneaded which pushed all the air out of the dough (see image).

Step 17: Brush the Tops of the Rolls With Melted Butter

This helps the rolls have a crispy outside after being baked.

Step 18: Bake Rolls in the Oven for 18 - 20 Minutes

The rolls should be golden brown when pulling them out of the oven (see image in next step).

Step 19: Serve With Meal and Enjoy

You have just successfully made fluffy and buttery dinner rolls! Whether you choose to eat them with a family holiday meal or just as a snack in your lunch, they will satisfy your craving for delicious rolls! You can eat these rolls with butter or dipping them in your soup. My personal favorite is eating them with honey. I'd advise trying every possibility until you find your favorite!