Description
These soft and fluffy dinner rolls are perfect for any meal, featuring a tender crumb made with milk, butter, and a touch of sugar. The rolls are easy to prepare with a combination of warm milk and water to activate the yeast, then baked to golden perfection. Ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings, they can be enjoyed warm with butter or used as sandwich buns.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Rolls:
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup water
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or one packet)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 large egg
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, for brushing on rolls after baking
Instructions
- Warm liquid mixture: Combine the milk and water and heat until the mixture is 110-115° F, using either the microwave or a pot on the stove.
- Activate yeast: Pour warm milk and water into a stand mixer bowl, add sugar, and sprinkle yeast on top. Whisk gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add dry ingredients and mix: Add salt, egg, and all-purpose flour to the mixture. Mix on low speed with the paddle attachment until combined, then add the softened butter and continue mixing until incorporated.
- Knead the dough: Switch to the dough hook and knead on low speed for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky. Add extra flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, if dough is too sticky.
- First rise: Transfer dough to a large oiled bowl, turn to coat, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Prepare baking dish: Lightly grease a 13×9-inch rectangular baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Shape rolls: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, knead a few times to release air bubbles, then divide into 15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a tight ball and place in the prepared baking dish.
- Second rise: Cover rolls with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise for 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375° F.
- Bake: Bake rolls uncovered for 19-23 minutes, until golden brown and the center rolls are cooked through.
- Finish: Remove rolls from oven, brush tops with melted butter, and serve warm.
Notes
- Both regular active dry yeast and rapid-rise yeast work; use 2 ¼ teaspoons or one packet. Store opened yeast in the refrigerator and check expiration.
- For a warm rise environment, preheat oven to 200°F, turn off, and place covered dough inside, or let rise on the counter if warm enough.
- Storage: Keep rolls tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2 days or freeze them airtight for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven, covering as needed.
- Make ahead: Prepare the dough and shape rolls a day in advance. Refrigerate overnight after the first rise and shaping, then let come to room temperature for 1 hour before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 3.5g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
