Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe (Yeast Bread)
This soft dinner rolls recipe uses a simple milk-based yeast dough that you knead, let rise, shape, and bake until lightly golden. The ingredient list is straightforward and the steps stay practical, so you can follow along easily. Serve warm with dinner or use them for breakfast sandwiches.
Ingredients
For the dough
Step-by-Step Method
Activate the yeast
Pour the warm milk into a large bowl and stir in the sugar. Sprinkle in the dried yeast and wait 5–10 minutes until foamy. If using fresh yeast, dissolve it fully in the milk.
Add the remaining wet ingredients
Mix in the melted butter, eggs, and salt. Stir until evenly combined.
Add flour and knead
Add the flour gradually. Once the dough comes together, knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and soft. Aim for a dough that holds its shape but still feels tender; adjust flour as needed.
First rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–1.5 hours, until noticeably puffy.
Shape the rolls
Gently deflate the dough. Divide into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. Arrange on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking tray with a little space between them.
Second rise
Cover the tray and let the rolls rise for 30–45 minutes, until expanded and close together. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
Bake
If you like, brush the tops with a little milk. Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 18–25 minutes, until lightly golden on top.
Rest and serve
Let the rolls sit on the tray for 10 minutes. Serve warm; cover with a clean towel to keep them soft.