Amazing Dinner Rolls: 1 Cup Milk

Oh, there’s just something magical about pulling a batch of warm, homemade bread straight from the oven, isn’t there? My absolute favorite things to whip up are these incredibly soft and fluffy Dinner Rolls. Honestly, they have this perfect touch of sweetness and just melt in your mouth. I remember my mom making these for every single holiday gathering, and the smell would fill the entire house. They’re super easy to make, even if you’re new to baking bread, and they’ll totally elevate any meal, from a simple weeknight supper to your most festive holiday feast.

Why You’ll Love These Dinner Rolls

These aren’t just any dinner rolls, folks! They’re:

• Incredibly soft and fluffy – seriously, like little clouds!
• Surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners.
• Perfectly versatile – amazing with a holiday roast or just your Tuesday night pasta.
• Wonderfully flavorful with a hint of sweetness.
• The ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering!

Gather Your Ingredients for Perfect Dinner Rolls

Alright, let’s get our kitchen prepped! To make these amazing Dinner Rolls, you’ll need a few simple things. First off, we need 1 cup of warm milk, set between 105-115°F – think comfy bathwater temperature. This is key for waking up our yeast! Speaking of which, grab 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast. Then, we’ll stir in ¼ cup of granulated sugar to feed that yeast, and just a simple 1 teaspoon of salt for flavor. Don’t forget ¼ cup of unsalted butter, melted, and 1 large egg, all beaten and ready to go. For the flour, have about 3 to 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour handy, because we’ll add it gradually. And for that beautiful finish right out of the oven, keep 1 tablespoon of butter, softened, nearby.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dinner Rolls

Okay, let’s get our hands in some dough! Making these Dinner Rolls is seriously a labor of love, but the payoff is SO worth it. I like to think of this whole process as a little baking adventure. We’ll start with the yeast, then mix everything up, let it do its magic, and before you know it, you’ll have the most amazing homemade bread.

Activating the Yeast for Dinner Rolls

First things first, grab a nice big bowl! Pour in that 1 cup of warm milk – remember, it should feel like a warm bath, not too hot! Toss in the 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast and the ¼ cup of sugar. Give it a gentle stir and just let it hang out for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s happy and ready to go when it gets all foamy on top. This is your sign that your yeast is alive and ready to help make your Dinner Rolls beautifully fluffy!

Mixing the Dough for Your Dinner Rolls

Once your yeast is all bubbly and excited, it’s time to add the rest of the wet ingredients. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of salt, the melted butter, and that beaten egg. Now, start adding in about 3 cups of the all-purpose flour. Mix it all up until you get a soft dough forming. It might be a little sticky, and that’s totally fine!

Kneading and First Rise for Soft Dinner Rolls

Turn the dough out onto a surface that’s been lightly dusted with flour. Now, get ready to knead! This part is like a little workout for your dough. Fold, push, and turn it for about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for a dough that’s smooth and elastic. If it feels way too sticky, just add a little bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time. Once it’s feeling just right, pop it into a greased bowl, cover it up with a clean towel, and let it chill in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours. It needs to get nice and puffed up, basically doubled in size!

Shaping and Second Rise for Dinner Rolls

After that first rise, give the dough a good punch down – it’s so satisfying! Now, divide it into 12 to 16 equal little pieces. Roll each piece into a nice, smooth ball. Arrange these little guys in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, leaving a little space between them so they can grow. Cover them up again, and let them have another rest in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes. They’ll get plump and ready for their close-up!

Baking and Finishing Your Dinner Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while those rolls are having their second nap. Once the oven is toasty, slide your pan in and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color on top. As soon as they come out of the oven, grab that softened tablespoon of butter and brush it all over the tops. This gives them this amazing sheen and adds that extra touch of deliciousness – pure bliss!

For more easy recipes and tips to make your baking journey smoother, check out our collection of easy recipes. You might find something else you love to bake!

Tips for the Best Dinner Rolls

Making perfect Dinner Rolls is all about a few little secrets I’ve picked up over the years! First, always check your yeast! Make sure it’s fresh and active—a foamy mixture is your best friend here. Also, don’t be afraid of the dough. Kneading is crucial for that lovely elastic texture. If your dough feels a bit sticky, just add a whisper more flour, but don’t go overboard; too much flour makes for dry rolls. Oven temperatures can be tricky, so if you know yours runs hot or cool, adjust accordingly, and keep an eye on them the first time you make them. Trust me, these little touches make all the difference!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Dinner Rolls

Let’s talk ingredients for these delicious Dinner Rolls! For the milk, using whole milk will give you a richer, more tender roll, but 2% works just fine too. And while all-purpose flour is my go-to, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try a bread flour for a chewier texture. Just be mindful that different flours absorb liquid differently, so you might need to adjust the amount slightly. The key is that soft, elastic dough!

Making Dinner Rolls for Holidays and Special Occasions

Honestly, these Dinner Rolls are practically made for holidays and special get-togethers! Imagine your Thanksgiving table, Christmas feast, or Easter brunch graced with a basket full of these warm, fluffy beauties. They make an absolutely stunning festive bread, way better than anything store-bought. You can arrange them in a circle in your baking pan to create a lovely pull-apart holiday loaf, or just serve them warm from the oven with a little pat of butter on top. They really make any meal feel extra special!

And for more ideas to wow your guests, be sure to check out our collection of dinner recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dinner Rolls

Got questions about making these yummy Dinner Rolls? I’ve got answers! For more help, feel free to reach out or learn more about us.

Can I make these dinner rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can shape the dough and let it do its second rise in the fridge overnight. Just let them sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off.

Why didn’t my dinner rolls rise?

Oh, this happens! It’s usually one of a few things: your yeast might be old, the milk was too hot (yikes!) or too cold, or maybe the dough just needed a warmer spot to rise. Give it another try!

How do I store leftover dinner rolls?

Once they’re cooled, pop your leftover Dinner Rolls into an airtight container or a ziploc bag. They’re best eaten within a couple of days, but you can also freeze them for longer storage!

Nutritional Information for Dinner Rolls

Just so you know, the nutrition info for these yummy Dinner Rolls is an estimate, as it can change a bit depending on exactly what you use! Generally, one roll has about 150 calories, 5g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein. For the full breakdown, you can check out our disclosure page!

Share Your Homemade Dinner Rolls!

I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how your Dinner Rolls turned out! Did you make them for a special occasion? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it! If you snap any photos, share them on social media and tag me – I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations! For more on our site policies, check out our terms of service and privacy policy.

Print