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Best Dinner Rolls

Pillowy-soft dinner rolls with incredibly tender crumb and golden, buttery exterior that practically melts in your mouth. A foolproof recipe that delivers bakery-quality results every time.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Rolls
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
For Brushing
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let stand for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly on top.
  2. Add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture, whisking until well combined. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat all sides. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the risen dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces using a bench scraper or knife. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath and rolling between your palms. Place the shaped rolls on a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  6. Cover the shaped rolls and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy and nearly touching. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush the tops gently with melted butter. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.

Notes

Rising time is 1 hour 30 minutes total. Make-ahead tip: Shape rolls and refrigerate overnight, then let come to room temperature and rise before baking. Store leftover rolls in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in 350°F oven for 5 minutes wrapped in foil. Can substitute bread flour for extra chewiness, honey instead of sugar for deeper flavor, or buttermilk for regular milk to add subtle tang.