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Light & Fluffy Dinner Rolls

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These light and fluffy dinner rolls are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet. Perfectly golden on the outside and tender on the inside, they make an ideal side dish for any meal, from casual dinners to special occasions.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
  • Total Time: 2.5-3 hours (including rise time)
  • Yield: 12 rolls
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for a slightly sweeter roll)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the bowl)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour and salt. Add yeast mixture, butter, egg, and honey (if using). Stir with a wooden spoon until dough starts to come together.
  3. Gradually add remaining flour, one tablespoon at a time, until dough forms a soft ball and pulls away from the bowl.
  4. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if dough is sticky, but be careful not to add too much.
  5. Grease a clean bowl with olive oil, place dough in the bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
  7. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide into 12 equal portions and roll into smooth balls. Place in the prepared dish, close together.
  8. Cover with a towel and let rise for 30-45 minutes until doubled in size.
  9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until golden brown on top and hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Remove from oven, brush with melted butter for extra richness. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Add garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, or parsley for extra flavor.
  • For cheesy rolls, fold in shredded cheddar or Parmesan before shaping.
  • For sweet rolls, add cinnamon and sugar to the dough or on top before baking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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