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The Best Soft and Buttery Homemade Dinner Rolls

A stack of freshly baked, golden brown, soft dinner rolls glistening with butter.

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Make incredibly soft, fluffy, and buttery dinner rolls from scratch. This easy recipe delivers warm, comforting bread perfect as a side dish for any family meal or holiday gathering.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus 4 tablespoons for brushing
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • For topping: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm water and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. This activates the yeast.
  2. Stir the sugar, salt, 1/4 cup melted butter, and beaten egg into the yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
  7. Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, leaving a small space between them.
  8. Cover the pan loosely and let the rolls rise again in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
  9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
  11. Immediately brush the tops of the hot rolls generously with the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter.
  12. Serve the soft dinner rolls warm as a perfect side dish.

Notes

  • For quicker preparation, use slightly warmer water (around 120°F) to speed up the initial yeast proofing.
  • If you want Texas Roadhouse copycat rolls, add 1 teaspoon of honey to the melted butter topping for extra sweetness.
  • These rolls freeze well after cooling. Thaw overnight and reheat briefly in the oven before serving.

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