Description
These World’s Best Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and buttery, perfect for any dinner table. Made with a rich mixture of milk, butter, eggs, and yeast, these rolls rise beautifully and bake to a perfect golden brown. Enjoy them warm topped with melted butter for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk (2% milk also works, but whole is best)
- 1/3 cup salted butter
- 2/3 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees F)
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup + 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 8 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Heat Milk Mixture: Combine milk, 1/2 cup sugar, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until butter melts. Remove from heat and allow to cool until lukewarm. Ensuring the mixture is not too hot is important to avoid killing the yeast.
- Activate Yeast: Dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in warm water. Let stand about 10 minutes until very bubbly and foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour and the lukewarm milk mixture. Beat on low for 30 seconds, scraping sides of bowl. Add yeast mixture and beat on high for 3 minutes. Add beaten eggs, then stir in remaining 5 cups of flour to create a soft dough.
- Note About Dough Consistency: The dough will be very soft and slightly sticky but will firm up during rising. Do not add more flour at this stage.
- First Rise: Place dough in a bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Prepare for Shaping: Punch down dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half. Spray two 9×13 glass pans with cooking spray.
- Shape Rolls: Roll one half of dough into a rectangle, cut into 12 equal pieces, and roll each into a ball. Place the balls evenly in one prepared pan. Repeat with the remaining dough in the second pan. Cover pans with kitchen towels and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Add Butter Topping: Remove rolls from the oven and immediately rub a stick of cold butter all over the tops to melt into a rich, buttery finish. Serve warm.
Notes
- The lukewarm temperature of the milk mixture is crucial; too hot will kill the yeast, too cold will slow rising.
- Do not add extra flour beyond the recipe’s measure despite dough stickiness; dough firms up during resting.
- Using whole milk provides the best richness but 2% milk is a fine substitute.
- Butter rubbed on warm rolls enhances flavor and adds a beautiful sheen.
- Ensure yeast is fresh for optimal rise and texture.
- These rolls freeze well; thaw and warm before serving.
