Soft, buttery pull-apart rolls
Dinner Rolls
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
2 hr 10 min
Servings
16
16 rolls
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Dinner Rolls
Soft, buttery pull-apart rolls
★4.5(22)
Impossibly soft, fluffy dinner rolls with a golden, buttery top. These tender pull-apart rolls are the perfect side for holiday meals, soups, and stews.
20m
Prep Time
20m
Cook Time
130m
Total Time
16
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
These dinner rolls are enriched with butter, milk, and egg for a tender, pillowy crumb that tears apart in fluffy layers. A final brush of melted butter gives them an irresistible golden sheen.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2.25 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- 1
Combine warm milk, melted butter, egg, sugar (2 tbsp), and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- 2
Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth.
- 3
Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
- 4
Divide into 16 equal pieces, shape into tight balls, and place in a greased 9x13 baking dish.
- 5
Cover and let rise 30 minutes, then bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes until golden. Brush with melted butter immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
MilkOat milk or almond milk
For a dairy-free version, also swap butter for vegan butter
All-purpose flourBread flour
Slightly chewier rolls with more structure
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
For the softest rolls, do not overbake—remove when just golden on top.
Use tangzhong (cooked flour paste) for extra-soft, stay-fresh-longer rolls.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store in a sealed bag at room temperature for 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (25mg) · 16 servings
Calories170
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein5g
Carbohydrates4g
Fat28g
Fiber180mg
Sugar1g
Sodium3g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these ahead?
- Shape the rolls, refrigerate overnight, then bring to room temperature and bake the next day.
- Why are my rolls dense?
- The dough may not have risen enough, or too much flour was added.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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