Quick Dinner Rolls Recipe

Quick Dinner Rolls Recipe is a medium American recipe that serves 15. 170 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 45 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 2 hrs 20 min

Cost: $1.73 total, $0.12 per serving

Ingredients

  • 420 g All-Purpose Flour (divided: 180 g for initial mix, 210 g added later)
  • 240 ml Whole Milk (warm to about 110°F; not scalding)
  • 1 packet Instant Yeast (about 7 g; do not need proofing)
  • 71 g Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into small pieces)
  • 38 g Granulated Sugar (approximately 3 Tbsp)
  • 1 Large Egg (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 28 g Unsalted Butter (for brushing) (melted, about 2 Tbsp)

Instructions

  1. Measure Flour

    Weigh 420 g of all‑purpose flour, then split it into 180 g and 210 g portions.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Warm Milk

    Warm 240 ml whole milk to about 110°F. If the kitchen is cold, run hot water around the mixing bowl first, then discard the water.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 110°F

  3. Combine Wet Ingredients

    In the stand‑mixer's bowl, add the warm milk, instant yeast, 38 g sugar, softened butter, egg, and salt. Mix on low with the paddle for 1 minute until just combined.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Add First Flour Portion

    Add the 180 g of flour to the wet mixture and stir with the paddle for another minute.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Add Remaining Flour with Hook

    Switch to the dough hook, add the remaining 210 g flour, and mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the dough comes together.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Adjust Consistency

    If the dough sticks to your fingers, sprinkle in up to 2 Tbsp (≈12 g) flour, a little at a time, until it feels tacky but not wet.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Knead the Dough

    Continue kneading with the hook for another 2 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a smooth ball.

    Time: PT2M

  8. First Rise

    Lightly oil a clean bowl, transfer the dough, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 45‑60 minutes, until doubled in size.

    Time: PT55M

    Temperature: 70°F

  9. Punch Down and Portion

    Gently punch the dough down, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, and divide into 15 equal pieces (≈55 g each).

    Time: PT10M

  10. Shape Rolls

    Roll each piece into a smooth ball by cupping the dough and pinching the seams together.

    Time: PT10M

  11. Second Rise in Pan

    Butter a 9×13‑inch ceramic or glass baking pan, place rolls in rows of three with a little space between, cover, and let rise 30‑45 minutes until nearly doubled.

    Time: PT35M

    Temperature: 70°F

  12. Preheat Oven

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  13. Bake Rolls

    Bake the rolls for 20 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 350°F

  14. Butter Finish

    Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the tops with melted butter (about 2 Tbsp).

    Time: PT2M

  15. Cool Slightly & Serve

    Allow the rolls to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then serve warm.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
170
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
25 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains Gluten, Contains Dairy, Contains Egg

Allergens: Wheat, Dairy, Egg

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Quick Dinner Rolls Recipe

Recipe by Preppy Kitchen

Fluffy, buttery dinner rolls that are perfect for any meal. This step‑by‑step recipe from Preppy Kitchen shows how to measure flour precisely, use a stand mixer for a smooth dough, and achieve a pillowy texture with two gentle rises.

MediumAmericanServes 15

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 22m
Prep
20m
Cook
19m
Cleanup
3h 1m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.73
Total cost
$0.12
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • First rise until dough doubles (step 8)
  • Second rise in the pan (step 11)
  • Baking to golden brown (step 13)
  • Shaping each roll into a tight ball (step 10)

Safety Warnings

  • Milk is heated; avoid burns.
  • Hot oven and baking pan can cause severe burns.
  • Handle flour dust carefully to avoid inhalation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of soft dinner rolls in American cuisine?

A

Soft dinner rolls have become a staple of American holiday meals and everyday family dinners, tracing back to European yeasted breads that were adapted with richer ingredients like butter and milk for a tender crumb.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of dinner rolls exist within United States cuisine?

A

In the South, rolls often include buttermilk and cornmeal; in the Northeast, a classic milk‑bread roll is common; the Midwest favors buttery, pillowy rolls like this recipe, while the West Coast experiments with whole‑grain and gluten‑free versions.

cultural
Q

How are traditional American dinner rolls traditionally served at celebrations?

A

They are typically served warm, brushed with butter, and placed alongside roasted meats, gravy, and vegetables during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family gatherings, sometimes accompanied by honey or jam.

cultural
Q

What occasions or holidays are soft dinner rolls most commonly associated with in American culture?

A

Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter brunches, and birthday or anniversary dinners often feature soft dinner rolls as a comforting side that complements the main course.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients give American soft dinner rolls their characteristic buttery texture?

A

The combination of warm milk, generous butter, a small amount of sugar, and instant yeast creates a tender crumb and subtle sweetness that defines the classic American roll.

cultural
Q

What other American side dishes pair well with these pillowy soft dinner rolls?

A

They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, gravy, roasted turkey or chicken, baked beans, and creamy vegetable casseroles.

cultural
Q

How has the recipe for soft dinner rolls evolved in modern American home cooking?

A

Home cooks now often use stand mixers for consistent kneading, precise digital scales for flour, and incorporate enrichments like herbs or cheese, while still keeping the core ingredients of milk, butter, and yeast.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making these soft dinner rolls?

A

Common errors include using cold milk, adding too much flour, under‑kneading the dough, and not allowing a full double rise. Each of these can lead to dense or flat rolls.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

A

Instant yeast dissolves directly into the warm milk without needing proofing, saving time and ensuring a reliable rise, especially important for a quick, soft roll.

technical
Q

Can I make these dinner rolls ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. After the first rise, shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and finish the second rise before baking, or bake and freeze for later use.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen focuses on approachable, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials, especially baked goods, quick meals, and kitchen technique tips for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to American baking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Preppy Kitchen emphasizes precise measurements, the use of stand‑mixers for consistency, and clear visual cues for dough texture, making classic American breads accessible without overwhelming technical jargon.

channel

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