Sweet Dinner Rolls Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about a batch of homemade sweet dinner rolls, fresh from the oven. Soft, fluffy, slightly sweet, and brushed with buttery goodness—these rolls are the perfect side for any meal, from cozy weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
Whether you’re serving them with a hearty stew or using them to sop up Thanksgiving gravy, this tried-and-true recipe delivers bakery-style results at home—with simple ingredients and zero fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Dinner Roll Recipe
Soft and tender texture
Mild sweetness—perfect for both sweet and savory pairings
Easy-to-follow steps for beginners
Great for meal prep or make-ahead baking
Ingredients You’ll Need
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (more as needed)
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ tsp salt
Optional: extra melted butter for brushing on top
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir in yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Mix until dough forms.
Step 3: Knead and Rise
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12–15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Final Rise
Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes until golden brown on top.
Step 7: Brush with Butter
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor and shine.
Tips for the Best Sweet Dinner Rolls
Use fresh, active yeast for a proper rise.
Don’t skip the second rise—it’s key for fluffiness.
Want extra sweetness? Add a honey butter glaze after baking.
These rolls freeze beautifully—bake, cool, and store for up to 3 months.
Perfect Pairings
These rolls go wonderfully with:
Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners
Creamy soups and stews
Fried chicken or roasted meats
Breakfast with jam and butter
Storage & Reheating
To store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven until soft.
If you’re craving warm, sweet, pillowy dinner rolls, this recipe is your new go-to. Simple, reliable, and irresistibly good—just wait until you see how fast they disappear from the table!
Sweet Dinner Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour more if needed
- 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk around 110°F
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ tsp salt
- Optional: melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir in yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl or mixer, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled.
- Punch down dough and divide into 12–15 equal pieces. Shape into balls and place in a greased 9×13 baking pan.
- Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush warm rolls with melted butter and serve.
