Soft Quick-Rise Dinner Rolls

Featured in: Everyday Baking

These soft quick-rise dinner rolls deliver a tender crumb topped with buttery golden crusts. Using instant yeast and warm milk, the dough rises twice for an airy texture in about an hour. Simple kneading techniques prepare the dough for shaping and baking until golden. Brushed with melted butter right out of the oven, they’re perfect for soaking up sauces or serving warm.

Optional extras like flaky sea salt or herbs enhance flavor. For dairy-free needs, substitute plant-based milk and butter. Yielding 12 rolls with an easy process, these buns fit well with any meal and family table.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:09:00 GMT
Golden-topped quick-rise dinner rolls, fresh from the oven, ready to serve with melting butter. Save
Golden-topped quick-rise dinner rolls, fresh from the oven, ready to serve with melting butter. | fluxbaker.com

Soft, fluffy dinner rolls that rise quickly and are perfect for any family meal. These rolls have a tender crumb and a golden, buttery top ideal for soaking up sauces or served warm with butter.

I love making these rolls because they come together quickly and always please everyone at the table with their buttery tops and tender crumb.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 3 1/2 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour, 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) instant yeast, 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C), 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter melted, 1 large egg
  • Topping: 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter melted (for brushing)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
Step 2:
Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix well.
Step 3:
Gradually add in the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 4:
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 7 minutes until smooth and elastic or knead with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 5 minutes.
Step 5:
Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes or until nearly doubled in size.
Step 6:
Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place in a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Step 7:
Cover loosely and let rise again for 15 20 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 8:
Bake rolls for 18 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 9:
Remove from oven and immediately brush tops with melted butter. Serve warm.
A warm, fluffy batch of quick-rise dinner rolls, perfect for soaking up delicious gravy at dinner. Save
A warm, fluffy batch of quick-rise dinner rolls, perfect for soaking up delicious gravy at dinner. | fluxbaker.com

These rolls have become a staple at our family dinners often bringing everyone together to enjoy freshly baked bread.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and butter substitutes.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, Dough hook or wooden spoon, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, Pastry brush, Kitchen towel or plastic wrap

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten), Eggs, Milk (dairy). If serving to those with allergies verify all ingredient labels.

Buttery, soft quick-rise dinner rolls, arranged in a pan, baked to golden perfection; a holiday treat. Save
Buttery, soft quick-rise dinner rolls, arranged in a pan, baked to golden perfection; a holiday treat. | fluxbaker.com

Enjoy your fresh and fluffy dinner rolls warm with butter for the best experience.

Recipe FAQ

How can I speed up the rising process?

Use warm milk around 110°F to activate the instant yeast faster, and allow the dough to rest in a warm, draft-free place to encourage quicker rising.

What makes these rolls soft and fluffy?

The combination of warm milk, melted butter, and a gentle knead creates a tender crumb and soft texture in the rolls.

Can I make the rolls ahead of time?

Yes, shape the dough, refrigerate overnight before the second rise, then bake fresh the next day for convenience.

How do I get a golden, buttery top?

Brush melted butter over the rolls immediately after baking to achieve a shiny, flavorful golden crust.

Are there any dairy-free alternatives for these rolls?

Replace warm milk with plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter substitutes to accommodate dietary preferences.

Soft Quick-Rise Dinner Rolls

Tender, fluffy dinner rolls with a buttery crust that rise fast and suit any family gathering.

Prep Duration
20 min
Cook Duration
20 min
Overall Time
40 min
Created by Sophia Brown


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences Meatless

What You'll Need

Dough

01 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
03 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 1 cup warm milk (approx. 110°F)
06 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 1 large egg

Topping

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

How-To Steps

Step 01

Activate yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Allow to rest for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly foamy.

Step 02

Mix wet ingredients: Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir thoroughly to incorporate.

Step 03

Incorporate flour: Gradually blend in the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 04

Knead dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 5 minutes.

Step 05

First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm environment for 20 minutes, until nearly doubled in volume.

Step 06

Shape rolls: Punch down the risen dough, divide it into 12 equal portions, shape each into a ball, and arrange them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 07

Second rise: Cover the shaped dough loosely, then let rise again for 15 to 20 minutes until puffy while preheating the oven to 375°F.

Step 08

Bake rolls: Bake the rolls for 18 to 20 minutes until the tops turn golden brown.

Step 09

Add topping and serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter. Serve warm.

Gear Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Dough hook or wooden spoon
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Pastry brush
  • Plastic wrap or kitchen towel

Allergy Details

Review all components for allergens. If unsure, talk to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy

Per Serving Nutrition Details

Details here are for information—don’t use as medical advice.
  • Calorie Count: 160
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Proteins: 4 g