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–+ servings
Old Fashioned Yeast Rolls

Grandma's Easy Rolls Recipe (Dinner Rolls)

These old fashioned yeast rolls are soft, fluffy, and buttery with the classic homemade flavor everyone loves. Made with instant yeast in a bread machine or stand mixer, this easy dinner roll recipe is perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, and everyday family meals.
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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Side Dish
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup butter, melted and cooled
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm milk, egg, melted butter, sugar, salt, flour, and instant yeast.
  3. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, then increase to medium-low speed and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, soft, and elastic. If it's too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time.
  4. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces.
  6. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by pulling the edges underneath and rolling gently between your hands.
  7. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish so they are just touching. Cover and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy.
  8. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
  9. Brush the warm rolls with melted butter, if desired, and let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Bread Machine Option: Add all ingredients to your bread machine according to the manufacturer's directions and run the Dough cycle. Shape, rise, and bake as directed.
  • Instant yeast can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients. If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm milk with the sugar for 5 to 10 minutes before mixing.
  • The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but shouldn't stick heavily to your hands.
  • Brush the rolls with melted butter immediately after baking for soft, shiny tops.
  • Add garlic butter or fresh herbs after baking for a flavorful variation.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes or microwave individual rolls for about 15 seconds.

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