These Sweet Dinner Rolls are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, making them perfect for dinner, breakfast, or even desserts! Whether served fresh out of the oven with butter, as a side for holiday meals, or used for sandwiches, these homemade rolls will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
With a light, fluffy texture and rich buttery flavor, they’re easy to make and taste better than store-bought. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth – The perfect texture in every bite.
Slightly sweet & buttery – Great for breakfast, dinner, or even desserts.
Easy to make – Simple ingredients and clear step-by-step instructions.
Versatile – Use them as dinner rolls, sandwich buns, or even sweet treats.What Do These Rolls Taste Like?
These homemade dinner rolls are light and airy with a mild sweetness and rich buttery flavor. The golden, slightly crisp crust gives way to a pillowy-soft inside. They’re delicious on their own or with your favorite spreads like butter, honey, or jam.
Ingredients You’ll Need
½ cup warm water (110°F / 45°C)
½ cup warm milk
⅓ cup butter, softened
1 large egg
3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 (.25 oz) package active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
¼ cup butter, softened (for brushing rolls)Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups & spoons
Wooden spoon or stand mixer
Baking sheet
Pastry brush (for brushing butter)
Knife or pizza cutter (for cutting dough)How to Make Sweet Dinner Rolls
- Make the Dough In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, butter, egg, flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Mix by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook until the dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
(If using a bread machine, select the Dough/Knead and First Rise Cycle.) - Let It Rise Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean towel.
Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. - Shape the Rolls Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Divide it into two halves and roll each into a 12-inch circle.
Spread ¼ cup softened butter over the dough.
Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut each circle into 8 wedges.
Roll each wedge from the wide end to the tip, forming a crescent shape.
Place point-side down on an ungreased baking sheet. - Second Rise Cover the shaped rolls with a clean towel.
Let them rise for another hour until puffed up. - Bake to Perfection Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake the rolls for 10–15 minutes, or until golden brown on top. - Serve & Enjoy Brush the warm rolls with melted butter for a shiny finish.
Serve fresh and warm with butter, honey, or jam!
What to Serve with Sweet Dinner Rolls
These soft, fluffy rolls pair beautifully with:
Holiday meals – Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
Soups & stews – Great for soaking up broth.
Breakfast spreads – Serve with butter, jam, or cream cheese.
Sandwiches – Slice and fill with ham, turkey, or cheese.Pro Tips for the Best Dinner Rolls
Use warm liquid (110°F) – Helps activate the yeast for a perfect rise.
Knead the dough well – This ensures a soft, elastic texture.
Let the dough rise properly – A warm place (like an oven with the light on) works best.
Brush with butter after baking – Adds extra richness and shine.
Make them ahead – You can refrigerate the dough overnight for fresh rolls in the morning.How to Store & Reheat Rolls
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked rolls in an airtight bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes, or microwave for 15 seconds.Variations & Customizations
Cinnamon Sugar Rolls – Sprinkle dough with cinnamon and sugar before rolling.
Garlic Butter Rolls – Add garlic powder and parsley to the melted butter for brushing.
Whole Wheat Rolls – Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour.
Cheesy Rolls – Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan inside before rolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter instead of regular butter and milk.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough overnight and bake fresh the next day.
Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?
Your yeast might be expired.
The liquid could have been too hot or too cold.
The dough needs a warm place to rise.Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Use 2 teaspoons instant yeast and skip the first proofing step.
Final Thoughts
These Sweet Dinner Rolls are the perfect combination of fluffy, buttery, and slightly sweet—a must-have for family dinners, holidays, or even as a snack. Whether served fresh with butter or used for sandwiches, they are a crowd-pleaser every time!
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More Homemade Bread Recipes to Try
Soft & Fluffy Brioche Rolls
Classic Homemade Biscuits
Garlic Butter Dinner RollsBake these pillowy-soft sweet rolls today, and enjoy homemade goodness at its best!