Name: Quick Dinner Roll Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water (about 110 °F); 1 Tbsp active dry yeast; 3 Tbsp sugar; 3 Tbsp avocado oil; 1 large egg; 1 tsp salt; 2⅓ cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed); 2 Tbsp milk (for brushing); 2 Tbsp melted butter (for topping)

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Soft, fluffy dinner rolls that come together quickly—perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or anytime you crave warm homemade bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and foolproof: Ready in under 1.5 hours with minimal prep time.
Tender texture: Avocado oil and milk make these rolls irresistibly soft.
Single-dish convenience: Baked together in a 9×13″ dish for easy serving.
Versatile use: Ideal alongside soups, stews, or as slider buns.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup warm water (about 110 °F)
1 Tbsp active dry yeast
3 Tbsp sugar
3 Tbsp avocado oil
1 large egg
1 tsp salt
2⅓ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra as needed)
2 Tbsp milk (for brushing)
2 Tbsp melted butter (for topping)

Directions

1. Activate yeast & mix dough

In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir, then let rest 5 minutes until bubbly.
Add avocado oil, egg, and salt; mix briefly. Add 2 cups flour and begin mixing with the dough hook—dough will be sticky.

2. Knead and rise

Gradually add up to ⅓ cup more flour until dough pulls away from bowl sides. Mix on low for 2 minutes to knead.
Cover bowl loosely and let dough rise in a warm spot for 20–30 minutes, or until light and puffy.

3. Shape rolls

While dough rises, preheat oven to 350 °F and grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
Turn dough onto a floured surface. Divide into 15 equal pieces, shape each into a ball, and place in the prepared dish.

4. Second rise

Cover the dish with a towel and let rolls rise 15–30 minutes, until about doubled in size.
Once risen, brush tops with milk.

5. Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden and internal temp reaches 190 °F.

6. Finish and serve

Let rolls cool for 1–2 minutes, then brush tops with melted butter.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Yields: 15 rolls
Prep time: 10 minutes
Rise times: 50–60 minutes total
Bake time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Herb butter twist: Mix minced garlic or herbs (rosemary, thyme) into melted butter before brushing.
Cheesy option: Sprinkle grated cheddar or Parmesan over rolls before baking.
Whole wheat blend: Substitute up to 1 cup of whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
Sweet pull-aparts: Add 1 Tbsp sugar to the surface dough before baking for a lightly sweet finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store in a bread box or airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Wrap in foil and warm in a 300 °F oven for 5–7 minutes, or microwave individual rolls for 10–15 seconds.
Freeze: Wrap individually, store in a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in a 300 °F oven for 10–12 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these by hand instead of using a mixer?

Absolutely—mix and knead by hand for about 8–10 minutes until dough feels smooth and elastic.

2. What’s Alaska if my dough is too sticky?

Gradually add flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes soft and slightly tacky but manageable.

3. Can I use regular oil instead of avocado oil?

Yes—any neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or melted butter works well.

4. Can I bake them as individual rolls?

Yes—place each dough ball on a baking sheet spaced 1″ apart and bake 12–15 minutes.

5. Why brush with milk before baking?

Milk promotes a soft, slightly shiny crust and helps toppings like cheese adhere.

6. Can I use almond or oat milk?

Yes—plant-based milks work, though they may affect browning slightly.

7. Do I need to check internal temperature?

It’s optional—look for a golden top and a hollow sound when tapped if you don’t have a thermometer.

8. Can I prepare dough ahead?

Yes—after the first rise, cover and refrigerate dough for up to 12 hours. Shape and bake the next day.

9. Why brush with melted butter after baking?

It adds flavor, gives a gorgeous shine, and extends softness on the crust.

10. How do I store leftover rolls?

Cool completely, wrap, and store up to 2 days at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.

Conclusion

These Quick Dinner Rolls are soft, buttery, and easy to whip up in about an hour—perfect for any meal that deserves a fresh-baked touch. With simple ingredients, flexible variations, and minimal fuss, they’re sure to become a kitchen staple. Serve them warm, savor the smell, and enjoy the smiles at the table.