Bread Machine White Dinner Rolls

Soft and Fluffy Bread Machine White Dinner Rolls

Few things are as comforting as warm, soft white dinner rolls fresh from the oven. Perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or just a cozy weeknight meal, these rolls are fluffy, golden, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The best part? Using a bread machine makes the process easy, foolproof, and hands-off, so you can enjoy homemade rolls without all the kneading and waiting.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to bread machines, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to perfect white dinner rolls every time.

Why Bread Machine Dinner Rolls?

Bread machines aren’t just for loaves—they’re fantastic for making soft, airy rolls. Using the bread machine’s dough cycle ensures that:

The dough is kneaded perfectly every time.
Yeast develops evenly, creating a consistent rise.
You save time and effort while still achieving bakery-quality results.

Plus, homemade rolls taste infinitely better than store-bought. They’re soft, buttery, and can be customized with toppings like sesame seeds, garlic, or herbs.

Ingredients

This recipe makes about 12–15 rolls, depending on size.

For the Dough:

1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)

Optional Toppings:

1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
Sesame seeds or poppy seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread Machine

Start by adding the ingredients to your bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Typically, this is:

Warm milk
Melted butter
Sugar and salt
Flour
Yeast (placed on top of the flour, away from salt)

Tip: Ensure the milk is warm but not hot—too hot can kill the yeast.

Select the dough cycle on your bread machine and start. This cycle will handle kneading, rising, and first proofing, taking roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your machine.

2. Shape the Rolls

Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the bread machine onto a lightly floured surface. Gently punch it down to release air.

Divide the dough into 12–15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Arrange the balls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1–2 inches of space between them for expansion.

3. Second Rise

Cover the rolls loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let them rise in a warm, draft-free area for 30–45 minutes, or until they’ve roughly doubled in size.

Pro Tip: For a softer crust, place a small oven-safe dish of hot water in the oven while the rolls rise. The steam keeps the dough moist.

4. Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown on top. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C) if you use a thermometer.

Remove from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter for a soft, shiny finish. Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds if desired.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. They’re perfect alongside soups, stews, roasted meats, or simply with a pat of butter. For best results, serve warm—but these rolls also store well in an airtight container for 2–3 days and can be reheated in the oven.

Tips for Perfect Bread Machine Dinner Rolls

Measure carefully – Too much flour can make rolls dense; too little can make them sticky. Use a kitchen scale if possible.
Check yeast freshness – Old yeast can prevent proper rising. Always check the expiration date.
Use warm milk – Yeast thrives in warmth, but avoid overheating. 105–115°F is ideal.
Don’t over-knead – The bread machine handles kneading perfectly; don’t add extra.
Customize flavors – Add garlic powder, dried herbs, or shredded cheese to the dough for unique rolls.

Variations

While these are classic white dinner rolls, there are many ways to switch things up:

Whole Wheat Rolls – Replace 1–2 cups of flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier roll.
Sweet Dinner Rolls – Add 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup for a slightly sweet version.
Herb Rolls – Mix in 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme into the dough for a fragrant, savory twist.

Serving Suggestions

Bread machine dinner rolls are versatile:

Serve warm with butter or garlic spread for dinner.
Pair with soups, stews, or chili for a hearty meal.
Use for mini sandwiches or sliders at parties.
Include on your holiday dinner table—guests will love them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and effortlessly easy thanks to the bread machine. They deliver:

Perfectly soft texture – Light, airy, and tender inside.
Golden crust – Slightly crisp outside, soft inside.
Customizable flavors – Sweet, savory, or herb-infused.
Quick prep – Minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy families.

With a few simple ingredients and your bread machine, you can have homemade rolls any day of the week.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked dinner rolls filling your kitchen. Using a bread machine makes it simple, quick, and virtually foolproof. Whether you stick to the classic buttery white rolls or get creative with herbs, cheese, or whole grains, this recipe delivers consistently soft, golden, and delicious rolls every time.