Aunt Shirley’s Famous Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
If you’re looking for a warm, tender treat to fill your home with the comforting scent of fresh baking, look no further than Aunt Shirley’s Famous Homemade Dinner Rolls. These rolls are the perfect mix of soft, slightly sweet, and buttery, making them an irresistible addition to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply craving a cozy snack, these rolls promise to bring everyone to the table with smiles and satisfied sighs. It’s no wonder these rolls have earned their beloved name, drawing people back again and again to enjoy that classic, homemade goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind Aunt Shirley’s Famous Homemade Dinner Rolls comes down to simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in creating their soft texture and rich flavor. These pantry staples are easy to find and blend perfectly together to achieve a beautiful golden crust and pillowy interior.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the flavors and help activate the yeast.
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast: The secret behind the rolls’ fluffy rise, creating that airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F): Warms the yeast gently and adds moisture for tender rolls.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds rich flavor while keeping the dough soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind ingredients and contributes to the rolls’ golden color.
How to Make Aunt Shirley’s Famous Homemade Dinner Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy. This frothiness means the yeast is alive and ready to give your rolls their perfect rise.
Step 2: Mixing in the Wet Ingredients
Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, stir in the melted butter, eggs, and salt. These enrich the dough, giving your rolls that tender crumb and soft bite that make them so crave-worthy.
Step 3: Adding the Flour
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to form. This gradual approach helps prevent the dough from getting too stiff or dry.
Step 4: Kneading the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough feels smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked—just like the rolls you remember from Aunt Shirley’s kitchen.
Step 5: First Rise
Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and put it in a warm spot. Let it rise until it doubles in size—about 1 hour. This step is essential as it develops great flavor and that soft fluffiness.
Step 6: Shaping the Rolls
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release trapped air. Divide it into 12 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball. Uniform pieces help ensure all rolls bake evenly.
Step 7: Second Rise
Arrange the formed dough balls on a greased baking sheet, spaced a bit apart to allow room for expansion. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise makes all the difference in that perfect soft texture.
Step 8: Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 12 to 15 minutes, until they turn a beautiful golden brown on top. The aroma filling your kitchen will make this the hardest part—waiting!
Step 9: Finishing Touch
When you take your warm rolls out of the oven, brush them with a little more melted butter. This adds a gorgeous shine and extra buttery flavor that keeps these rolls truly memorable.
How to Serve Aunt Shirley’s Famous Homemade Dinner Rolls
Garnishes
While Aunt Shirley’s Famous Homemade Dinner Rolls are heavenly on their own, you can add a sprinkle of sea salt or soft herb butter for a little extra flair. A light dusting of freshly chopped rosemary or parsley can also brighten the experience and add a subtle herbal hint.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with hearty dishes like roasted chicken, beef stew, or creamy soups. Their soft texture is perfect for soaking up gravy, sauces, or rich butter—making every bite a delicious complement to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing the rolls in a warm bread basket lined with a cozy cloth napkin for an inviting table centerpiece. Or, slice them open to make mini sandwiches with savory fillings, turning these dinner rolls into a versatile treat for parties and gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Aunt Shirley’s Famous Homemade Dinner Rolls, keep them fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This preserves the soft texture and keeps them ready to enjoy without drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, these rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months, making it easy to prepare them in advance for busy times.
Reheating
To reheat, take frozen rolls directly to a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For a quick fix, microwave a roll wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15-20 seconds—soft and warm, just like fresh-baked!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for some or all of the all-purpose flour, but keep in mind the rolls may be a bit denser and have a nuttier flavor. Experiment with mixing half and half for a nice balance.
What if I don’t have warm milk? Can I use water?
Warm milk adds richness and softness, but if you don’t have milk, warm water will work in a pinch. Just note that the flavor and texture might be slightly less creamy.
How do I know when the yeast is active?
If your milk, sugar, and yeast mixture becomes frothy within 5-10 minutes, your yeast is active and ready to use. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast might be old or the liquid too hot or cold.
Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Yes, swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based milk warmed to the right temperature. The rolls will still be delicious with those small adjustments.
Why did my rolls turn out dense instead of soft?
Dense rolls often result from not letting the dough rise long enough or using too much flour during kneading. Make sure to give the dough plenty of time to rise and be gentle while kneading to maintain a light texture.
Final Thoughts
Making Aunt Shirley’s Famous Homemade Dinner Rolls is like giving your kitchen a hug wrapped in buttery, fluffy goodness. These rolls bring a timeless warmth to any meal and are simple enough to bake on a quiet weeknight or a grand holiday. Trust me, once you’ve experienced the smell and taste of these rolls fresh from your oven, you’ll find yourself reaching for Aunt Shirley’s recipe time and time again. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious tradition.
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Aunt Shirley’s Famous Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 dinner rolls 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Aunt Shirley’s Famous Homemade Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth rolls perfect for any meal. These classic dinner rolls are made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, milk, butter, and eggs, resulting in a tender crumb and golden crust. Ideal for family dinners, holidays, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For Finishing
- Additional melted butter for brushing (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until all wet ingredients are well combined.
- Add Flour: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Punch Down and Shape: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball.
- Second Rise: Arrange the dough balls on a greased baking sheet, spaced apart. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the rolls complete their second rise.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.
- Finish and Serve: Remove rolls from the oven and brush with additional melted butter if desired. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use warm milk (about 110°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- For a softer crust, brush the rolls with melted butter immediately after baking.
- These rolls freeze well; cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.
- You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with bread flour for chewier texture.
- Allow the dough to properly rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (about 57g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: dinner rolls, homemade rolls, soft rolls, yeast rolls, bread rolls, classic dinner bread
