Aunt Shirley’s Famous Homemade Dinner Rolls

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Aunt Shirley’s Famous Homemade Dinner Rolls are light, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth perfect, with a golden-brown crust and a soft, airy interior. These rolls have been a family favorite for years, known for their delicious texture and subtle buttery flavor. They’re the perfect side to any meal, from holiday feasts to simple weeknight dinners!

I first made these rolls when I wanted to recreate the special bread my aunt always brought to family gatherings. The dough is simple yet incredibly satisfying, and the rolls come out warm, fragrant, and soft. They quickly became a staple in our family’s kitchen, and now they’re the highlight of every dinner.

What’s great about Aunt Shirley’s rolls is how easy they are to make. The dough rises beautifully, and with just a few ingredients, you can create fluffy, soft rolls every time. Whether you’re serving them alongside a roast, enjoying them with a bowl of soup, or just spreading butter on them for a snack, Aunt Shirley’s Famous Homemade Dinner Rolls are always a hit!

Perfect for:

  • Family dinners
  • Holiday meals
  • Potlucks
  • Special occasions
  • Bread lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Aunt Shirley’s Famous Homemade Dinner Rolls will become your go-to recipe:

  • Fluffy Texture: These rolls are incredibly light and airy, making them irresistible.
  • Perfectly Sweet: Just the right touch of sweetness to complement any dish.
  • Golden Finish: The buttery, golden crust adds a rich flavor and beautiful presentation.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples that are easy to find.
  • Quick and Easy: With minimal effort, you’ll have fresh rolls in no time.
  • Great for Any Meal: Whether for Thanksgiving, a Sunday dinner, or casual gatherings, these rolls fit any occasion.
  • Perfect for Leftovers: These rolls can be enjoyed the next day, either fresh or toasted.
  • Kid-Friendly: Soft, slightly sweet, and fun to eat, even the pickiest eaters will love them.
  • Versatile: Serve them with butter, jam, or as the base for a sandwich.
  • Freezable: You can freeze the dough or baked rolls for later use, making them perfect for meal prep.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 3 hours (including rising time)
  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Rising Time: 2 hours
  • Servings: 12 rolls
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 150-175 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 28g, Fat: 4g

Ingredients

For the Dinner Rolls:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • ½ cup warm water
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Butter Glaze:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Ingredient Highlights

  • Active Dry Yeast: Provides the perfect rise for the rolls, making them light and fluffy.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavor.
  • Whole Milk: Ensures the rolls stay soft and tender.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness without the extra salt, allowing you to control the seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough:

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, and salt.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients, then gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean cloth. Let rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Rolls:

  1. Punch Down Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
  2. Form the Rolls: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each into a smooth ball.
  3. Second Rise: Place the dough balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a cloth and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake the Rolls:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake the Rolls: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
  3. Prepare Butter Glaze: While the rolls bake, mix melted butter and honey in a small bowl.
  4. Glaze the Rolls: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with the butter glaze for a shiny, sweet finish.

Serve:

  1. Enjoy: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Aunt Shirley’s Famous Homemade Dinner Rolls:

  • With Butter: Slathered with softened butter for a simple, comforting side.
  • For Sandwiches: Perfect for mini sandwiches, especially with turkey or roast beef.
  • At Holiday Meals: Serve alongside your favorite holiday dishes like mashed potatoes and gravy.
  • With Jam or Honey: Spread with fruit preserves or honey for a sweet treat.
  • With Soup or Salad: Pair with a hearty soup or fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • For Breakfast: Enjoy with eggs, beef bacon, or turkey sausage for a delicious morning meal.
  • As a Snack: Warm them up for an afternoon snack, perfect with tea or coffee.
  • With Gravy: Pour gravy over these rolls for a rich, savory flavor.
  • With Cheese: Try pairing with your favorite cheeses for a simple appetizer.
  • As a Gift: Package these rolls in a nice basket as a homemade gift for loved ones.

Additional Tips

  • Proper Rising: Make sure the dough has room to rise and is kept in a warm environment to help it double in size.
  • Knead the Dough Well: Kneading ensures the dough is smooth and elastic, giving the rolls their soft texture.
  • Brush with Butter: The butter glaze adds a beautiful golden finish and extra flavor to the rolls.
  • Freeze for Later: After the second rise, freeze the unbaked rolls. When you’re ready to bake, let them rise and bake as usual.
  • Don’t Over-Bake: Keep an eye on the rolls while baking to avoid over-baking, which can make them dry.

Recipe Variations

  • Garlic Butter Rolls: Brush with garlic butter instead of the honey glaze for a savory version.
  • Cheese-Stuffed Rolls: Add a cube of cheese to the center of each roll before baking.
  • Herb Rolls: Incorporate herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the dough for extra flavor.
  • Whole Wheat Rolls: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
  • Cinnamon Rolls: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar to the dough before rolling it up and baking.
  • Vegan Rolls: Use non-dairy milk and a flax egg to make these rolls vegan-friendly.
  • Sweet Rolls: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a bit more sugar for a sweeter, dessert-like roll.

Special Equipment

  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish: For baking the rolls in a single layer.
  • Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients.
  • Electric Mixer (Optional): For kneading the dough if you prefer not to do it by hand.
  • Pastry Brush: To brush the glaze over the rolls.
  • Clean Cloth: For covering the dough while it rises.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
    Yes, you can use instant yeast without activating it first. Simply add it to the dry ingredients.
  2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
  3. Can I freeze the rolls?
    Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven before serving.
  4. How do I make the rolls even fluffier?
    Ensure your yeast is fresh and use a gentle kneading technique to avoid deflating the dough.
  5. Can I make the rolls smaller?
    Absolutely! Simply divide the dough into more portions for smaller rolls.
  6. How long can I store the rolls?
    The rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  7. Can I add more sugar to the dough?
    Yes, if you prefer sweeter rolls, you can increase the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons.
  8. Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?
    Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment works well for kneading the dough.
  9. Can I skip the butter glaze?
    You can skip the glaze, but it adds a lovely shine and flavor to the rolls.
  10. Can I use almond milk for a dairy-free version?
    Yes, almond milk works great as a dairy-free substitute.

Conclusion

Aunt Shirley’s Famous Homemade Dinner Rolls are the epitome of comfort food—soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden brown. These melt-in-your-mouth rolls are made with love and are sure to be a hit at any family gathering or holiday meal. The dough is simple to make, but the result is incredibly satisfying. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter or use them to mop up gravy, these dinner rolls will quickly become a favorite in your home.

This recipe is easy to customize—brush the rolls with garlic butter for extra flavor, add herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory touch, or top them with a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet finish. Perfect alongside any main course, these rolls are sure to make every meal feel extra special.

I can’t wait to see how your Aunt Shirley’s Famous Homemade Dinner Rolls turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this recipe your own!