Soft, fluffy, easy homemade yeast rolls started in your bread machine and finished in the oven! A family favorite saved over 10,000 times, this beginner-friendly recipe includes make-ahead tips for perfect, hot rolls every time. No bread machine? I’ve got you covered! You will thank me when you taste them!!
This recipe was originally published in 2017 and has been retested, updated, and improved in 2023, 2025, and 2026 with new photos, clearer instructions, and additional tips for perfect Easy Yeast Rolls every time.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Reader Michelle Raved: “I tried this recipe one time and was sold! Now I’ve used the dough for whole loaf bread, monkey bread, and cinnamon rolls, the dough is so versatile and easy and never fails!”
Soft, golden yeast rolls that melt in your mouth? Yes, please! This Easy Yeast Roll recipe is a family tradition that’s been on our holiday tables for years—and it’s been saved over 10,000 times by readers who love it just as much. Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned bread enthusiast, I’ll walk you through it step by step, from the bread machine to a perfect bake in the oven. Don’t have a bread machine? No problem, I’ll show you how to make this dinner roll recipe by hand or with a stand mixer.
I know yeast baking can be scary, but I promise you, you got this! With years of recipe testing and countless batches of rolls under my belt, I’ve perfected these homemade rolls to be as foolproof as they are delicious. I’ll even give you tips on making these rolls ahead of time so they’re soft, fluffy, and fresh when you’re ready to serve. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, these rolls will be the star of the show.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Easy yeast rolls for beginners. If baking bread intimidates you, have no fear! I’m ready to solve that with this recipe that I’ve made dozens of times.
- Multiple foolproof methods. If you have a bread maker, great! This is how we will mix and proof them quickly. If not, don’t even worry, I’ve got methods for making the dough by hand or in a stand mixer too. It’ll become your favorite recipe too!
- Perfect to prep in advance. Yes, even though bread baking can seem daunting, you can easily assemble these ahead of time to make entertaining simpler! Save for special occasions, or just because.
Reader Tracy Said: “Thank you so so so so much!! They turned out BEAUTIFULLY!! I’m beyond ecstatic!! Thank you so much for such an easy recipe and sooooo good!! I’m making these for Thanksgiving AND Christmas this year! Probably never use another recipe for them! Again, THANK YOU so much, I appreciate it more than you will ever know!!” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Ingredients for Bread Machine Rolls
- Bread Flour | While you can substitute with AP flour, the results will not be the same as the light, fluffy rolls you get with bread flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which gives a better texture.
- Egg | Bring your egg to room temperature for the best incorporation. If you forget, submerge the egg in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for 5-7 minutes.
- Yeast | I use yeast made for bread machines (Rapid Rise Yeast) or Instant Yeast for this recipe. Dry active yeast may not work as well; it will just take longer for the first rise. Make sure it’s fresh, check the expiration date on the packet or your buns won’t rise, and that would be sad!
- Butter | Use real butter at room temperature, I used salted butter, you may use unsalted butter.
- Salt & Sugar | Just a touch of sugar and kosher salt to add depth and flavor to your buns!
- Warm Water | Your water temperature should be between 90-110°F.
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
Kathleen’s Tip: Don’t miss brushing the tops with melted butter and sprinkling with flaky or regular sea salt; it adds a fabulous softness and dimension to these easy yeast rolls.
Recommended Tools
- Bread Machine | I have had my bread machine for over 20 years, and it’s still kicking, but if I were to buy one today, this Breville Bread Maker is the one I would purchase.
- Half Sheet Pan | This recipe makes quite a few rolls, you want a large pan, my favorite USA made pans!
- Pastry Brush | Certainly easier to brush melted butter on with a brush!
- Flaky Sea Salt | This stuff is the best, I sprinkle it on most of my cookies!
High Altitude Adjustments: The only adjustment needed for high altitude is to reduce your yeast to 2 ¼ – ½ teaspoons, make and bake as directed!
How to Make Bread Machine Dinner Rolls
Step 1 | Combine the Ingredients
To make Bread Machine Dinner Rolls, add the ingredients to your bread machine pan in the proper order so the dough behaves itself. Start with warm water, then add the softened butter and a room-temperature egg.
Next, go in the dry ingredients: bread flour (all-purpose works in a pinch), cane sugar, and kosher sea salt. Finish with the yeast right on top. Quick-rise yeast works best in a bread machine, but if you’re using active dry yeast, you’ll want to activate it first, or plan for the dough to take a little extra time to catch up.
Recipe Tip: Yeast is temperamental; when placing it in the mixture, put it next to the sugar, not the salt. Yeast feeds on sugar, and salt tends to kill it.
Step 2 | Make the Dough
Place ingredients in your bread maker and choose the –>white, –>large, –>dough cycle; not the full bread cycle —just the dough cycle. Press start! They will do their second rise after you shape them into dough balls.
After the dough cycle is finished, remove the dough ball and then begin the roll making process.
Step 3 | Shape the Yeast Rolls
Punch down and plop onto a floured surface or a cutting board and divide into 16-24 equally shaped pieces. I love using my bench scraper to divide them, it’s quick and easy.
Next pinch into round little dumplings
Place the pinched side down on a parchment-lined or greased sheet pan.
Brush top of the dough with melted butter…
Sprinkle the tops with a pinch of kosher salt or fleur de sel, cover with a clean, damp tea towel, and allow to rise in a warm place* until doubled. The temperature of your kitchen can impact rise times, so when it’s cooler, it will take longer. Be patient or use a proof setting on your oven.
Recipe Tip: I like to set my oven to 100º, turn it off, and then place the rolls in to rise. Or if your oven has a “proof” setting, use that. You want to set it to about 70°-75° F.
Step 4 | Bake
Once doubled in size, about 30-40 minutes, remove from oven and preheat oven to 375º F (190° C).
Bake until golden brown, if desired brush again with melted butter just before serving and sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt. AMAZING!
How to make homemade yeast rolls without a bread machine
It’s so easy, you can use either a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl with a wooden spoon and your hands. And from my experience too, kids love to help shape the rolls, it’s a whole family activity!
- Add all ingredients to a stand mixer or large mixing bowl. Mix on low with a paddle attachment or use a wooden spoon until the dough comes together. It should feel tacky, not overly sticky. If it’s too wet, add a teaspoon or two of flour at a time. If it feels dry, add a splash of water. If you’re working with active dry yeast, activate it by stirring it into 1⁄4 cup warm water with a teaspoon of sugar, then let it proof for 5 to 10 minutes until bubbly. Stir the yeast mixture into the bowl.
- Then, scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, and continue kneading using the dough hook on low-medium for 6-8 minutes, until the dough is slightly sticky but stretchy and holds together.
- Place dough in a medium bowl coated with a little oil, turning to cover both sides of dough. Cover with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap.
- Place in a warm spot (an oven with the lights on works, too, but not halogen, they get too hot!) for about 30 minutes, until doubled.
- Once doubled in size, remove the dough, pinch it into balls, and continue with the above recipe.
Expert Tips
- If your dough isn’t rising, check the date on your yeast, it may be expired!
- Make sure you allow your rolls to rise correctly. Once they are shaped, place the rolls in a warmer, draft-free area of the kitchen to easily rise. If the room is cold, this could take longer; I often like to use my oven on the “proof” setting or preheat to 100ºF, turn it off, and then add the rolls.
- Place a damp towel over the rolls before they rise. This helps the dough to not dry out or form a skin before baking.
- If you are making the rolls in a stand mixer or by hand, avoid over-mixing or over-kneading. This can make the texture tough or gummy rather than soft and fluffy. Mix just until combined and knead for 6 to 8 minutes, until the dough is sticky but also stretchy.
- Make your rolls the same size. This is so important for even baking! You can eyeball the size, or use a culinary scale if you want to be precise.
Variations
- Herbed Dinner Rolls: Add chopped rosemary, parsley, or thyme to the dough, then sprinkle a little extra on top before baking for a pretty, fragrant finish.
- Honey Butter Rolls: Brush warm rolls with melted butter mixed with honey, and add a pinch of flaky salt if you like the sweet-meets-salty moment.
- Slider Rolls: Shape the dough into small rounds for easy little sandwich buns.
- Garlic Butter Rolls: Brush warm rolls with melted butter mixed with minced garlic, or with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, then sprinkle a bit of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.
- Cheese Rolls: Fold shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan into the dough, or sprinkle cheese on top near the end of baking.
- Everything Seasoned Rolls: Brush with butter and dust the tops with everything bagel seasoning before baking.
- Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls: Swap in part whole-wheat flour for a heartier roll and add a drizzle of honey to keep things soft.
- Shape a little larger and make into hamburger buns!
Storage
- Once the rolls are completely cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store on the counter 1-2 days.
- If you’ll use them within 48 hours, you can leave them at room temperature. Or refrigerate 2-3 days (though this isn’t my favorite way).
- For the best texture, bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
- Preheat your oven to 300 °F (150 °C). Place rolls on a baking sheet and warm for 5-10 minutes, until heated through and slightly crisp on the outside.
- Alternatively, microwave a single roll for about 15-20 seconds (depending on your microwave), then pat the top with a bit of butter for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feeling.
- Brush melted butter on top after warming, if you like that extra shine and flavor (just like in the original bake).
Freezing
If you want to freeze the rolls, once fully cooled, wrap each roll (or the full batch) in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze up to 2 months.
- When ready to use, you have two options:
- Overnight thaw: Remove from freezer and place in the fridge the evening before, then warm in the oven the next day.
- Quick thaw & warm: Preheat your oven to 325 °F (165 °C). Remove from wrapping, place on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For the last 2-3 minutes, remove foil to let the tops re-crisp.
- After thawing and warming, consume within 1 day for the best texture.
Make Ahead Instructions (Overnight Yeast Rolls)
- Refrigerate overnight: Make through the first rise, then shape the rolls, place them in a lightly greased baking dish or sheet pan, cover the shaped rolls with lightly oiled plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before baking, let them warm up and rise until puffy, about 45–90 minutes.
- Par-bake: Bake 10–12 minutes until set but pale. Cool, then cover and finish baking for 8–10 minutes at 350°F.
- Freeze unbaked: Freeze shaped raw dough balls on a tray for one hour, then bag. When ready, place in the pan, cover, and let thaw and rise 3–5 hours before baking. Like homemade Rhodes rolls!
What to Serve with Yeast Dinner Rolls
In our house, homemade dinner rolls pair with any meal, but here are some signature recipes we love to serve them with:
More Delicious Bread Recipes
FAQs
Tough rolls usually mean too much flour, over-kneading, or liquid that was too hot or too cold for the yeast. Measure flour lightly, knead just until smooth, and use warm water so the dough rises properly and stays soft.
Usually, the yeast wasn’t active, the liquid was too hot or too cold, or the dough didn’t get enough warm time to proof.
This recipe was originally published in 2017 and has been updated several times (2023, 2025, and 2026) to improve the photos, baking tips, and instructions for the best possible homemade Easy Yeast Rolls.
Like this recipe?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water between 90-110°F but not too hot.
- 2 tablespoons butter softened, I use salted butter, if using unsalted, add ¼ teaspoon additional salt
- 1 large egg Room temperature (if you forget, submerge the egg in warm (not hot) water for 5-7 minutes)
- 3 ¼ cups bread flour may substitute all-purpose flour end result will be less fluffy, but they will still be good!
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons bread machine yeast make sure your yeast is fresh; use instant or bread machine yeast. (For high altitude use 2 ½ teaspoons yeast)
- 2-3 Tablespoons melted butter for brushing
- kosher salt or flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Place first 7 ingredients in bread machine in order listed (see notes for how to make without bread machine).1 cup warm water, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 large egg, 3 ¼ cups bread flour, ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 3 teaspoons bread machine yeast
- When adding ingredients, place the yeast near the sugar, not the salt.
- Start bread machine on >>white, >>dough, >>large cycle (not the full bread cycle). You will do the second rise after you form them into dough balls.
- Once cycle is finished, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, or spray with non-stick spray.
- Remove yeast dough from the bread pan and punch down; separate pieces into 16-24 equal dough balls.
- Pinch together bottoms of dough to form little dumpling sized dough balls and place upside down on cookie sheet.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with kosher or flaky sea salt.2-3 Tablespoons melted butter , kosher salt
- Cover with clean, damp tea towel and let rise in warm location* for 30-40 minutes until doubled.
- Once doubled, preheat oven to 375° F (190° C) and bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and brush tops again with melted butter, if desired and sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt.
Notes
High Altitude Instructions: Reduce the yeast to 2 ½ teaspoons, and proceed with the recipe. Everything else stays the same!
For more information, and how to make without a bread machine, expert tips and variations, see the post.Nutrition
Wendy
Omg these are amazing and dangerously delicious !!!
I had never tried yeast rolls, they were easy. Waiting to finish my third batch. Thank you
Thank you so much, Wendy! What a sweet comment!
Tiffany
Amazing and super easy. The taste and fluffiness makes you want to keep eating them. Only think I do different is after I take the dough out of the bread machine, I punch it down and roll it into a pizza shape, use a pizza cutter and cut into 16 slices and roll it into a Cresent. Comes out great
I LOVE your twist Tiffany!! Thank you for that tip.
Tanya Houston
Super easy to make and they taste great!
Love hearing that Tanya!! Thank you 🙏🏼
Lori
Hi, All your recipes are amazing so I’m sure this one will be as well. I’m making these without a bread machine, Can they be made and baked the next day? Thank you, can’t wait to make them.
Thank you Lori! I haven’t tried it with these rolls, but it “should” work. Make the dough 12-24 hours ahead through the first rise. Then make your rolls and place them in a well greased pan, spray the tops lightly with a little oil, cover tightly with plastic wrap, then place in fridge. When you are ready to bake them, take them out of the fridge and allow them to finish rising (they will probably rise a bit in the fridge) on the counter for 30-60 minutes. Then bake as directed. Hint: if they don’t rise too much while on the counter it might mean they need a little longer to rise or your house is cool. Just give them a little longer to rise or place them in the oven on the proof setting if you have one or turn the oven to 100* then turn off cover with a damp tea towel. Hope they turn out great! Happy Thanksgiving!
Alli
These are delicious and they came out perfectly. I followed the recipe exactly. Everyone loved them. Thank you!
So glad you loved them Alli! Thank you for your sweet comment! Have a lovely day!
Lori
Hi, All your recipes are amazing so I’m sure this one will be as well. I’m making these without a bread machine, Can they be made and baked the next day? Thank you, can’t wait to make them.
Hi Lori, I think I already answered this question, but just in case. Yes, absolutely, get them ready through shaping them into rolls and place in a well greased pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge. Remove them 30-60 minutes to finish rising (a great time to preheat the oven). If your house is on the cooler side, they might need longer to rise, they will also slowly rise in the fridge. Hope that helps!
Michelle Campbell
I tried this recipe one time and was sold! Now I’ve used the dough for whole loaf bread, monkey bread and cinnamon rolls, the dough is so versatile and easy and never fails!
I love that Michelle!! Thank you for your kind comment!!
Cheryl Bratcher
My daughter and I are obsessed with warm rolls out of the oven, but I have been too intimidated to work with yeast dough until I read this recipe. You have inspired me to give it a try, but I do not own a bread machine; however, I think now would be a good time to buy one. I saw your recommendation on the Breville machine but do not want to spend that much money on one just yet. The Cuisinart compact automatic bread maker caught my eye because of the price tag and the slim design. Not knowing anything about bread machines, would you be able to tell me if this machine would be able to do what your recipe is calling for with the bread machine? Thank you very much for your help!!
Hi Cheryl, sorry for my delay, any bread machine should work, as long as it has a dough cycle and I’m pretty sure they all have one!! You’ll love them!
Cat
I know I’m late to the party with a response, but this one is almost identical to a different brand I paid $170 for and it’s way cheaper. If you haven’t found one already, you might give this a try!
https://www.amazon.com/OSIPOTO-Automatic-Stainless-Non-stick-Beginner-Friendly/dp/B0DNJMDTGV/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=3RJD2X6M31OMG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dC5KVGBtL6ENpLpdPSdQJECUgSF3nITmsgBMCry_Wd086tJ8DsQtTIs87CGF4oLEhD8l7NQTfCRpBXyq5uR-XzXo0cA9qrM5QT-mg0Va2LoYMlWJDt2PLaxjQq-NPZ9oYmYbthWsfnNBhL3RENwT7Y–9Ke-Ki4V6Diy7-dKDsY31C6TvrIc4cFyQvb6wNKYTs61foVrkQ-AxGDC2YNJhA.VLXVBMSTvwvkjx4xtcWlon4zv6P-pXnTaEfOkPO7I5M&dib_tag=se&keywords=bread+machine+calmdo&qid=1744474586&s=home-garden&sprefix=bread+machine+calmdo%2Caps%2C107&sr=1-2
Thanks Cat!
Laura Mae
These are just fantastic. I have used them as sandwich bread using a loaf pan and made them into 10 balls for hamburger buns. I think I’ve made this recipe 20+ times! So long overdue for your 5 stars! Thank you so much!
Awe, Laura, thank you so so much! You made my month! I love the twist you came up with and ways to use them! Thank you so much for taking time to write these kind words!
Christine
Best dinner rolls ever! I use a proofer to save on the rise time once the rolls are shaped. Excellent taste and texture.
So glad you loved them!!
Tammy Brannon
Question for you please! The description says to select “the full bread cycle, just the dough cycle, you will finish them up after the first rise” but my bread machine dough cycle has 2 rises. Should I stop the bread machine and take the dough out of the machine after the first rise?
Hi Tammy,
Yes, stop it after the first rise; my bread machine only has one rise for the dough cycle, which is what you want, not the full bread cycle; maybe I’m missing a word there! You will do the second rise after you form them into the rolls. Hope that helps!
Tammy
How long is the first rise in your bread machine? My dough cycle has no first rise cycle only a second and third. Thanks again
It should be ready after the dough cycle Tammy, but if you feel better, let it sit in the machine for 30 minutes, then remove and proceed with the recipe.
Tammy
The absolutely most fabulous yeast rolls ever! My company RAVED about how delicious they were. I’m making them for Christmas Eve dinner. Thank you Kathleen for the clear directions and answering all my question so promptly. Fantastic 19 star recipe! Happy Holidays!
Thank you so much, Tammy! So glad you (and your company) loved the them! Thank you for your kind comment!
FSethman
Could I use machine then bake in oven using muffin tins? What would be the time in the oven?
You can certainly bake them in muffin tins, probably about the same amount of time, give or take a few, check them a few minutes before the time frame and once they are puffed and golden.
Linda morris
I have made two batches so far. Both perfect. My grandson loves! Many thanks for recipe. A keeper!
Oh thank you so much, Linda!!
Vicky Finn
These were the easiest yeast rolls I have ever made and the best they are awesome.
So glad you loved them so much Vicky!
Mary Ann
Once I make these for someone they are requested over and over. They come out so delicious and are easy to make. Thank you so much for the recipe. Making again today to take to dinner with friends. ❤️
Thank you so much Mary Ann for taking the time to write a kind comment! So glad you love them, we do too!
Tracy Thomas
Hi there! I didn’t leave any stars yet because I’m making this recipe as I’m typing the comment. I previously tried a different one before finding this one and it turned out terribly! I wanted to say beforehand, THANK YOU for putting the helpful suggestion about putting the yeast close to the sugar. I’ve never made yeast rolls and this is great recipe for people like me who are scared of yeast lol. Thankfully I do have a bread machine though! So far the dough is rising and so what it’s supposed to in the machine on the dough cycle. It’s almost done. ???? fingers crossed they turn out great! I’ll post another comment as well as my thoughts and stars as soon as I’m completely finished! Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to post this bc it’s helped me tremendously!!
Thank you Tracy and I hope they turn out beautifully!! I’ve had so many say they are successful- me included!! Excited to hear!
Tracy Thomas
Ty so so so so much!! They turned out BEAUTIFULLY!! I’m beyond ecstatic!! Thank you so much for such an easy recipe and sooooo good!! I’m making these for Thanksgiving AND Christmas this year! 🙂 probably never use another recipe for them! Again, THANK YOU so much, I appreciate it more than you will ever know!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!❤️
Thank you so much Tracy!! So glad they worked out so well! Thanks for making my day-month too!! Happy Thanksgiving!!
Christine
A helpful thing to keep in mind for all bread recipes is that yeast feeds off the sugar to help it rise nicely. This is why I always put the yeast and sugar next to each other in a bread machine, no matter what the recipe says. I make most of our bread and this method has never failed me.
Thank you so much Christine!
Shontell Bell
Can this be left as a loaf and completed in the bread machine instead of making rolls?
I’ve never tried it Shontell, but it’s a basic bread dough, so I’d give it a try — let me know how it turns out.
Shontell Bell
It turned out FANTASTIC!
Wahoo! So glad to hear that Shontell!
Jenny
Love! Have made these rolls several times for the family and they’re always a huge hit.
Thank you so much Jenny, so appreciate your kind words! Glad they are a hit, happy baking!
Bob
Really liking the rolls! 🙂
Even a pro like you can make them Bob!
msSally
Can the dough be kept in the refrigerator and made out as needed?
It will actually continue to slowly rise in the refrigerator, so I haven’t tried that over days. I have tried freezing the dough balls, thawing like you would a Rhodes frozen roll, they turned out okay, but not great. Let me know if you try doing this!
Debbie
This is very similar to a recipe that I have been making for at least 40 years. I only use AP flour with no problems. It is the one thing that I have to make and bring to family dinners.
I love it and so glad that you have no issues using AP flour!
Susan
Wow, these were so great!! Our family ate them all!!! Recommended
Love hearing this Susan! Thanks so much! So glad you loved them!
Elizabeth
These are RIDICULOUS!!! My husband, who does t really eat that much bread, ate 4 in one sitting and asked me to hide the rest. Said they were the best rolls he ever had. My kids wholeheartedly agreed! Thank you!!!
LOL, you are very welcome Elizabeth! Thank you so much for your kind words!! Happy hiding of the rolls! 🙂
Amber
This has been my go-to recipe since I found it. My husband and in laws absolutely love these rolls. Thank you for sharing!
Ashley K
These are easily the best rolls over ever made. So quick and easy to make. So flavorful! Only adjustment I made was to double the salt. I also brush generously with butter before and after cooking. They come out perfect every time!
bks
Judy’s favorite meal!!!!!!!
Not quite like the Sam’s Club yeast rolls, but equally as yummy I think Bob!