Soft and Fluffy Amish Dinner Rolls

These homemade Amish dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, slightly sweet, and topped with melted butter for a beautiful golden finish. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or breakfast, they’re easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
• Yield: 12 dinner rolls
• Oven Temperature: 375°F (190°C)

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes, until foamy.

2. Mix the Dough

Add the sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and salt. Mix well. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead and Let Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape the Rolls

Gently punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and arrange them in a greased baking dish.

5. Let Rise Again

Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

6. Bake

Brush the rolls with melted butter. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the centers are fully baked.

7. Serve

Brush with a little extra melted butter, if desired. Serve warm with butter, jam, soups, or your favorite main dishes.

Tips for Perfect Dinner Rolls

• Use warm water: Aim for 105–110°F (40–43°C). Water that is too hot can damage the yeast.
• Measure flour carefully: Add it gradually to keep the dough soft and fluffy.
• Knead thoroughly: Kneading develops the gluten needed for a light, tender texture.
• Allow enough rising time: Let the dough rise until doubled rather than relying only on the clock.
• Brush with butter: Applying melted butter after baking keeps the tops soft and flavorful.

Variations

• Honey Butter Rolls: Mix a tablespoon of honey into the melted butter before brushing.
• Garlic Herb Rolls: Brush the baked rolls with butter mixed with minced garlic and chopped parsley.
• Cheesy Rolls: Sprinkle grated cheddar or Parmesan over the rolls during the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Cinnamon Rolls: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a subtly spiced flavor.

Storage and Freezing

Room Temperature: Store the cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing Baked Rolls: Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Wrap the rolls in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. Individual rolls can also be microwaved for 10–15 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast?

Yes. Use approximately 2 teaspoons of instant yeast and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Why aren’t my rolls rising?

The yeast may be inactive, the water may be too hot or too cold, or the dough may be rising in a cool environment. Check the yeast and allow the dough to rise somewhere warm.

Can I replace sugar with honey?

Yes. Use about ¼ cup of honey instead of ½ cup of sugar. The flavor and texture may be slightly different.

What if the dough is too sticky?

Add flour one tablespoon at a time until the dough is manageable. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can make the rolls dense.

Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?

Yes. Replace the vegetable oil with the same amount of melted, unsalted butter for a richer flavor.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes. Use vegetable oil instead of butter for brushing and choose dairy-free ingredients.

Nutrition Information

Estimated values per roll, based on 12 rolls.

• Calories: 190
• Total Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fiber: 1 g

Nutrition values may vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

These soft and fluffy Amish dinner rolls are a delicious addition to any meal. With their lightly sweet flavor, tender centers, and buttery golden tops, they’re sure to become a favorite at your table. Serve them fresh from the oven and enjoy!