No knead dinner rolls

Soft, fluffy, and no kneading at all 🙌 — these are perfect for weeknights or holidays. Here’s a very detailed, step-by-step No-Knead Dinner Rolls recipe.

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No-Knead Dinner Rolls (Soft & Fluffy)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Plastic wrap or clean towel

• 9 × 13-inch baking pan (or sheet pan)

• Measuring cups & spoons

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Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / warm, not hot)

• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing tops)

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Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Activate the yeast

1. Pour warm milk into a large mixing bowl.

2. Sprinkle yeast over the milk.

3. Add 1 tablespoon of the sugar.

4. Stir gently and let sit 5–10 minutes.

5. The mixture should become foamy.

   • If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be inactive.

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Step 2: Mix wet ingredients

1. Add remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture.

2. Stir until well combined.

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Step 3: Add flour (no kneading!)

1. Add 3½ cups flour.

2. Stir with a spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms.

3. If dough is very wet and runny, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.

   • Dough should be soft and sticky, not dry.

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Step 4: First rise

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel.

2. Place in a warm spot.

3. Let rise 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

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Step 5: Shape the rolls

1. Grease a 9 × 13-inch pan.

2. Lightly flour your hands.

3. Gently punch down the dough.

4. Divide dough into 12–15 equal pieces.

5. Roll each piece into a ball.

6. Place rolls evenly in the pan.

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Step 6: Second rise

1. Cover the pan loosely.

2. Let rolls rise 30–40 minutes, until puffy.

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Step 7: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bake rolls for 18–22 minutes, until tops are golden brown.

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Step 8: Finish

1. Remove rolls from oven.

2. Brush tops with melted butter.

3. Serve warm.

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Tips for Best Results

• Dough should be sticky — resist adding too much flour

• For extra softness, cover hot rolls with a clean towel for 10 minutes

• Use a metal pan for softer sides, glass for slightly crisp edges

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Make-Ahead Options

• Overnight rise: Cover dough and refrigerate after Step 3 (up to 12 hours)

• Freeze baked rolls: Cool completely, freeze, and reheat at 300°F