Quick & Easy No Yeast Dinner Rolls (30 Minutes!)

Forget waiting hours for yeasted bread to rise – these no yeast dinner rolls deliver warm, homemade comfort in just 30 minutes! Using baking powder for leavening, they bake up remarkably fluffy and tender. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner additions, these rolls rival their yeasted cousins in taste and texture while being incredibly beginner-friendly.

Why You’ll Love These Rolls:

• Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish
• No specialty ingredients required
• Foolproof mixing method
• Incredibly versatile
• Perfect for beginners
• Freezer-friendly

PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 20 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes
SERVINGS: 12 rolls

INGREDIENTS

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (must be fresh, see notes)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature (or unsweetened plant-based milk)
• ⅓ cup neutral oil (avocado or vegetable)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, divided (or dairy-free butter)
• Optional egg wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry brush
• Kitchen scale (optional but recommended)

INSTRUCTIONS

Here’s a step by step instructions on how to get started.

1. Preheat and Prep:

• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C)
• Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with oil or butter
• Gather all ingredients and ensure milk is at room temperature

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar
• If using a kitchen scale, 2½ cups flour = 300g
• Whisk well to evenly distribute the baking powder

3. Combine Wet and Dry:

• Create a well in the center of dry ingredients
• Pour in room temperature milk and oil
• Using a wooden spoon, mix just until a shaggy dough forms
• Stop mixing as soon as no dry flour remains visible
• Dough will be soft and slightly sticky

4. Shape the Rolls:

• Dust work surface and hands lightly with flour
• Turn dough onto surface
• Gently pat into a rough rectangle

• Using a bench scraper or knife, divide into 12 equal portions
• Shape each portion into a ball by tucking edges under
• Place seam side down in prepared pan

5. Prepare for Baking:

• Arrange rolls with about 1 inch space between each
• Brush tops with half of the melted butter
• Optional: brush with egg wash for extra golden color
• Let rest 5 minutes while oven finishes preheating

6. Bake the Rolls:

• Bake 18-20 minutes until golden brown
• Rotate pan halfway through for even browning
• Check doneness by tapping – should sound hollow
• Internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C)

7. Finish and Serve:

• Remove from oven
• Brush hot rolls with remaining melted butter
• Let cool 5 minutes in pan
• Transfer to wire rack or serve warm

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

Dense or Heavy Rolls:

• Overmixing the dough
• Old baking powder
• Too much flour
• Cold ingredients

Not Rising Properly:

• Check baking powder freshness
• Oven temperature accuracy
• Dough too dry or wet

STORAGE & MAKE AHEAD

Room Temperature:

• Store in airtight container up to 2 days
• Best eaten within 24 hours

Freezer Storage:

• Cool completely
• Wrap individually in plastic
• Store in freezer bag up to 3 months
• Thaw at room temperature
• Reheat wrapped in foil at 350°F for 5-10 minutes

Make Ahead Tips:

• Prepare dough and shape rolls
• Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 8 hours
• Bring to room temperature before baking
• May need extra 2-3 minutes bake time

VARIATIONS

Savory Options:

• Italian: 1 teaspoon each garlic powder, dried basil, oregano
• Cheese: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar or parmesan
• Herb: 2 tablespoons fresh chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme, chives)

Sweet Options:

• Honey Butter: Replace sugar with 2 tablespoons honey
• Cinnamon: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to dry ingredients
• Orange: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest

Dietary Adaptations

Dairy-Free:

• Use unsweetened almond or oat milk
• Replace butter with dairy-free butter or olive oil

Whole Wheat:

• Replace up to 1 cup flour with whole wheat flour
• May need extra 2-3 tablespoons liquid

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Perfect Pairings:

• Soups and stews
• Holiday meals
• Breakfast with jam and butter
• Dinner side dish
• Mini sandwiches

PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Ingredients:

• Test baking powder freshness: add ¼ teaspoon to hot water – should fizz vigorously
• Room temperature ingredients blend better
• Measure flour by spooning into cups and leveling off
• Don’t substitute baking soda for baking powder

Technique:

• Handle dough gently – think muffin mixing method
• Use bench scraper for easy portioning
• Keep hands floured while shaping
• Don’t skip the butter brush – adds flavor and soft crust

These quick dinner rolls prove that delicious homemade bread doesn’t require hours of work or special ingredients. Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

FAQ

Further reading:

• Healthy Banana Zucchini Muffins
• Easy Key Lime Pound Cake
• Chewy Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies