If you’ve ever wanted warm, homemade bread but immediately backed away screaming at the thought of yeast proofing times, then listen up! I’m Sarah Bennett, and I created this recipe because I believe amazing food shouldn’t require an all-day commitment. These No-Yeast Dinner Rolls are my answer to those last-minute dinner emergencies.
Honestly, I developed this recipe because I saw so many home cooks intimidated by bread. This takes the stress out completely! We skip the yeast entirely, using simple pantry staples to get you soft, golden rolls in about 35 minutes total. They are fluffy, they are comforting, and they prove that simple baking can be truly satisfying. You’re going to love how easy this feels!
Why These No-Yeast Dinner Rolls Build Confidence (E-E-A-T)
As a culinary educator, my goal is always to remove roadblocks, and yeast proofing is a major one! These rolls are designed to make you feel like a baking pro right away. They deliver that soft, homemade texture without any guesswork. If you’re looking for easy recipes for kids that grown-ups will love too, this is it because it’s foolproof.
- They are incredibly fast—we’re talking total time under 40 minutes!
- They are practically foolproof because baking powder does all the heavy lifting.
- You get the satisfaction of homemade bread without planning your day around dough rising.
Quick Bread Recipes Ready in Under an Hour
This is where we save the day! Since these are true Quick Bread Recipes, you mix them, shape them, and bake them. That’s it. You can go from standing in front of your pantry to pulling golden rolls out of the oven in about 35 minutes flat. Perfect for when you realize halfway through dinner prep that you forgot the rolls. Wow!
Simple Bread Recipes for Baking Beginners
Forget about kneading techniques or sticky thermometers. This is one of my favorite Simple Bread Recipes because you don’t need yeast, meaning no waiting for the dough to double. We rely on baking powder, which is chemical rising power. You just whisk, stir, and bake. Trust me, if you can stir ingredients in a bowl, you can nail these rolls!
Gathering Ingredients for Your No-Yeast Dinner Rolls
Okay, let’s look at what you need. Since these are so fast, we really rely on having the right combination of baking powder and flour to make them lift nicely without yeast. Don’t fret if you don’t have a full hour; we only need about 10 minutes of mixing time here. This recipe makes about 6 or 7 perfect little rolls that disappear fast at the dinner table!
For the Rolls: Essential Components
The main dough comes together really quickly. You’ll notice we call for a specific amount of milk—that extra tablespoon really helps keep the dough from being too stiff. Make sure that butter is melted before you start whisking because we are building our base right in that mixing bowl.
- 1/8 cup unsalted butter, melted (that’s about 2 Tablespoons, if you’re measuring that way!)
- 2/3 cup milk, plus 1 extra Tablespoon for a bit more moisture
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (This is our magic lifter!)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Topping: Finishing Touches
This part is non-negotiable for me. Brushing the tops with butter right when they come out of the heat gives them that fantastic, soft, golden crust that makes you want to pull them apart immediately. Seriously, don’t skip this finishing step!
- 1 Tablespoon melted butter
Equipment Needed for Easy Baking Recipes
When I say these are Easy Baking Recipes, I mean it—you absolutely do not need a stand mixer or fancy attachments for these rolls. We are keeping this super minimal so you can focus on the delicious result, not chasing down specialized tools.
For this batch of No-Yeast Dinner Rolls, you only need two main things. I kept the ingredient list small, and thankfully, the equipment list is just as simple. If you’re new to making Homemade Bread, this is a fantastic place to start building your confidence!
We need one good sturdy bowl for mixing everything up. Since we aren’t dealing with lengthy kneading, a large mixing bowl you can easily stir in with a wooden spoon or spatula works perfectly. If you’re worried about spills, just cover that bowl with a dish towel until you’re ready to mix the flour in.
Secondly, you’ll need a standard baking sheet. This is where your rolls will bake up to that beautiful golden brown. I always line mine with parchment paper—you can see my full thoughts on why I love lining pans so much over on my general baking disclaimer page—because cleanup is half the battle, right?
When I teach my beginner classes, I always tell people: if you don’t have a silicone baking mat, parchment paper works like a charm. If you don’t even have that? Just grease the sheet pan really well with a little extra butter or whatever cooking oil you keep on hand. It might stick a tiny bit more, but trust me, these rolls are worth the small effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions for No-Yeast Dinner Rolls
This is the part where the magic happens so fast, you’ll hardly believe it! Because we aren’t waiting on yeast, the process moves quickly from mixing bowl to hot oven. I always check that my oven rack is centered and that I’ve got my baking sheet ready before I even start mixing. This way, we don’t waste any time once the dough is mixed.
Preparation and Mixing the No-Yeast Dinner Rolls Dough
First thing: get that oven heating up to 350°F (177°C). While it warms, get your baking sheet prepped—I line mine with parchment paper, just like I mentioned before. Now, grab your large mixing bowl. We’re starting wet! Whisk together the melted butter, milk, sugar, salt, and the baking powder. Don’t just dump it—give it a good whisk until everything looks happy and combined.
Next, add your flour all at once. Stir it until a shaggy dough starts forming. If it looks way too sloppy, don’t panic and dump in more flour yet! Just add it one teaspoon at a time until the dough pulls completely away from the sides of the bowl and isn’t overly sticky anymore. Keep your mixer moving, but stop as soon as it comes together.
Shaping and Baking Your Homemade Bread
Time to shape our Homemade Bread! Divide that dough into 6 or 7 equal pieces. Roll each piece gently in your hands until you have a nice, smooth ball. Flatten them just a tiny bit so they aren’t perfect spheres—this helps them bake evenly. Place them on your prepared sheet, making sure you leave about two inches between each one so they have room to puff up a bit.
Pop these babies into the 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You are looking for that glorious golden brown color on top—that’s your signal!
The Final Step: Buttering Your Quick Bread Recipes
This is the secret step that takes these basic rolls to ‘Wow!’ territory. The absolute second you pull them out of the oven, grab that reserved tablespoon of melted butter. Brush it generously right over the tops of all the hot rolls. It sizzles a little, melts right in, and adds that incredible buttery softness we look for in great Quick Bread Recipes. Serve them warm, and you’ve basically won dinner!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Simple Bread Recipes
Because these are such classic, simple bread recipes, the quality and type of ingredients matter a lot! Since we are relying on baking powder and not slow-proofing yeast, every component needs to be doing its job perfectly. As a culinary educator (E-E-A-T is all about sharing this insider knowledge!), I want to make sure you have all the tips to guarantee success, especially when it comes to the fat and the lift.
Can I Use Different Fats in These No-Yeast Dinner Rolls?
The recipe calls for melted unsalted butter, and honestly, butter gives you the best flavor and a wonderfully tender crumb. However, I know ingredient swaps happen! If you’re out of butter, you can definitely use a neutral oil, like canola or vegetable oil. Just substitute one-for-one—equal parts oil for the melted butter.
Now, a little caveat: oil tends to make things a touch softer or sometimes slightly cakier than butter does. It won’t brown quite as richly on top either. If you use oil in the dough, make sure you still use the melted butter for brushing on top when they come out of the oven! That final butter brushing is what really seals in that classic dinner roll flavor.
Baking Powder Measurement Check
This is my biggest expert tip for success in any quick bread recipe: check your baking powder! Since this recipe has nothing else helping it rise, baking powder is doing 100% of the work. If your container has been sitting in the back of your cabinet since the Paleozoic era, it probably won’t give you the lift you need, and your rolls will turn out dense little discs.
If you aren’t sure how fresh it is, just scoop a teaspoon of it into a small bowl and pour a little hot water over it. If it fizzes up right away, you’re good to go! If it just sits there sadly, toss it and grab a new container before you start this recipe. Fresh baking powder means light, fluffy results every single time, which is what we want in our Simple Bread Recipes!
Tips for Perfect No-Yeast Dinner Rolls Every Time
Getting these No-Yeast Dinner Rolls absolutely perfect is easier than you think, but a couple of small habits make all the difference. Remember, consistency is key when you’re relying on chemical leavening! First, try to keep your oven temperature steady. These cook fast, and if your oven dips even a little, they might not fully rise before the outside sets. If you have an oven thermometer, use it—it’s a life-saver for these quick bake recipes!
Next, when you’re handling the dough after adding the flour, think gentle! We are stirring just until combined with the goal of not developing too much gluten. Overmixing makes them tough, and nobody wants a tough roll. Just mix until you stop seeing dry flour pockets, then stop stirring immediately. That little bit of softness in the dough translates directly into soft, pull-apart rolls later.
If you want to chat more about technique or just want to ask me a quick question while you’re baking, feel free to reach out through my contact page. Happy baking!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Homemade Bread
The biggest hurdle with baking fresh Homemade Bread, even these quick rolls, is keeping them delicious the next day! The great news is that because we didn’t use yeast, these rolls actually hold their texture really well, but they definitely taste best on day one.
When they are completely cooled—and I mean totally cool, don’t rush this or you’ll trap steam—you need an airtight container. You can store them on the counter at room temperature for up to two days. I prefer using a plastic container or even just a sturdy zip-top bag. Avoid the refrigerator entirely! Cold temperatures make bread go stale way faster, and we worked hard to avoid that sad texture.
Restoring Warmth and Softness
If you are eating these on day two, they will be firmer than when they were fresh out of the oven. But don’t worry, reviving them is a breeze—it’s almost as quick as making them!
- Quick Microwave Trick: For one or two rolls, wrap them loosely in a slightly damp paper towel. Microwave them on medium power for about 10 to 15 seconds. That little bit of moisture along with the heat steams them back to life! They become impossibly soft again.
- Oven Reheat: If you are eating the whole batch leftovers, this is the way to go. Set your oven to a very low temperature, maybe 250°F (120°C). Place the rolls directly on the baking sheet and warm them for about 5 to 7 minutes. This gently warms the buttered crust back up without drying out the inside. Perfect for serving alongside a hearty stew!
I always check our site’s privacy policy if I need a quick refresher on why storage matters for quick breads like these. But seriously, warm them up right before you eat them, and they taste incredible!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bread Without Oven Baking
I always get questions about adaptability, especially from folks who don’t want to use their conventional oven or are looking for another way to use this fast dough. Since these rolls are such simple bread recipes, they are surprisingly versatile! Here are some of the best questions I get relating to how you can bake these without turning the oven on.
Can I make these No-Yeast Dinner Rolls in an Air Fryer?
Oh, absolutely! That’s a fantastic way to get a smaller batch cooked super fast, or if you just prefer the air fryer’s super even heat. For the air fryer, you want to reduce the temperature slightly because those machines are intense! Set your air fryer to 325°F (160°C).
You’ll need to divide the dough into smaller pieces—maybe just trying to get 4 or 5 nice rolls instead of 6 or 7. Place only 3 or 4 in the basket at a time to ensure air can circulate all around them. They’ll take only about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep a really close eye on them after the 10-minute mark; air fryers are efficient, and you don’t want to burn that lovely butter topping!
What makes these different from traditional dinner rolls?
The absolute biggest difference is the leavening agent, which completely changes the timing! Traditional dinner rolls rely on yeast. You have to mix the dough, let it sit for an hour while it proofs and doubles, punch it down, shape it, and then let it proof *again* before it even hits the oven. That whole process takes hours.
For these No-Yeast Dinner Rolls, we skip all that waiting time! We use baking powder, which is chemical leavener. As soon as the baking powder gets wet and meets the heat in the oven, it instantly releases carbon dioxide, giving us lift right away. That’s why we can go from ingredients to warm rolls in under 40 minutes. It’s the magic of quick breads!
Can this dough be used for a Skillet Bread?
Yes, you can totally adapt this for a hot, comforting piece of Skillet Bread! If you don’t have an oven available—maybe you’re camping or your oven is broken—the skillet is your friend. First, make the dough exactly as instructed, but shape it into one large, thick circle instead of rolling out individual balls. You can even brush it with that melted butter topping before it goes into the pan.
Heat a heavy, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is best!) over *low* heat. Carefully place the dough disc in the pan. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid—this is super important to trap the steam and make sure the top cooks through, because unlike using the oven, you don’t have heat coming from above! Cook it low and slow for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it sounds hollow when tapped, like any Bread Without Oven recipe.
Check out the terms of use on the site if you need any more background on how different baking methods interact with doughs like this one! We cover a lot of ground!
Share Your Experience Making These Easy Baking Recipes
Now that you’ve got your golden, buttery No-Yeast Dinner Rolls cooling on the rack, I really want to know how they turned out! Whether you served them with soup or just ate them standing over the counter (I won’t tell!), your feedback means the world to me.
As a culinary educator, seeing your success is what keeps me going. Please take a moment to leave a star rating right below this recipe. That quick rating helps other busy cooks see just how reliable and fast these Easy Baking Recipes truly are. If you had any crazy twists, used a different fat, or added a pinch of herb, drop a comment below! I love reading about your kitchen adventures.
If you snapped a picture of your beautiful batch of Homemade Bread, tag me on social media! Seeing your creations reminds me why making baking accessible is so important. You can connect with me, Sarah Bennett, and share your photos over on the easy snacks and small bites category—I check those posts all the time, especially when I’m planning new simple bread recipes to share.
Thank you for trusting this recipe for one of your family dinners. Enjoy that wonderful, yeast-free warmth!
No-Yeast Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter, milk, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Whisk these ingredients until they are combined.
- Gradually add the flour and stir until the dough forms.
- If the dough feels too wet, add more flour, one teaspoon at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky.
- Divide the dough into 6 or 7 pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
- Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown.
- Brush the tops with melted butter immediately after you remove them from the oven.
- Serve the rolls warm.