Overnight Dinner Rolls(Chill Overnight)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Soft, fluffy overnight dinner rolls with a tender crumb, perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a buttery flavor and warm aroma after baking.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 pkg. yeast
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. warm water
  • 3/4 cup margarine, melted
  • 2 cups warm milk
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 6 cups sifted flour

Instructions

  1. Combine yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl and dissolve.
  2. Add melted margarine, warm milk, beaten egg, salt, and part of the sifted flour; mix until smooth.
  3. Gradually add the remaining flour and knead until dough is elastic and smooth.
  4. Cover the dough and refrigerate overnight.
  5. The next day, roll or pat out the dough to about 1/2-inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
  6. Cut out rounds with a cutter or shape into 1 1/2-inch balls.
  7. Place the dough balls close together on a greased pan or muffin tin.
  8. Let stand in the greased pan for about 3 hours or until doubled in size.
  9. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your water is warm but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter works as a great substitute. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly. If your dough is sticky, add a bit more flour until it's manageable.

Serving Suggestions

These overnight dinner rolls are perfect for family meals or gatherings, and they pair beautifully with soups and salads. Consider serving them alongside a rich stew or as a base for sliders. For a sweet treat, serve with a spread of butter or jam, and they make a delightful addition to brunch alongside dishes like Oatmeal Drop Cakes.

Storage & Reheating

Once baked, these rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in aluminum foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. They freeze well too; just wrap them tightly before freezing and reheat directly from the freezer.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Overnight Dinner Rolls(Chill Overnight) contains roughly 319 calories, with 7g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value) and protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 719mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

319 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.7g 13% DV
Total Fat 6g 8% DV
Carbs 59.5g 22% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 719mg 31% DV
Potassium 248.1mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 86.3mg 29% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 22.2mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 2mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 88.3mg 7% DV
Iron 2.6mg 14% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time and freeze it?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after kneading. Shape it into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and let rise before baking.

What if my rolls don’t rise?

If your rolls don’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that your water temperature is correct. If they still don’t rise after the recommended time, try placing them in a warmer area to encourage rising.

Can I use a different type of flour?

You can use alternative flours like whole wheat or gluten-free blends, but be aware that this may change the texture of the rolls. Whole wheat flour will make them denser, while gluten-free flour may require additional binding agents. Adjust the liquid in the recipe as needed.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

🍽 Looking for more dinner ideas? Take our Dinner Quiz for personalized recipe suggestions →
Dinner Ideas Hub
American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → Dinner recipes → All recipes →