There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked dinner rolls filling the kitchen. These soft and buttery rolls boast a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them the perfect complement to any meal. Whether served alongside a hearty stew, holiday feast, or enjoyed with a smear of butter, they are sure to become a household favorite. With a straightforward preparation process and simple ingredients, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results right from your oven.
Ingredients Overview
Every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating these light, fluffy, and flavorful rolls.
Water and milk provide moisture and structure, ensuring the dough remains soft and pliable. The combination of both yields a balanced flavor and delicate crumb. Melted butter adds richness and a tender bite, while honey lends a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall taste. Active-dry yeast is responsible for leavening, creating the signature airy texture of dinner rolls. Fine sea salt rounds out the flavors, preventing the rolls from tasting flat.
For those seeking substitutions, maple syrup can replace honey for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness. A dairy-free alternative can be achieved using almond milk and plant-based butter without compromising texture or flavor.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Proper preparation is key to achieving perfectly soft, pillowy rolls.
The liquid ingredients must be heated carefully to ensure they activate the yeast without killing it. The mixture should be warm—around 110°F—so that the yeast can bloom properly. Too hot, and it will destroy the yeast; too cool, and it won’t activate efficiently. A gentle warming process, whether in the microwave or stovetop, ensures the right temperature.
Once the liquid is ready, evenly sprinkle the yeast over the surface, stirring lightly to help it dissolve. Within a few minutes, the mixture will begin to foam and bubble, signaling that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. A strong, foamy yeast mixture ensures light and airy rolls.
Mixing and Kneading
The right dough consistency is essential for achieving the perfect balance between structure and softness. Adding 3 ½ cups of flour at first helps control the dough’s hydration, allowing adjustments as needed. If the dough clings too much to the sides of the bowl, additional flour should be added in small increments. It should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
For those kneading by hand, the dough should be worked on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. A stand mixer speeds up the process, requiring only 4-5 minutes on low speed with a dough hook. Regardless of the method, well-kneaded dough should spring back slightly when pressed with a finger.
First Rise and Shaping
Proper proofing is essential for a light and fluffy texture. Covering the dough with a damp towel creates the perfect environment for rising. After 15 minutes, the dough should appear slightly puffed.
Punching down the dough releases excess air, allowing for an even rise in the next stage. Dividing it into 15 uniform pieces ensures each roll bakes evenly. Rolling each piece into a smooth ball creates a consistent shape. Placing them in a greased baking dish close together helps them bake into soft, pull-apart rolls.
Final Rise and Baking
A second rise of 15-20 minutes allows the rolls to become pillowy before baking. This crucial step helps develop their airy structure.
Once ready, baking at 400°F for about 15 minutes results in golden-brown tops and fully baked centers. The color is an excellent indicator of doneness, and tapping the tops should produce a slightly hollow sound.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the best flour for structure and softness:
Use all-purpose flour for a balanced texture, or substitute bread flour for slightly chewier rolls.
How to achieve a deeper golden crust:
Brushing the rolls with butter before and after baking enhances their color and adds richness.
Adjusting baking time based on oven variations:
If rolls brown too quickly, loosely tent them with foil for the last few minutes.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, shape the rolls and refrigerate overnight before baking the next day.
How do I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
Knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Can I substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier version?
Yes, but use a mix of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for softness.
Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?
Ensure the yeast is fresh and the dough is placed in a warm environment for proofing.
How do I prevent my rolls from being too dense?
Avoid adding too much flour and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These buttery dinner rolls pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. They complement roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or beef, making them ideal for holiday spreads. They also serve as excellent companions to soups, stews, and pasta dishes.
Leftovers can be repurposed into small sandwiches with deli meats and cheeses. They also make a delicious breakfast option when toasted and topped with jam, honey, or cinnamon butter.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To maintain their freshness, store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable bag for up to two months.
Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their warmth and softness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery. If frozen, allow them to thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Soft and buttery dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any meal, offering a comforting, homemade touch. Their ease of preparation makes them a great choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether served warm with butter or paired with a hearty dish, these rolls deliver a delightful balance of fluffiness and flavor. Experiment with different seasonings and fillings to customize them to your liking, and consider making an extra batch to freeze for future use.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon active-dry yeast*
3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup milk
1 cup water
2 tablespoons melted butter
Extra melted butter, for brushing on top
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Warm the Liquid Ingredients
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the water and melted butter. Stir in the milk and honey until well mixed. Heat the mixture in the microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until the temperature reaches 110°F. The mixture should feel warm to the touch but not hot. Alternatively, this step can be done in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
Activate the Yeast
Pour the warm liquid mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer. Evenly sprinkle the yeast over the top, then give it a quick stir with a fork to combine. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes, allowing the yeast to bloom and become foamy.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Add 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour (reserving the rest for adjustments) along with the sea salt.
Mix and Knead the Dough
Using the dough hook attachment, mix on medium-low speed until the ingredients come together. If the dough clings excessively to the sides of the bowl, incorporate an additional ¼ cup of flour at a time until it begins to pull away from the bowl, leaving only a slight tackiness to the touch. Do not exceed 4 cups of flour in total. Continue kneading on low speed for 4 to 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Once ready, shape the dough into a ball and transfer it to a lightly greased bowl.
First Rise
Cover the bowl with a damp towel or paper towel and allow the dough to rise for 15 minutes in a warm spot.
Shape the Rolls
Gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Divide it into 15 evenly-sized portions. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in the prepared baking dish. Cover once again with a damp towel and let the rolls rise for another 15 to 20 minutes, allowing them to puff up.
Bake to Perfection
Uncover the baking dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the rolls develop a golden-brown hue on top and are cooked through.
Brush with Butter and Serve
Once out of the oven, transfer the baking dish to a wire rack. While the rolls are still warm, generously brush the tops with melted butter, infusing them with an extra layer of richness. Serve warm and enjoy their irresistibly soft, buttery texture.
Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon active-dry yeast*
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Extra melted butter for brushing on top
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Warm the Liquid Ingredients
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the water and melted butter. Stir in the milk and honey until well mixed. Heat the mixture in the microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until the temperature reaches 110°F. The mixture should feel warm to the touch but not hot. Alternatively, this step can be done in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
Activate the Yeast
- Pour the warm liquid mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer. Evenly sprinkle the yeast over the top, then give it a quick stir with a fork to combine. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes, allowing the yeast to bloom and become foamy.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
- Add 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour (reserving the rest for adjustments) along with the sea salt.
Mix and Knead the Dough
- Using the dough hook attachment, mix on medium-low speed until the ingredients come together. If the dough clings excessively to the sides of the bowl, incorporate an additional ¼ cup of flour at a time until it begins to pull away from the bowl, leaving only a slight tackiness to the touch. Do not exceed 4 cups of flour in total. Continue kneading on low speed for 4 to 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Once ready, shape the dough into a ball and transfer it to a lightly greased bowl.
First Rise
- Cover the bowl with a damp towel or paper towel and allow the dough to rise for 15 minutes in a warm spot.
Shape the Rolls
- Gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Divide it into 15 evenly-sized portions. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in the prepared baking dish. Cover once again with a damp towel and let the rolls rise for another 15 to 20 minutes, allowing them to puff up.
Bake to Perfection
- Uncover the baking dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the rolls develop a golden-brown hue on top and are cooked through.
Brush with Butter and Serve
- Once out of the oven, transfer the baking dish to a wire rack. While the rolls are still warm, generously brush the tops with melted butter, infusing them with an extra layer of richness. Serve warm and enjoy their irresistibly soft, buttery texture.
