Dinner Rolls
Nothing beats the irresistibly soft and fluffy texture of dinner rolls fresh out of the oven. Can you smell that warm aroma wafting through the kitchen? It’s a delightful scent that pulls at your heartstrings and fills your home with a comforting embrace. I can still recall the first time I made these rolls—my family gathered around the table, eager to break the warm, pillowy treats apart, their golden crusts promising a melt-in-your-mouth experience with each bite. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, these rolls have a way of turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. As autumn settles in, with its cozy gatherings and hearty meals, there’s no better time to bake up a batch of these delightful dinner rolls topped with honey butter. Ready to dive in? I promise you’re going to love them!
Table of Contents
Why This Is The Best Dinner Rolls Recipe
There’s something magical about homemade dinner rolls that just can’t be replicated from store-bought bread. This recipe is exceptionally simple and quick, taking only about 43 minutes from start to finish. The perfect blend of buttery richness and a tender crumb makes each roll a bite of heaven, and you’ll be hard-pressed to resist seconds (or thirds!). They look gorgeous too, simply golden and fluffy, ready to steal the spotlight on your dinner table. Whether you serve them alongside a holiday roast or enjoy them with morning coffee, these rolls tick all the right boxes. Plus, they can be easily adjusted to meet dietary needs—who wouldn’t want that?
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup Milk: Warmed to about 110℉ to activate the yeast. Look for whole or 2% milk for richness. Use plant-based milk if dairy-free.
- 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast: Essential for that fluffy rise. Make sure it’s fresh and active for the best results.
- 1 tsp White granulated sugar: Aids in yeast activation. It helps give your rolls that perfect hint of sweetness; brown sugar works too!
- 1 Large egg: At room temperature, this ingredient enriches the dough and helps with binding. Swap with an egg substitute for a vegan option.
- 1 tsp Salt: Balances flavors, enhancing the taste without being overpowering.
- 1 1/2 TBSP White granulated sugar: Added for sweetness, giving the rolls a delightful flavor.
- 5 TBSP Unsalted butter: Softened, cubed butter gives the rolls their tender, rich texture; avoid margarine for better results.
- 3 cups All-purpose flour: This is the base of your dough. If you’re aiming for a gluten-free version, consider a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- 2 TBSP Unsalted butter: Melted and combined with honey for a delicious glaze; using flavored butter is a great twist.
- 1 TBSP Honey: As a sweet, rich glaze to brush on top, making them even more appealing. Swap with maple syrup for a different flavor.
How to Make Dinner Rolls
Warm the Milk
In a microwave-safe bowl, slightly heat 1 cup of milk in the microwave for about 50 seconds until it reaches 110℉. Sprinkle the active dry yeast and the teaspoon of sugar over the warm milk. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes until you see it become beautifully foamy—this indicates that the yeast is activated and ready to work its magic!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This step ensures an even distribution of the dry ingredients. If you’re using a stand mixer, it’s time to pull that out and attach the dough hook.
Mix It Up
Add the activated yeast mixture to your dry ingredients, along with the lightly beaten large egg and 5 tablespoons of room temperature butter. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together, then increase to medium speed and knead for approximately 5 minutes. If the dough feels overly sticky during this process, sprinkle in an additional 1/3 cup of flour until it reaches a tacky but manageable consistency.
Let it Rise
Preheat your oven to 200℉. Lightly spray a large bowl with nonstick spray, place your dough in the bowl, and cover it with a kitchen towel. Put it in your preheated oven, turn it off, and crack the door slightly. Allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour until it has doubled in size and is delightfully puffy!
Shape the Rolls
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release the air. Weigh the entire dough and divide it by 15 for even rolls; each should weigh around 57 grams. For shaping, grab a piece of dough, pull the sides down towards the center to create a rough ball, pinch the seams, and gently roll it in circular motions with your hand, leaving them round and enticing.
Second Rise
Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Place the shaped rolls into the pan, spaced evenly apart. Cover them again with a kitchen towel and let them rise at room temperature for about another hour, until they have puffed up significantly.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350℉. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, keeping an eye out for a beautiful golden-brown crust. They should smell divine too! Once out of the oven, combine the melted 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of honey. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the warm rolls for a glossy, sweet finish. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear!
Tips for Success
- Ensure your yeast is fresh: Old yeast won’t rise properly, ruining your dough.
- Stick to the ingredient temperatures: Room temperature eggs and warm milk work best for an effective rise.
- Avoid over-mixing after adding flour: This can make your rolls tough instead of soft.
- Perfect your shaping technique: If rolls are uneven, they may bake inconsistently.
- Consider making dough ahead: You can let it rise and shape it, then refrigerate overnight.
Serve It With
Serve your dinner rolls with a variety of accompaniments to elevate your meal! Consider pairing them with rich soups, savory stews, or a slathering of whipped honey butter. For brunch, top them with a drizzle of maple syrup or jam. They also make a fantastic base for sliders or mini sandwiches, making them perfect for a potluck or casual get-together!
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Room Temperature: Keep your rolls stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, they can be refrigerated for up to a week in a sealed container.
- Freezing: Freeze your rolls for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then store in a freezer bag for the best protection against freezer burn.
- Reheating: For perfectly soft rolls, reheat them in the oven at 350℉ for about 10 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but be careful, as they might get tough if heated too long.
Tips & Variations
- Cheesy Rolls: Add shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) into the dough before the first rise for cheesy goodness.
- Herbed Rolls: Toss in a mix of your favorite herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
- Cinnamon Sugar Rolls: Roll the dough out, spread butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and roll it up before cutting; perfect for a sweet breakfast treat!
- Gluten-Free Options: Substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum for a similar texture.
- Honey Maple Glaze: Swap the honey for maple syrup in your glaze for a different flavor profile.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to the first rise and then refrigerate it overnight. Just shape and let it rise in the morning before baking.
What’s the best way to know when my rolls are done?
You can check for doneness by looking for a golden-brown crust and tapping the tops lightly; they should sound hollow.
Can I freeze the rolls?
Absolutely! The rolls freeze well when wrapped tightly and will last up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Why didn’t my rolls rise?
Check the freshness of your yeast. If your milk was too hot or too cold, it could affect the activation as well, so always aim for that sweet spot around 110℉.
In summary, these dinner rolls are an essential addition to any meal! They are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for sharing. Don’t hesitate to experiment and add your personal twist to this classic recipe. Enjoy warm, fluffy rolls that will surely warm your heart and impress every guest at your table.
More Dinner Recipes
- Cranberry Hand Pies (with Leftover Cranberry Sauce)
- Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham
- Ground Turkey Egg Roll Bowls
- Healthy BBQ Chicken Wings
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📖 Recipe Card
Dinner Rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 rolls 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These dinner rolls boast a soft, fluffy texture and rich buttery flavor. They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast
- 1 tsp White granulated sugar
- 1 Large egg
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 1/2 TBSP White granulated sugar
- 5 TBSP Unsalted butter
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 TBSP Unsalted butter
- 1 TBSP Honey
Instructions
- Warm the milk to 110℉ and add yeast and sugar; let it foam for 10 minutes.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add the yeast mixture, egg, and butter; mix on low, then knead for 5 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape into rolls, let them rise again in a pan for about an hour.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350℉ for 20-25 minutes.
- Brush with melted butter and honey before serving.
Notes
Ensure yeast is fresh for best results.
Room temperature ingredients yield better dough texture.
Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Amazing recipe