Introduction

These 1-hour soft and buttery dinner rolls are a perfect addition to any meal. Fluffy and tender with a rich buttery flavor, they come together quickly and easily, making homemade rolls accessible even on a busy schedule.

The image shows a glass baking dish filled with eight shiny, golden-brown dinner rolls arranged in two rows of four. Each roll has a smooth, glossy top that reflects light, creating a sticky, buttery texture that looks soft and fluffy underneath. The rolls are touching each other slightly, with the sides a lighter cream color and the tops a rich, deep amber. The dish sits on a white marbled surface that adds a clean, elegant look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup water
2 tablespoons melted butter
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon active dry yeast*
3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
Extra melted butter, for brushing

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, combine water, melted butter, milk, and honey. Warm the mixture to about 110°F—warm to the touch but not hot, heating in 15-second intervals in the microwave or gently over medium-low on the stove, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Pour the warm liquid mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle yeast evenly over the surface and stir lightly with a fork. Let the yeast activate for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy.
Step 4: Add 3 ½ cups of flour and the salt to the yeast mixture.
Step 5: Using the dough hook attachment, mix on medium-low speed until combined. If the dough sticks to the sides, add flour ¼ cup at a time, up to 4 cups total, until the dough pulls away from the bowl and feels slightly sticky. Continue mixing for 4-5 minutes until the dough is smooth. Shape into a ball and transfer to a greased bowl.
Step 6: Cover the bowl with a damp towel or paper towel and let the dough rise for 15 minutes.
Step 7: Gently punch down the dough and divide it into 15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball. Place the dough balls evenly in the prepared baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 15-20 minutes.
Step 8: Remove the cover and bake for 15 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden on top and fully cooked.
Step 9: Transfer the baking dish to a wire rack and brush the warm rolls with melted butter.
Step 10: Serve the rolls warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use warm, not hot, liquids to avoid killing the yeast and ensure proper activation.
For richer rolls, replace half the milk with cream or add an extra tablespoon of butter to the dough.
Brush with honey butter instead of plain melted butter for a slightly sweet glaze.
Roll the dough balls in sesame or poppy seeds before rising for added texture and flavor.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.

Storage

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave briefly until soft and warm.

How to Serve

The image shows nine golden brown bread rolls arranged in a glass baking dish, tightly placed in three rows of three. Each roll has a shiny, smooth surface with a rich glaze that reflects light, giving them a fresh and moist appearance. The texture on top is soft and slightly puffy, while the sides are lighter in color with a fluffy and airy look. The glass dish is clear, allowing a slight view of the white marbled texture underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast using the same amount. Mix the instant yeast directly with the dry ingredients without activating it in warm liquid first.

What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?

If the dough is too sticky, gradually add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a slightly sticky but workable consistency. If it’s too dry, add a small amount of warm water or milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the dough becomes soft and elastic.