If you have ever dreamed of biting into soft, fluffy, and irresistibly buttery bread, then you are about to fall in love with this Dinner Rolls (BEST Recipe!) Recipe. It’s the kind of homemade bread that fills your kitchen with the most comforting aroma and delivers that perfect balance of tender crumb and golden crust. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply craving a cozy dinner companion, these dinner rolls bring warmth and joy to every meal in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it comes together with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Every component boosts the softness, tenderness, or that subtle touch of sweetness that makes these rolls extraordinary.
- Warm milk (1 cup): The ideal temperature activates the yeast without killing it, ensuring a fluffy rise.
- Active Dry Yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): The magic behind the roll’s airy structure and lightness.
- Honey (2 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon): Adds natural sweetness and helps the crust develop a beautiful golden color.
- Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Keeps the crumb extra soft and tender by binding moisture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Large egg (1): Gives richness and structure to the dough.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, plus 2 tablespoons melted): Adds indulgent buttery flavor and keeps the rolls moist.
- All-purpose flour (3 ¼ cups): The backbone of the dough—gives strength and chewiness.
How to Make Dinner Rolls (BEST Recipe!) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
Starting with warm milk and yeast is the key to activating those tiny yeast cells that will give your rolls that dreamy fluffiness. After stirring in honey, cover the mix and wait for about 5 to 10 minutes until you see a foamy layer on top—this means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Combine the Dough Ingredients
Next, you gradually mix in the remaining honey along with cornstarch, salt, egg, butter, and a part of the flour. Begin on a low speed using the paddle attachment to evenly combine these ingredients. Then, slowly add the remaining flour while mixing for about 30 seconds to start forming your dough.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Switch the mixer to a dough hook and knead on medium-low for 2 minutes. It’s important your dough is sticky but manageable, so add flour tablespoon by tablespoon if needed. This part is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the rolls their structure without getting dense.
Step 4: Rest and Knead by Hand
After machine kneading, dust your hands with flour and knead the dough briefly in the bowl for another 3 minutes. This hands-on step helps you feel the dough’s elasticity and softness, ensuring it’s ready for rising.
Step 5: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Placing it in a warm spot helps the dough double in size over 1 to 2 hours. This rising time makes the rolls airy and light.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Once risen, punch the dough down to release the air, then divide and roll it into 15 smooth, tight balls. Placing these evenly in a greased 9 x 13-inch pan ensures they bake into beautifully uniform shapes.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the shaped rolls, let them rise again for another hour until doubled in size. This step guarantees the softest possible interior and the right size before baking.
Step 8: Bake and Finish
Preheat your oven to 375° F and bake the rolls for 18 minutes. While they bake, mix melted butter and honey. Once the time’s up, brush this mixture over the rolls and return them to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes to achieve that gorgeous golden exterior that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the rolls cool just a bit so the butter topping settles, then serve them warm for the best experience. Whether you tear them apart for a shared meal or pair them with your favorite dinner, these rolls always steal the show.
How to Serve Dinner Rolls (BEST Recipe!) Recipe
Garnishes
To dress up these rolls, try brushing them with a little extra melted honey butter right before serving or sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet and savory combo that enhances their buttery flavor.
Side Dishes
These rolls are perfect alongside soups like creamy tomato bisque, hearty stews, or even a classic roast chicken dinner. Their soft texture and subtle sweetness balance out rich and savory dishes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls in a lined basket with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a rustic touch. Or, use them as sliders filled with pulled pork or chicken salad to impress guests with a fun twist on your Dinner Rolls (BEST Recipe!) Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover rolls tightly in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container. Stored this way, they stay soft and fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooled rolls in a zip-top bag. They freeze wonderfully and can be kept for up to 3 months without sacrificing taste or texture.
Reheating
To warm frozen or leftover rolls, unwrap and heat in a preheated 350° F oven for about 10 minutes. For that fresh-from-the-oven feel, brush with melted butter before serving.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Instant yeast works just fine and even reduces the initial proofing time since it can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients. Just follow the same quantity and adjust rising times if necessary.
Why is cornstarch used in this Dinner Rolls (BEST Recipe!) Recipe?
Cornstarch helps keep the bread tender and soft by absorbing moisture gently and preventing the rolls from becoming tough or dense. It contributes to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Do I have to use butter and honey on top?
While optional, brushing the rolls with melted butter and honey elevates their flavor and gives a beautiful, shiny, golden finish. You can skip or substitute with a simple butter glaze if preferred.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
This recipe relies on gluten development for structure, so replacing the flour with gluten-free options would require significant adjustments. For a similar gluten-free version, look for a recipe specifically designed for that purpose.
What’s the best way to make the rolls soft for leftovers?
Storing them in an airtight container or wrapping well and reheating with a bit of moisture (like a damp paper towel in the microwave or brushing with butter before warming) helps maintain that fresh softness.
Final Thoughts
This Dinner Rolls (BEST Recipe!) Recipe is more than just a side—it’s a warm, tender embrace at any table. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a batch of rolls that feel like a comforting hug from your oven. Give them a try and watch how these heavenly rolls become your new favorite go-to, turning everyday meals into something truly special.
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Dinner Rolls (BEST Recipe!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 56 minutes
- Yield: 15 rolls
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for Dinner Rolls yields soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet rolls, perfect for any dinner table. Made with warm milk, honey, and butter, these rolls have a tender crumb and golden-brown crust. The dough is easy to work with and requires two risings to achieve the perfect texture. Finished with a honey butter glaze, these rolls are irresistible served warm.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110-115° F, any fat content)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (or 1 packet; instant yeast may also be used)
- 2 tablespoons honey (can substitute sugar)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature, cut into 4 cubes)
- 3 ¼ cups (390 grams) all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Combine warm milk and yeast in the stand mixer bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon honey. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foam forms on top, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the dough: Add remaining honey, cornstarch, salt, egg, butter cubes, and 1/3 of the flour. Mix on low speed with paddle attachment. Gradually add the remaining flour while mixing for 30 seconds.
- Knead with dough hook: Switch to dough hook and knead on medium-low speed for 2 minutes. If dough is too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until workable but still sticky (typically 5-6 tablespoons more).
- Hand kneading: Dust hands with flour and knead the dough in the bowl for 3 minutes to develop gluten fully.
- First rise: Scrape dough into a large, lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1-2 hours depending on temperature.
- Shape rolls: Punch down risen dough to release air. Divide and shape into 15 tight, smooth balls of equal size. Place them in a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Second rise: Cover rolls with plastic wrap and let rise again in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven: Heat oven to 375° F (190° C).
- Bake rolls: Bake rolls uncovered for 18 minutes.
- Glaze and finish baking: Mix melted butter and honey. Remove rolls from oven and brush tops generously with honey butter. Return to oven and bake for another 3-5 minutes, watching carefully until tops turn golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow rolls to cool for a few minutes, then serve warm for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using warm milk is crucial for activating the yeast without killing it. Milk should be between 110-115°F.
- You can substitute honey with sugar if preferred.
- Do not add too much flour; the dough should remain a bit sticky for best softness.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure proper fermentation and texture development.
- Brush the rolls with honey butter while hot for a glossy, sweet finish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat rolls briefly before serving to restore softness.
