Introduction

These 1-hour soft and buttery dinner rolls are perfect for any meal, delivering a tender crumb and rich flavor in about an hour. They’re easy to make and great for family dinners or special occasions.

A close-up view of eight shiny, golden-brown dinner rolls arranged in two rows of four inside a clear glass baking dish. The rolls have a glossy top with a slightly uneven texture and a soft, light-yellow base showing at the bottom, touching each other closely. The glass dish sits on a white marbled surface with soft lighting highlighting the warm, freshly baked appearance of the rolls. 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 and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. 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. Use 15-second intervals in the microwave or heat 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 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 again 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.

Tips & Variations

Use whole milk for richer flavor or substitute with almond milk to make the recipe dairy-free.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, the dough can be mixed and kneaded by hand on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes.
Add herbs like rosemary or garlic powder to the dough for a savory twist.
Brush rolls with honey butter instead of plain melted butter for extra sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm rolls in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds until soft.

How to Serve

The image shows a clear glass baking dish filled with eight golden brown bread rolls arranged in two rows of four. Each roll has a shiny, smooth top with a slightly glossy glaze that catches the light, creating small drops of moisture on the surface. The sides of the rolls are pale and fluffy, contrasting with the richly browned tops. The glass dish is set on a white marbled surface that adds a clean and soft background to the warm, freshly baked rolls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

What if my yeast doesn’t foam?

If the yeast doesn’t foam after 5 minutes, it may be inactive. Try using fresh yeast and ensure your liquid is at the correct temperature—too hot can kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it properly.