Introduction

These 1-hour soft and buttery dinner rolls are perfect for any meal, offering a fluffy texture and rich flavor in a short amount of time. Made with simple ingredients and a quick rising process, they’re an easy way to elevate your dinner table.

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. 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 it 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 it pulls away from the bowl but feels slightly sticky. Continue mixing for 4-5 minutes until 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

For extra softness, brush the rolls with butter both before and after baking.
Substitute honey with maple syrup or sugar if preferred.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes.
Add herbs like rosemary or garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.

Storage

Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Reheat rolls by warming them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for about 15 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel.

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 use instant yeast. Since it activates faster, you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients and skip the initial proofing step, but keep an eye on the rising times.

Why are my rolls dense instead of soft and fluffy?

The dough may have too much flour or insufficient rising time. Be careful when adding flour—stop once the dough is slightly sticky but manageable. Also, allow the dough to rise fully before baking to achieve a light, airy texture.