Description
These irresistible dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and buttery, perfect for any meal. Made with a simple yeast dough enriched with honey, milk, and butter, these rolls have a lightly golden crust and a tender crumb. The recipe includes step-by-step instructions to make the dough, rise it twice for optimum fluffiness, and bake to perfection, topped off with a generous brushing of melted butter for extra flavor and softness.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
For Finishing:
- Extra melted butter, for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. In a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Add 1/2 cup milk and 2 tablespoons honey, stirring to blend. Microwave the mixture for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second increments, stirring each time, until the mixture reaches 110°F (warm but not hot). Alternatively, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
- Activate the Yeast: Pour the warm liquid mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon active dry yeast evenly over the liquid. Stir quickly with a fork to combine, then let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy, indicating activation.
- Mix and Knead the Dough: Add 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon fine sea salt to the activated yeast mixture. Use the dough hook on the stand mixer to mix on medium-low speed until mostly combined. If sticky, add more flour 1/4 cup at a time up to 4 cups total, until dough pulls away from bowl sides and is slightly sticky. Continue mixing on low speed for 4-5 minutes until smooth. Shape dough into a ball and transfer to a well-greased bowl.
- First Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp towel or paper towel. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 15 minutes to develop a light, fluffy texture.
- Shape Rolls and Final Rise: Gently punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide into 15 equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Arrange evenly in the greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Cover with a damp towel and let rise another 15-20 minutes until slightly puffy. Keep towel moist but not dripping for a soft crust.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat oven to 400°F. Remove the towel and bake rolls for about 15 minutes until lightly golden and fully cooked through. Optionally, tent foil over the rolls toward the end to prevent over-browning and maintain a soft top.
- Finish with Butter and Serve: Place baking dish on a wire cooling rack. Immediately brush tops generously with extra melted butter while still hot. Serve warm and enjoy the soft, flavorful rolls.
Notes
- Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the liquid is warmed to about 110°F for optimal yeast activation.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add flour gradually, but avoid making it too dry for tender rolls.
- Maintaining moisture on the towel during final rise helps develop a soft crust.
- Brushing with melted butter right after baking enhances softness and flavor.
- These rolls are best eaten warm but can be stored in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Dinner Rolls, Soft Rolls, Yeast Bread, Homemade Bread, Easy Bread Recipe
