Introduction

These 1-hour soft and buttery dinner rolls are perfect for any meal, offering a tender crumb and a golden crust. Easy to make and quick to rise, they bring homemade warmth to your table in no time.

A close-up view of nine golden brown dinner rolls closely packed in a clear glass baking dish. Each roll has a shiny, glazed top with a smooth and slightly textured surface, showing a warm gradient from a deeper amber to a lighter golden color near the sides. The rolls appear soft and fluffy with a light, airy crumb peeking through at the edges where they touch. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with bright natural light highlighting the glossy tops and casting soft shadows between the rolls. The overall scene feels warm, fresh, and inviting. 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. Heat 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 the 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 the dough pulls away from the bowl and 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

Use warm (not hot) liquids to properly activate the yeast and avoid killing it.
For extra flavor, substitute honey with maple syrup or add herbs like rosemary to the dough.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes.
Cover the rolls with foil during baking if they brown too quickly.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm rolls in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly until soft. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a sealed bag for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before reheating.

How to Serve

Eight golden-brown dinner rolls sit closely packed in a clear glass baking dish, each roll topped with a shiny, slightly sticky glaze that catches the light. The rolls have a soft, smooth texture with a light crust, and their tops are evenly rounded and plump. The baking dish rests on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and simple background to enhance the warm, inviting look of the bread. 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 for active dry yeast. Use slightly less instant yeast and add it directly to the dry ingredients without activating it first.

What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?

Add flour gradually if the dough is too sticky, but be careful not to add too much to keep the rolls soft. If the dough feels dry, add a small amount of water or milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.