Name: 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for brushing); 1/2 cup milk; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon active-dry yeast; 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

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Introduction

These 1-hour soft and buttery dinner rolls are perfect for any meal, delivering a tender crumb and rich flavor. Quick to prepare and easy to bake, they’re a delightful addition to your dinner table.

A glass baking dish holds 15 soft, golden-brown dinner rolls arranged in a 3 by 5 grid, each roll having a smooth, shiny top with a light glaze that gives them a slightly glossy look. The rolls are touching each other, showing a uniform, fluffy texture with subtle browning on the tops, while the sides remain a light beige. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface that provides a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup water
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon active-dry yeast
3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
Extra melted butter for brushing on top

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, combine the water and melted butter, then add the milk and honey. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, and continue heating in 15-second intervals until the mixture reaches 110°F. It should be warm but not hot. Alternatively, heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan until 110°F.
Step 3: Pour the warm liquid into the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle the yeast evenly over the surface, stir briefly with a fork, and let it activate for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 4: Add 3 1/2 cups of flour and the salt to the yeast mixture.
Step 5: Using the dough hook, mix on medium-low speed until the dough starts to come together. Add extra flour 1/4 cup at a time, up to 4 cups total, until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides and is slightly sticky. Continue mixing on low speed for 4-5 minutes until smooth.
Step 6: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a damp towel or paper towel and let it rise for 15 minutes.
Step 7: Gently punch down the dough and divide it into 15 equal pieces. Form each piece into a ball and arrange them in the prepared baking dish. Cover again and let rise for 15-20 minutes.
Step 8: Uncover and bake for 15 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden and cooked through.
Step 9: Remove the rolls from the oven and place the dish on a wire rack. Brush the tops with additional melted butter.
Step 10: Serve the rolls warm and enjoy their soft, buttery goodness.

Tips & Variations

For hand-kneading, mix the dough until combined, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
To add flavor, mix in 1 teaspoon garlic powder or chopped fresh herbs like rosemary into the dough.
Use whole milk for richer rolls or substitute with plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled rolls in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes or microwave briefly to restore softness.

How to Serve

A close-up of a golden-brown soft bread roll with a smooth and slightly shiny crust, held between the thumb and fingers of a woman's hand in the lower left corner, showing a tear that reveals the fluffy, light, and airy inside of the roll. In the blurred background, there are several other similar bread rolls with the same warm golden tones resting on a white marbled surface. 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 floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Use the same rising and baking steps.

What if my rolls don’t rise properly?

Make sure your liquid mixture is around 110°F to properly activate the yeast. If it’s too hot or too cold, the yeast may not foam. Also, check that your yeast is fresh and not expired.