Buttery Dinner Rolls
When it comes to comfort food that elevates any meal, nothing quite beats a batch of warm, soft, and Buttery Dinner Rolls. These rolls are the perfect companion to everything from a hearty stew to a holiday feast. Their pillowy texture, rich buttery aroma, and golden crust make them irresistible at the table. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make at home, using pantry staples you probably already have. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving fresh bread, these Buttery Dinner Rolls will quickly become your go-to recipe.
Why It’s My Go-To
There’s something truly magical about pulling a tray of fresh rolls from the oven. What makes these Buttery Dinner Rolls my favorite is their balance of taste, texture, and ease. The dough is soft but sturdy enough to hold up to butter, jams, and sandwich fillings without falling apart. The melted butter in the dough and brushed on top adds a richness that’s simply addictive. Plus, they freeze beautifully — a major win for busy weeks. Whether you’re serving alongside a bowl of soup or stacking them with pulled pork for sliders, these rolls always impress.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 2 cups warm milk — The warmth helps activate the yeast for a perfect rise.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar — Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with browning.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast — The magic behind the fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted — Enriches the dough with buttery flavor.
- 2 large eggs — Adds structure and richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt — Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 5 to 6 cups all-purpose flour — The foundation of the dough, giving it structure.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, for brushing — To finish with a glossy, flavorful crust.
Gear Up: What to Grab
- Large mixing bowl — For combining ingredients and letting dough rise.
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional) — Makes kneading easier, but not required.
- Measuring cups and spoons — Accurate measurements lead to perfect rolls.
- Pastry brush — For brushing melted butter on the rolls.
- Baking sheet or round cake pan — To shape and bake the rolls.
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap — To cover the dough during rising.
- Oven thermometer (optional) — Ensures your oven is at the right temperature.
Buttery Dinner Rolls: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Pour the warm milk into a large bowl, making sure it’s about 110°F (warm to the touch but not hot). Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk along with a teaspoon of the sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This means your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Once the yeast is bubbly, add the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Start by adding 4 cups of the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment until the dough begins to come together. Gradually add the remaining flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, kneading as you go. You want the dough to be soft, slightly sticky but elastic, and no longer sticking heavily to your hands or the bowl.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5-6 minutes. Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives you that perfect fluffy texture.
Step 5: Let It Rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into 12 to 15 equal pieces, shaping each into a smooth ball. Arrange them close together on a greased baking sheet or in a round cake pan. Cover again and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them — the smell of baking butter and bread is your best indicator!
Step 8: Brush with Butter
Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops generously with melted butter. This step adds shine and an extra buttery kick.
Year-Round Variations
- Herb-Infused Rolls: Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough for a fragrant twist.
- Garlic Butter Rolls: Mix some garlic powder into the melted butter before brushing on top for a savory upgrade.
- Sweet Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the dough balls before baking and add a simple glaze after cooling.
- Cheese-Topped Rolls: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan on top before baking for a melty, crispy crust.
- Whole Wheat Boost: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
Troubles You Can Avoid
- Dough Not Rising: Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, and your yeast isn’t expired. Yeast needs the right temperature to activate.
- Dry or Dense Rolls: Don’t add too much flour. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky for the lightest texture.
- Crust Too Hard: Brushing with melted butter right after baking keeps crust tender and flavorful.
- Uneven Baking: Space rolls evenly on the baking sheet and avoid overcrowding for consistent oven heat circulation.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Store your Buttery Dinner Rolls in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them longer, freeze the baked rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw frozen rolls overnight in the fridge, then warm them in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 minutes, brushing with a little melted butter again to refresh that buttery crust. You can also microwave a roll wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15 seconds, but the oven method yields the best texture.
Handy Q&A
Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! While a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. It just takes a bit more elbow grease but works just as well.
What can I use if I don’t have active dry yeast?
You can substitute instant yeast, which can be added directly to the dry ingredients without proofing. Use the same amount and proceed with the recipe, mixing it right in with the flour.
How do I keep my rolls soft for longer?
Brushing the rolls with melted butter after baking seals in moisture and keeps the crust tender. Storing them in an airtight container and avoiding refrigeration (which dries bread out) also helps maintain softness.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls, then refrigerate them overnight before baking the next day. Just bring them to room temperature and let rise before baking as usual.
Our Most-Loved Recipes
- Cheddar Scallion Buttermilk Biscuits — Another buttery bread favorite perfect alongside soups and stews.
- Pulled Chicken Sliders — Pair your rolls with these savory sliders for a crowd-pleasing meal.
- Fresh Herb Potato Salad — A crisp, vibrant side that complements soft dinner rolls beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Mastering these Buttery Dinner Rolls will transform your meals and impress your loved ones. They combine simple ingredients with straightforward techniques to create a product that feels both comforting and special. Once you’ve baked your first batch, you’ll see why they’re a kitchen staple for so many home bakers. Serve them warm with butter, use them for sliders, or enjoy them on their own — either way, these rolls bring warmth and joy to every table. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy some freshly baked perfection!
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Buttery Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour the warm milk into a large bowl, making sure it’s about 110°F (warm to the touch but not hot). Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk along with a teaspoon of the sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
- Once the yeast is bubbly, add the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Start by adding 4 cups of the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment until the dough begins to come together. Gradually add the remaining flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, kneading as you go, until dough is soft and slightly sticky but elastic and not sticking heavily.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Or knead with a stand mixer dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough to release air. Divide into 12 to 15 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball. Arrange close together on a greased baking sheet or round cake pan. Cover and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Remove rolls from oven and immediately brush tops generously with melted butter for shine and extra buttery flavor.
Notes
- Store rolls at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For softer crust, brush rolls with melted butter immediately after baking.
- Try variations like herb-infused, garlic butter, or cheese-topped rolls for different flavors.
