Introduction

These 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls are perfect for when you want fresh, tender rolls without the long wait. With a golden crust and a fluffy interior, they pair beautifully with any meal or make a delicious snack on their own.

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. 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 the yeast 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 the dough is 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 a richer flavor, substitute whole milk for the milk called for in the recipe.
Try adding minced garlic or fresh herbs into the dough for savory variations.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes.
Brushing the rolls with melted butter immediately after baking keeps the crust soft and adds a delicious sheen.

Storage

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them longer, freeze the rolls in a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat rolls in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes or microwave loosely covered for 15-20 seconds until warm.

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. Reduce the yeast amount slightly (about 2 teaspoons) and add it directly to the dry ingredients without activating it first.

Why do the rolls need two rises in such a short time?

The short double rise ensures the dough develops enough air bubbles to create a soft, fluffy texture while keeping the total preparation time under an hour.