Introduction

These 1-hour soft and buttery dinner rolls are perfect for any meal, delivering a tender crumb and rich flavor without the wait of a traditional rise. Easy to make and wonderfully fluffy, they’re sure to be a family favorite.

A close-up view of eight shiny, golden-brown dinner rolls arranged in two rows of four inside a clear glass baking dish. The rolls have a glossy top with a slightly uneven texture and a soft, light-yellow base showing at the bottom, touching each other closely. The glass dish sits on a white marbled surface with soft lighting highlighting the warm, freshly baked appearance of the rolls. 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

Preheat your oven and prepare the pan: Set the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Heat the liquids: 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 if using a microwave or gently on medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally.
Activate the yeast: 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 sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Add dry ingredients: Add 3 ½ cups of flour and the sea salt to the yeast mixture.
Mix and knead the dough: 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.
Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a damp towel or paper towel and let it rise for 15 minutes.
Shape the rolls: Gently punch down the dough and divide it into 15 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them evenly in the prepared baking dish. Cover again and let rise for another 15 to 20 minutes.
Bake the rolls: Remove the cover and bake for 15 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden on top and fully cooked.
Brush with butter: Transfer the baking dish to a wire rack and brush the warm rolls with melted butter.
Serve warm: Enjoy your fresh, soft dinner rolls while warm.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with buttermilk or add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the dough for garlic rolls.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix and knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes.
Brush the tops with honey butter after baking for a slightly sweet finish.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage. To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 15–20 seconds to restore softness.

How to Serve

The image shows a clear glass baking dish filled with eight golden brown bread rolls arranged in two rows of four. Each roll has a shiny, smooth top with a slightly glossy glaze that catches the light, creating small drops of moisture on the surface. The sides of the rolls are pale and fluffy, contrasting with the richly browned tops. The glass dish is set on a white marbled surface that adds a clean and soft background to the warm, freshly baked rolls. 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 and mix it directly with the dry ingredients, skipping the activation step with warm water.

What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?

If the dough is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time until it reaches a soft but manageable consistency. If it’s too dry, add water or milk a teaspoon at a time until the dough feels moist and slightly sticky.