1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls

There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of warm bread drifting through the kitchen. I remember the first time I tried making dinner rolls from scratch—I was nervous, unsure if the dough would rise or if the rolls would come out edible. But to my surprise, they turned out soft, golden, and downright addictive. It became my go-to comfort bake, especially when time was short and the craving for homemade bread was strong.

This soft and buttery dinner rolls recipe is perfect for beginner cooks. It’s approachable, 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls time-efficient, and healthier than store-bought options thanks to a clean ingredient list and minimal processing. Whether you’re hosting a weeknight dinner or just craving warm, fluffy rolls with your soup, this recipe gets you there in an hour—start to finish.

Why This Recipe is Special

• This is a 1-hour recipe, including both rising and baking times.
• Designed to be easy for beginners—no need for fancy tools.
• Made with simple pantry staples you likely already have.
• Offers flexibility with vegan options and fun flavor variations like herbs, garlic, or cheese.
• Perfect texture: soft inside, lightly golden outside, and irresistibly buttery.
• Can be made ahead for holidays or meal prepping.

Ingredients and Preparation

Each ingredient is thoughtfully included to contribute to flavor, structure, or nutritional value. No precise amounts here, just an understanding of their roles:

• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough. Lukewarm water helps create the right environment for rising.
• Milk: Adds richness and softness to the final texture. Use dairy or unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or oat.
• Melted Butter: Adds buttery flavor and a tender crumb. Some is used in the dough; more is brushed on top.
• Honey: A touch of natural sweetness that also helps the yeast activate. Substitute with maple syrup or sugar if needed.
• Active Dry Yeast: The leavening agent that makes the dough rise. Always check the expiration date for effectiveness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural base. Whole wheat can be substituted for part of the flour, but may make the rolls denser.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor. You can sprinkle a bit of flaky salt on top before serving for extra pop.

Optional Variations:

• Add garlic powder or fresh minced garlic for a savory twist.
• Mix in chopped herbs like rosemary or parsley.
• Stir in shredded cheese like cheddar or parmesan.
• Make it vegan by swapping butter with a plant-based version and using maple syrup instead of honey.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2
In a microwave-safe bowl, mix water and melted butter, then stir in milk and honey. Warm it in the microwave until it reaches about 110°F—it should feel warm, not hot. Use a kitchen thermometer if you have one.

Step 3
Pour the warm liquid into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the top, stir gently with a fork, and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. This means your yeast is active.

Step 4
Add flour (start with a few cups) and salt to the bowl. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until it’s smooth and pulls away from the sides.

Step 5
Knead for 4–5 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic. Then shape it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise for 15 minutes.

Step 6
Punch down the dough, divide it into 12–15 equal parts, and roll each into a ball. Arrange them in your greased baking dish.

Step 7
Cover again and let the rolls rise a second time—about 15–20 minutes.

Step 8
Bake for 15 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden and the centers are cooked through.

Step 9
Immediately brush with more melted butter once out of the oven. Serve warm and enjoy the pillowy, buttery goodness.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Yeast Troubleshooting: If your yeast doesn’t foam during activation, it’s likely expired. Start over with a new packet.
• Temperature Control: Don’t let the liquid get too hot—it can kill the yeast. Aim for 100–110°F.
• Dough Too Sticky?: Add flour ¼ cup at a time, but don’t overdo it. A slightly tacky dough is okay.
• Size Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect: If your dough balls aren’t uniform, no problem—they’ll bake beautifully anyway.
• No Mixer?: Knead by hand for about 7 minutes on a floured surface.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with soups like tomato basil, creamy mushroom, or chicken noodle for a cozy meal.
• Serve alongside roasted chicken or a sheet pan dinner for a full homemade feast.
• For breakfast, split a roll and spread with jam or nut butter.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.

Engagement Features

These 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls are a perfect first-bake for beginners, and once you master them, the sky’s the limit with all the variations you can try. Whether you’re baking for your family, guests, or just for yourself, I’d love to hear how it goes. Drop your baking experience or questions in the comments—I’m here to cheer you on!

FAQ About 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls

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