Ah, the humble dinner roll—soft, fluffy, and oh-so-irresistible. Imagine that first bite, where the pillowy texture practically melts in your mouth, complementing whatever main dish it’s served with.
I remember the first time I tried making these rolls; it was a Sunday afternoon, the kitchen filled with the scent of yeast and butter, and a playlist of 90s hits playing in the background—nostalgia in the air. These rolls are like a warm hug, perfect for soaking up soup or slathering with jam.
They bring people together, much like that unexpected moment when you bump into an old friend at the grocery store. Who knew bread could be so comforting?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set it aside for later use.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine water and melted butter, then add milk and honey. Heat the mixture in the microwave until it reaches 110°F, ensuring it is warm but not hot.
- Pour the warm liquid into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle yeast evenly on top. Stir briefly with a fork and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add 3 1/2 cups of flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix using a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium-low speed, adding more flour if needed until the dough is only slightly sticky.
- Knead the dough on low speed for 4-5 minutes until smooth, then shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise for 15 minutes.
- Punch down the dough gently and divide it into 15 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball and arrange them in the prepared baking dish. Cover again and let rise for another 15-20 minutes.
- Bake the rolls uncovered for 15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown on top. Transfer to a wire rack and brush the tops with melted butter.
- Serve the rolls warm and enjoy their soft, buttery goodness.
Ingredients
- Water
- Milk (dairy or a plant-based alternative like oat or almond milk)
- Melted butter (for incorporating into the rolls and brushing on top)
- Honey (for a touch of sweetness)
- Active dry yeast (1 tablespoon, which is slightly more than one 0.25-ounce packet)
- All-purpose flour (up to 4 cups, starting with 3 1/2 cups and adding more as needed)
- Salt (for mixing into the dough and optionally sprinkling on top)
FAQ
- Can I prepare the dinner rolls in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time. After shaping the individual rolls and placing them in a baking dish, cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Allow them to come to room temperature for 2 hours before baking as usual.
- What should I do if my yeast doesn’t activate?
- If your yeast does not begin to foam and bubble after 5 minutes in the liquid mixture, it might be expired or the liquid could be too hot or cold. Ensure the liquid is between 100-110°F and try again with fresh yeast.
- Can I make these rolls vegan?
- Absolutely! Substitute dairy milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and use your preferred sweetener instead of honey to make these rolls vegan-friendly.
- What variations can I try with this recipe?
- You can customize the rolls by adding garlic powder, fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley, or incorporate cheese such as cheddar or Parmesan for different flavors.
- How do I knead the dough without a stand mixer?
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, simply mix the dry ingredients into the dough by hand as much as possible. Then knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth, adding extra flour if needed.
Tips
- Check the Yeast: Always ensure your yeast is fresh and active. If it doesn’t start to foam after combining with the wet ingredients for about 5 minutes, it’s best to start with a new batch to ensure your rolls rise properly.
- Mind the Temperature: Keep the temperature of the liquid ingredients between 100-110°F. Too hot, and it might kill the yeast; too cool, and the yeast may not activate. Use a cooking thermometer for accuracy.
- Don’t Ignore Rise Times: Allowing the dough to rise adequately is crucial for achieving the desired soft and fluffy texture. Be patient and let the dough rise as instructed.
- Size Consistency Isn’t Crucial: When dividing the dough into rolls, don’t worry if they’re not perfectly equal in size. They will bake evenly together, even if some are slightly larger or smaller.
Equipment
- Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls recipe, here is a list of main equipment you might not normally have at home and may need to buy:
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook Attachment – While the recipe can be made by hand, a stand mixer makes the process easier and quicker.
- Cooking Thermometer – Essential for ensuring that the liquid ingredients are at the correct temperature to activate the yeast.
- 9 x 13-inch Baking Dish – Necessary for baking the rolls.
