Nothing elevates a meal quite like soft, buttery dinner rolls that are golden brown on the outside and impossibly fluffy on the inside. These dinner rolls are the epitome of homemade comfort, perfect for a holiday spread, a weeknight dinner, or even just to satisfy a bread craving. Made with simple pantry ingredients and a little bit of love, this recipe will turn you into the bread master of your household. Let’s dive into the details of making these irresistible rolls!
Ingredients Breakdown
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The key to creating light and airy rolls by providing the lift.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 ½ cups bread flour: A combination ensures the perfect texture—soft yet structured.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk, warmed to 110°F: The ideal temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
- 2 tablespoons honey: A natural sweetener that not only adds flavor but also helps feed the yeast.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Adds richness and structure to the dough.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened and sliced: Infuses the rolls with a subtle buttery flavor.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: Keeps the dough from drying out during the rising process.
Topping:
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Brushed on top for that glossy, golden finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
- Warm the milk to 110°F. Use a digital thermometer to ensure precision. Too hot, and it will kill the yeast; too cool, and the yeast won’t activate.
- In a bowl or measuring cup, gently whisk the milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 7-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and smells yeasty. This is known as “blooming.”
2. Begin Mixing the Dough
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the bloomed yeast mixture, the remaining tablespoon of honey, beaten egg, softened butter, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed for about 1 minute, scraping the bowl as needed.
3. Add Remaining Flour
- Gradually add the rest of the flour while mixing on medium speed. Mix for about 2 minutes until the dough pulls away from the bowl’s sides. If the dough is too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until the consistency is right.
4. Knead the Dough
- Lower the mixer speed to 2 (or low) and knead the dough for 5 minutes. The dough should be smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky.
5. First Rise
- Transfer the dough to a bowl lightly coated with olive oil, turning the dough to coat it completely. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1-2 hours).
6. Shape the Rolls
- Punch the dough down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 15 equal portions using a bench scraper or sharp knife. Shape each portion into a ball by tucking the edges underneath and rolling it seam-side down.
7. Second Rise
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise again for about 1 hour, until they are puffy and touching each other.
8. Bake and Finish
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush the rolls lightly with melted butter before baking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown. For extra buttery goodness, brush them again with melted butter after removing them from the oven.
Why These Dinner Rolls Are Loved
- Fluffy Texture: The perfect balance of all-purpose and bread flour creates a light, airy crumb.
- Rich Flavor: A touch of honey and butter makes every bite unforgettable.
- Simple to Make: Straightforward instructions with no advanced techniques required.
- Versatile: Perfect for pairing with soups, stews, or holiday roasts.
Pro Tips for Success
- Temperature is key: Always check the temperature of your milk for proper yeast activation.
- Don’t rush the rise: Allow the dough to rise fully during both proofing stages for optimal fluffiness.
- Roll consistency: Weigh each portion of dough to ensure evenly sized rolls.
- Use high-quality yeast: Old or inactive yeast can lead to disappointing results.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these dinner rolls with:
- Hearty soups or stews like beef stew or chicken noodle soup.
- Holiday meals featuring roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib.
- Breakfast spreads with butter, jam, or honey.
Conclusion
With this recipe, you’ll create soft, golden-brown dinner rolls that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a casual family dinner, these rolls will steal the show. Follow the tips, trust the process, and watch your table light up with delight. Your next meal deserves this bakery-quality addition—bake these today and elevate your dining experience!