1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of pulling warm, fluffy bread from your oven without spending hours in the kitchen, then these 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls will become your new best friend. Imagine rolls with pillowy soft centers, a tender crumb, and a perfectly golden crust, all infused with rich buttery flavor. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between quick preparation and decadent taste, making it an absolute must-try for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving fresh-from-the-oven bread in under an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward pantry staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering the delightful texture and flavor that make these dinner rolls stand out. From fluffy flour to creamy butter, every element is here to create magic in your mixing bowl.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the rolls, providing structure and chew.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast: The secret to that wonderful rise and airy texture, no proofing required.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the buttery richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and controls yeast activity for perfect dough.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Imparts luscious softness and rich flavor throughout each roll.
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C): Activates the yeast gently and contributes to tenderness.
- 2 large eggs: Adds richness, color, and improves the crumb’s texture.
How to Make 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by warming the milk until it’s comfortably warm to the touch, around 110°F. Combine it with the granulated sugar in a large bowl, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the instant yeast directly on top and let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes. When it froths up, you know your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on these rolls.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Next, stir in the melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture. These add decadence and richness right into the dough, establishing that signature buttery softness guaranteed to make these rolls irresistible.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour and salt together in a separate bowl. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed, helping your dough develop flavor and texture without any salty pockets.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or dough scraper until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. This is the perfect consistency for kneading, so resist the urge to add more flour here!
Step 5: Knead to Perfection
Knead the dough inside the bowl for 2 to 3 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. You can also transfer it to a lightly floured surface if that feels easier. This quick knead helps develop gluten, ensuring a tender but structured crumb.
Step 6: First Rise
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and place it somewhere warm. A brief 10-minute rise is all these rolls need to puff up just enough, speeding up the process without sacrificing fluffiness.
Step 7: Shape the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F while the dough rises. When ready, gently punch the dough down to release any air bubbles, then divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each into smooth, tight balls — a crucial step to get those perfect, even rolls.
Step 8: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Cover them again and let them rise for another 10 minutes. This final proofing adds that extra lift, making the rolls wonderfully soft after baking.
Step 9: Bake and Finish
Bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water! As soon as they come from the oven, brush the tops with extra melted butter for a glossy, rich finish that locks in moisture and flavor.
How to Serve 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls
Garnishes
While the rolls are fantastic warmed plain, adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a brush of garlic herb butter right before serving can elevate them to show-stopper status. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme make beautiful, aromatic toppings too.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair perfectly with meals like hearty stews, savory roasted chicken, or creamy soups. Their soft texture and buttery taste complement rich gravies and sauces, making every bite a comforting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls into sliders by slicing them in half and filling with your favorite deli meats, cheeses, and fresh toppings. Another fun idea is to serve them alongside a warm fondue pot for dipping, turning a simple dinner roll into a party centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any rolls left after your meal, store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooled rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months and thaw quickly when you need a last-minute bread fix.
Reheating
To revive your leftover or thawed rolls, warm them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes wrapped in foil, or microwave with a damp paper towel for about 15 seconds. Finish by brushing with melted butter for that freshly baked taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast, but you’ll need to dissolve it in the warm milk with sugar first and let it proof for about 5 to 10 minutes until bubbly before proceeding.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly to compensate, so your rolls don’t turn out too salty.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
These rolls rely on gluten for structure, so a gluten-free version would require a specialized blend and additional binding agents. It’s best to look for a dedicated gluten-free soft roll recipe.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
A perfect roll will be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature with a thermometer—it should read around 190°F.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger mixing bowl and baking sheets. The rising times remain the same.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about homemade bread, especially when it’s as quick and delightful as these 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls. From start to finish, the process is simple, and the reward is unbeatable—a batch of warm, tender rolls that bring smiles to any table. Grab your ingredients and enjoy the comforting magic of freshly baked bread in just one hour!
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1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls are a quick and easy recipe to make fluffy, tender rolls perfect for any meal. Made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, yeast, and milk, these rolls are soft on the inside with a golden, buttery crust. Ready in just about an hour, they’re ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the instant yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture, stirring well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt to ensure even distribution of the salt.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or dough scraper until a soft and cohesive dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough in the bowl for 2-3 minutes or until smooth and elastic. You may transfer it to a lightly floured surface if preferred for easier handling.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 10 minutes, until it slightly puffs up but doesn’t necessarily double in size.
- Preheat Oven: During the last few minutes of rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough gently to release air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball.
- Arrange Rolls: Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet, spaced evenly for expansion.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls again with a kitchen towel and let them rise another 10 minutes to become puffy.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
- Finish: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with additional melted butter for a glossy, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% or use a dairy-free alternative, but this may slightly alter the texture.
- Ensure the dough is kneaded well to develop gluten for fluffy rolls.
- For extra flavor, add herbs or garlic to the dough before baking.
- The rolls are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Reheat rolls wrapped in foil at 300°F for 10 minutes to refresh softness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: dinner rolls, soft rolls, buttery rolls, quick bread, yeast bread, homemade rolls, side bread
