Dinner Rolls with Butter

Dinner Rolls with Butter are the definition of comfort baking—soft, fluffy, and lightly golden rolls that melt in your mouth with every bite. These classic rolls are a staple on dinner tables across the world, from everyday family meals to festive holiday feasts. Freshly baked dinner rolls bring warmth and joy to any meal, and when brushed generously with butter, they become completely irresistible.

Homemade dinner rolls have a special charm that store-bought versions simply can’t match. The tender crumb, subtle sweetness, and rich buttery flavor make them perfect for soaking up gravies, sauces, and soups. Despite their impressive appearance, these rolls are surprisingly easy to make and require only basic pantry ingredients.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this dinner rolls recipe because it produces consistently soft, bakery-style rolls every time. The dough is easy to work with, forgiving for beginners, and yields rolls that stay tender even the next day. Brushing warm rolls with butter adds an extra layer of richness that makes them impossible to stop eating.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Soft, fluffy texture with a buttery finish
• Perfect side for any meal
• Ideal for holidays, gatherings, or everyday dinners
• Made with simple, affordable ingredients
• Beginner-friendly bread recipe

Recipe Overview

Course: Bread / Side Dish
Cuisine: American / European
Preparation Time: 20 minutes (active)
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories (approx.): 180 calories per roll

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm milk
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg

For Brushing

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Cooking Directions

Prepare a soft yeast dough, allow it to rise until doubled, shape into rolls, let them rise again, then bake until golden and brush generously with butter while warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Combine warm milk and sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Add melted butter, egg, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour until doubled.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into smooth balls.

Step 6: Second Rise
Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Bake
Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8: Butter the Rolls
Brush hot rolls generously with melted butter.

How to Serve

Serve dinner rolls warm with extra butter on the side. They pair beautifully with soups, stews, roasted meats, holiday dinners, or even as sandwich buns for sliders.

Recipe Tips

• Use warm milk, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast
• Measure flour accurately for soft rolls
• Cover dough during rising to prevent drying
• Brush butter while rolls are hot for best absorption

Variations

Garlic Butter Rolls
Brush rolls with garlic-infused butter after baking.

Cheese Dinner Rolls
Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the dough.

Herb Rolls
Mix dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough.

Whole Wheat Rolls
Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.

Honey Butter Rolls
Add honey to the butter for a sweet finish.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 days
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days

Freezing:

• Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months
• Thaw at room temperature and warm before serving

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking dish or sheet
• Clean kitchen towel
• Oven

Conclusion

Dinner Rolls with Butter are a timeless classic that belongs on every table. Soft, fluffy, and rich with buttery goodness, these rolls elevate any meal from ordinary to special. Whether served at a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, homemade dinner rolls always bring comfort and joy.