Jacy There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen. For many, the thought of working with yeast seems intimidating, but the truth is, making perfect homemade rolls is an achievable feat for any home baker. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, mastering an easy yeast roll recipe is a game-changer. Nothing compares to pulling apart a basket of warm, pillowy soft dinner rolls, fresh from the oven. This guide will walk you through a foolproof recipe and all the tips you need for success.
Table of Contents
Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm whole milk (105–115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled, divided
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt
- 4 to 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, which proves the yeast is active.
2. To the yeast mixture, add the honey, 4 tablespoons of the melted butter, the egg, and salt. Mix on low with the paddle attachment until combined.
3. Gradually add 4 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Switch to the dough hook attachment. Knead on medium speed for 6-8 minutes, adding the remaining ½ cup of flour a tablespoon at a time only if the dough is too sticky. The dough is ready when it is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Gently punch down the risen dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces (use a kitchen scale for accuracy).
7. To shape each roll, cup your hand over a piece of dough and roll it in a circular motion on the counter to form a smooth, tight ball. This simple technique is the secret to perfect, round soft dinner rolls.
8. Arrange the shaped rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover again and let rise for 45-60 minutes, until puffy.
9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the risen rolls gently with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
10. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the tops are a deep golden brown. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a roll should read 190°F. For the best results from this easy yeast roll recipe, watch them closely during the last few minutes of baking.
11. Transfer the pan to a wire rack. Brush once more with butter and sprinkle with flaky salt, if desired. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Herb Rolls: Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the dry ingredients.
- Garlic Parmesan: Fold in ½ cup of grated Parmesan and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Top with more cheese before baking.
- Whole Wheat: Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based milk and vegan butter.
Serving & Storage
These rolls are a versatile side dish. Serve them warm with softened butter alongside soups, stews, or roasted meats. They make exceptional sliders for leftover holiday turkey or ham. To store, let rolls cool completely, then place in an airtight bag or container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap the cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm.
Nutritional Benefits
These rolls provide energy from complex carbohydrates. Using whole milk adds calcium and vitamin D, while eggs contribute protein and essential B vitamins. Honey offers trace antioxidants and a natural sweetness that may cause a slower rise in blood sugar compared to refined sugar alone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Killing the Yeast: Using milk that is too hot will deactivate the yeast. A warm bath temperature is perfect.
- Adding Too Much Flour: The dough should be slightly tacky, not dry. Resist the urge to add excessive flour during kneading, as this leads to dense rolls.
- Incorrect Rising Environment: A cold kitchen will slow the rise. For a boost, place the covered bowl in a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water on the rack below.
- Over-baking: This dries out the rolls. Use the visual golden-brown cue and the internal temperature of 190°F as your guide.
Final Conclusion
Homemade bread is a labor of love that rewards you tenfold. With patience and these simple steps, you can confidently create an easy yeast roll recipe that will impress your family and guests. There’s no better feeling than presenting a basket of golden, fluffy, soft dinner rolls that you made from scratch. Don’t be afraid to get your hands a little floury—the results are absolutely worth it.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. After the first rise, punch down the dough, place it in a greased bowl, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature (about 1-2 hours), then shape, proof, and bake as directed.
Why didn’t my rolls rise?
The most likely culprit is expired yeast. Always check the expiration date and proof it in warm liquid with a pinch of sugar. An environment that is too cold can also inhibit rising.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes. Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the dry flour, skipping the proofing step in liquid. Use the same amount. Your rise times may be slightly shorter.
My rolls are dense. What went wrong?
Dense rolls are often caused by over-measuring the flour (always spoon and level, don’t scoop), not letting the dough rise long enough, or over-kneading, which can develop too much gluten.
Can I make these rolls by hand without a stand mixer?
Definitely. Simply mix the ingredients in a large bowl with a wooden spoon. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
