Dinner Rolls (BEST Recipe!)

Soft, pillowy, and slightly sweet, these Dinner Rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a holiday feast, a family dinner, or just a cozy night at home, these rolls are guaranteed to disappear first from the table. Brushed with a luscious honey butter topping, each bite melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Making these rolls from scratch might sound intimidating, but with a little patience and the right technique, you’ll be rewarded with light, fluffy, bakery-style rolls that are better than anything you can buy at the store. Plus, they freeze and reheat beautifully for later meals or leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, fluffy, and pillowy texture
• Slightly sweet flavor that pairs with any meal
• Sweet and savory honey butter topping for a finishing touch
• Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or slider sandwiches
• Freezer-friendly and make-ahead options available

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

• Warm milk (110–115°F) – Activates the yeast and adds moisture
• Active dry yeast – Ensures the rolls rise perfectly
• Honey – Adds subtle sweetness and enhances browning
• Cornstarch – Secret ingredient for extra soft, tender rolls
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
• Egg – Binds and enriches the dough
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and tenderness
• All-purpose or bread flour – Provides structure to the dough

Honey Butter Topping

• Salted butter, melted – Adds richness and helps the honey coat evenly
• Honey – Sweet glaze that enhances flavor and color

How to Make Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Stir in 1 tablespoon honey and cover with plastic wrap. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. This ensures the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add remaining honey, cornstarch, salt, egg, butter, and 1/3 of the flour. Mix on low speed with the paddle attachment. Gradually add remaining flour while mixing until combined.

Switch to the dough hook and knead on medium-low speed for 2 minutes. Dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Add extra flour by the tablespoon only if necessary.

Step 3: First Rise

Dust hands with flour, knead dough in the bowl for 3 minutes, then transfer to a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1–2 hours.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough to release air. Divide into 15 equal portions, shaping each into a tight, smooth ball. Place seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 18 minutes. While warm, mix melted butter and honey. Brush over tops of rolls, then return to oven for 3–5 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

Cool slightly before serving, though these rolls are irresistible warm. Enjoy them on their own or as sliders, dinner sides, or snack bites.

Tips for Success

• Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure milk is warm but not hot (110–115°F)
• Don’t over-flour dough; rolls should be slightly sticky for soft texture
• Weigh dough for even-sized rolls, or eyeball if preferred
• Freshly melted butter and honey brushed on top enhances flavor and shine

Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer with paddle and dough hook attachments (or mixing bowl and wooden spoon)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Plastic wrap
• Pastry brush

Recipe Variations

• Slider Rolls: Make smaller rolls for mini sandwiches
• Garlic Herb Rolls: Mix garlic powder and herbs into butter topping
• Whole Wheat: Substitute up to half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor
• Vegan Option: Replace butter with plant-based butter and egg with unsweetened applesauce

Serving Suggestions

Serve these soft dinner rolls alongside roasted chicken, creamy soups, stews, or holiday favorites. They also make fantastic sliders or mini sandwiches with leftover meats.

FAQs

Can I make the dough by hand?
Yes! Use a wooden spoon to combine ingredients and knead on a lightly floured surface. It will take more elbow grease but works perfectly.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. Dough can be refrigerated after the first rise and baked later. See blog for detailed make-ahead methods.

How long do the rolls keep?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate up to a week. Freeze leftovers for longer storage.

Can I substitute the egg?
Yes, use ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce, plain yogurt, or buttermilk for an egg-free option.

Do I have to use cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps create extra tender rolls but can be omitted if unavailable. Rolls will still be soft and delicious.

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Final Thoughts

These best-ever dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet with a buttery glaze that elevates any meal. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or even casual meals, they’re simple enough to make at home but taste like a bakery treat. Give them a try, enjoy them warm, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “pass the honey butter!”