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My favorite 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls recipe is easy to make by hand or with a stand mixer and absolutely heavenly served warm out of the oven.
Is there anything better than a freshly-baked pan of homemade dinner rolls?
Actually, yes — this easy dinner rolls recipe that can be ready to go in just one hour!
This recipe has been my go-to for years and always yields the most perfectly soft, fluffy, buttery rolls. But I especially love it because the ingredient list is simple, the rise times are minimal, and the dough can be easily made either by hand or with the help of a stand mixer. And everything can come together quickly in just an hour or so, which makes this recipe more do-able on busy weeknights when you’re craving some homemade bread, and also super-helpful on holidays when you’re trying to multi-task all the things.
Many of you have also asked about make-ahead options with this recipe over the years, so I have updated the post with instructions for how to make the bread dough in advance. And I have also included some fun variations if you would like to make your rolls more garlicky, herb-y, cheesy, or whatever other add-ins sound fun.
Bottom line, this dinner rolls recipe is a keeper and never lets me down. So if you are looking for a good one to add to your repertoire, bookmark this one and give it a try!
1-Hour Dinner Rolls Recipe | 1-Minute Video
Homemade Dinner Rolls Ingredients:
Before we get to the full recipe below, here are a few notes about the ingredients that you will need to make this homemade dinner rolls recipe:
Water and milk: These will serve as our base liquids for the bread dough. I used dairy milk, but you are welcome to sub in a plain plant-based milk (such as oat milk or almond milk) instead.
Melted butter: Which we will both bake into the rolls and brush on top.
Honey: To add just a hint of sweetness.
Active dry yeast: This recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of yeast. So if you are purchasing your yeast in 0.25-ounce packets, you will need slightly more than one packet.
Flour: I have only tested this recipe with all-purpose flour. But if you try out different flours, please let us know how it goes in the comment section below!
Salt: Which we will mix into the rolls to bring out all of those delicious buttery flavors. Feel free to sprinkle a bit of flaky salt on top of the warm rolls just before serving too!
Tips For How To Make Dinner Rolls:
The full recipe is included below for how to make these dinner rolls, but here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind too:
Be sure that your yeast has not expired. This is one of the most common reasons for why a batch of bread dough does not rise. Double-check the expiration date on any yeast that may be hanging out in your pantry. And if the yeast does not begin to puff and bubble up after 5 minutes once it has been added to the wet ingredients, toss out the batch and start over with new yeast.
Double-check the temperature of the liquid ingredients. When heating the liquid ingredients (water, melted butter, milk and honey), it’s essential that they be within the temperature range of 100-110°F. If the mixture is too hot, it can kill the yeast. If it is too cool, the yeast may not activate. The mixture should feel warm and not hot to the touch, but I always recommend testing the mixture with a cooking thermometer just to be sure.
Don’t skip the rise times. They are essential to helping the dough rise and create that soft and fluffy texture we’re going for.
No worries about perfection. When portioning the dough into 12 rolls, don’t worry about them all being perfectly equal in size. They will all bake up together in the pan, and if some are slightly larger or smaller, hakuna matata. :)
Possible Recipe Variations:
Here are a few other possible variations that you could make to this dinner rolls recipe:
Make-ahead option: For make-ahead dinner rolls, follow the recipe through the step that you shape the individual rolls and place them in the baking dish. Then tightly cover the baking dish and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Transfer the dish to the counter and let it warm up to room temperature for 2 hours before baking, and then bake as directed.
Make it vegan: Use plant-based milk and butter and your preferred sweetener in place of honey.
Add garlic: Add in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the bread dough to make the rolls more garlicky, and/or you could also simmer some minced garlic with butter to brush on top of the rolls after baking.
Add herbs: Add in 1 to 2 tablespoons of finely-chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary or parsley) to the bread dough to add flavor to the rolls, and/or you could also mix some fresh herbs in with the melted butter to brush on top of the rolls after baking.
Add cheese: You can also mix in 1/3 to 1/2 cup of freshly-grated cheddar cheese to make cheesy rolls. (Or I also love mixing in some freshly-grated Parmesan, and then sprinkling some on top of the rolls during the final 5 minutes of baking.)
More Favorite Bread Recipes:
Looking for more easy bread recipes to add to your repertoire? Here are a few of my faves…
My favorite 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls recipe is easy to make by hand or with a stand mixer and absolutely heavenly served warm out of the oven.
Prep your oven and baking dish. Heat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, and set aside.
Heat the liquids. In a microwave-safe bowl (or saucepan, see below), stir together the water and melted butter, then add in the milk and honey and stir until combined. Microwave the mixture for 1 minute and give it a stir. Continue microwaving the mixture in 15 second intervals, until it reaches 110°F. It will be warm but not hot to the touch. (*Alternately, you can heat the mixture over medium-low heat in a saucepan until it reaches 110°F.)
Add yeast. Pour the liquid mixture into the large bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle the yeast evenly on top, give it a quick stir with a fork to combine, and let the yeast activate for 5 minutes until it is foamy.
Add dry ingredients. Add in 3 1/2 cups of flour (not all of the flour) and the salt.
Mix. (See alternate instructions in the notes below for how to knead the dough by hand.) Use the dough-hook to mix in the dry ingredients on medium-low speed until combined. If the dough is sticking to the sides of the bowl, add in 1/4 cup more flour at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is only slightly sticky to the touch. (Only use up to 4 cups of flour total.) Continue mixing on low speed for 4-5 minutes until the dough is smooth. Then form the dough into a ball with your hands and transfer it to a greased bowl.
Let the dough rise. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or paper towel, and let it rise briefly for 15 minutes.
Form the rolls. Gently punch the dough down and divide into 15 equal-sized pieces. Form each piece into a ball and place the dough balls in the greased baking dish. Cover the dish again with a damp towel or paper towel and let the dough balls rise for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Bake. Uncover and bake for 15 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden brown on top and cooked through.
Brush with more butter. Transfer the baking dish to a wire cooling rack and brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter.
Yeast: I typically purchase my yeast in bulk. But if you are using the 0.25-ounce packets, they each contain 2.25 teaspoons of yeast. So you will need slightly more than one packet to yield 1 tablespoon.
How to knead the dough by hand: If you do not have a stand mixer, no prob! For step 5 (mixing the dough), simply stir the dry ingredients into the dough as much as possible. Then turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth, adding up to 1/4 cup of extra flour if the dough is too sticky.
Too dense and heavy usually means that the dough was not kneaded long enough. FYI.
Lynnette Craig —
Even after adding all 4 cups of flour, my rolls were a sticky mess. Wouldn’t hold a shape and just oozed all over. So I added more flour a little at a time and kneaded the dough to get it to a still slightly sticky, but firmer consistency. Took almost another half a cup. Might be because I live in a very very humid climate?? Anyway, formed the rolls and let rise and baked. They were AMAZING!!!! I put melted butter on top before baking and after they came out of the over.. Fluffy and delicious….
Delicious ! My family loved it. They enjoyed the break from French banquettes w crispy tops I make. My husband said they reminded him of the chic filet breakfast mini’s bread but better :)
I love this recipe- and my family loves them too! Second time- delicious just as the first. Thank you! This is becoming my “Go-2 Girl”
Light, fluffy and beautiful- super easy for a beginner Baker, but also a great recipe for the person who needs a foolproof yummy bun to top off the dinner. You will not be disappointed!
Do yourself a favor and bake these rolls for dinner. They are absolutely delicious! So fluffy and tender and perfect. My dough was a sticky mess when trying to shape into a ball for the first rising (I didn’t want to add too much flour according to directions), but it turned out fine in the end. Brushed with honey butter. *drool* Thank you!
I used this dough to make rolls for dinner, then saved leftover dough in fridge for 2 days and made calzones tonight. I used butter, milk, sugar wash for both. The dough was perfect for both! I almost forgot, I even had enough to make a medium size pizza too. Thank you so much for such a versatile dough recipe!
This is one of those things where its like expectations vs reality. They really didn’t come out looking soft like in the picture. The taste ismt exactly there either…
Madelyne —
Ohh no! Try them again and I know you will love them! I can’t make bread to save my life and I’ve succeeded with this recipe!
If I do not have a stand mixer can I use a hand mixer? Or must it be turned by hand or with a spatula?
Andy —
Irresistible and super easy to make! This was the first time I’d ever tried baking rolls of any kind, and my hubby couldn’t stop raving about them, he was amazed they weren’t from a store.
Ali —
I use a hand mixer–but with the DOUGH HOOK attachments… don’t use the other attachments. I’ve made them twice now–delish.
archie —
I dont have a mixer either so I just mixed it in a bowl with a nonstick spatula and then kneaded it a bit and they came out perfect!
These rolls were delicious, I’ve never made bread this fast before. I was making swedish meatballs and the grocery store bakery didn’t have fresh bread. Thanks Covid-19. I loved the yeasty flavor of these but I thought they needed something else. Perhaps more honey or sugar instead of honey, not sure. I may brush them with butter before they go in the oven next time. I used the full 4 cups of flour and the rolls were super soft. I’m so glad I have this recipe, I can’t wait to make these rolls again!
i make these rolls all the time they are so good my husband can’t stop eating them so i make double also i make other types of home rolls i love to bake
My husband requests these at least once a week! We cannot get enough. Doesn’t hurt that they don’t take more than an hour to put together. My Bosch mixes great on the lowest speed, I find all kneading durations run pretty accurate. Thank you! :)
I made these last year, and they were great! I dont have a stand mixer so I kneaded by hand. They came out great! Making them today. Just wondering if 6-8 minutes is enough for kneading by hand. Thank you!
Hello! Excited to make this recipe. Can I cut the ingredients in half to make half as much? Also is it okay if I knead instead of using the stand mixer that you recommend? I don’t have a stand mixer, just my good ol hands.
I’ve never made yeast rolls before but I’m so glad I did! They turned out amazing. I did add additional flour (approx 1/3c)because the dough was sticking to the bowl. They are really fluffy & tasty. Give them a try you won’t be sorry you did.
These rolls were 100% spot on…
I mention here that I didn’t have honey on hand so I subbed White Karo of equal amounts… the bread still came out a winner.. they were easy-Peary to make .. just loved not having to spend hours making them.. easy enough for any day of the week..thanks for sharing this recipe… it was a hit… gonna be my go to from now on❤️❤️❤️Thanks!!! Joan Murphy
I mixed the ingredients together with a spoon and then kneaded it for 5 minutes. Didn’t want to mess with getting the KitchenAid mixer out. Followed all other directions as written. Excellent result.
The BEST roll recipe I have ever tried! I used my bread maker to make the dough instead of the stand mixer and it turned out amazingly, twice. Thank you so much :)
Ps- could this be pizza dough too?
Mimi SC —
Fabulous rolls without taking all day… reminds me of the delicious yeast rolls the lunch ladies made at school many years ago.
It was my first time trying this recipe but I tell you rolls came out so beautiful but the taste too was so unbelievable so tasty and soft.Thank you for sharing.
Primrose
These buns were delicious. I made them to be enjoyed with stew however they were ready first and half were gobbled down, right out of the oven. They were light and fluffy. To make them I left the warm liquid in the original glass container and added in the yeast (I was worried about transferring it to a cold mixing bowl as it might cool it down too quickly). I put the flour and salt in the mixer and made a well in the middle to add the liquid. I let the mixer stir until the dough pulled away from the sides and then I kneaded it for 5 minutes before I let it rise.
Thank you for the recipe. It is amazing. Turned the family lunch to a great kick. They are delicious by themselves. Now I wanna try other recipes on this website.
I have made these four times during quarantine and all I can say is I will continue making these forever. Absolutely perfect! (I usually only need 3 cups of flour)
They are better than anything store bought. Make them!
I was looking for a good option for making less labor intensive dinner rolls. This is it! The recipe is easy and the result is delicious. But the edits done in 2018 need further tweaking — first, the list of ingredients list calls for melted butter so I went ahead and melted some, but then as I worked through the directions I realized you need to melt the butter in the microwave along with the other ingredients. And, at the top of the recipe you are told to grease a 9×13 pan, but then as you get into the middle of the recipe it suddenly asks in addition for ao greased bowl. Not a big problem but annoying when you are in a hurry. So editor please fix these in your next iteration, but readers go ahead and make the rolls — they are great!
I don’t normally leave reviews. I have been a homemaker for 20 years, and this is the very best roll recipe I’ve used. My new go-to. I followed the instructions exactly, and wound up with PERFECT rolls.
too dense and heavy…no fluffy bun here
Too dense and heavy usually means that the dough was not kneaded long enough. FYI.
Even after adding all 4 cups of flour, my rolls were a sticky mess. Wouldn’t hold a shape and just oozed all over. So I added more flour a little at a time and kneaded the dough to get it to a still slightly sticky, but firmer consistency. Took almost another half a cup. Might be because I live in a very very humid climate?? Anyway, formed the rolls and let rise and baked. They were AMAZING!!!! I put melted butter on top before baking and after they came out of the over.. Fluffy and delicious….
Delicious ! My family loved it. They enjoyed the break from French banquettes w crispy tops I make. My husband said they reminded him of the chic filet breakfast mini’s bread but better :)
Can you freeze these so that you can make them a day or two ahead if time. Then defrost and heat up for dinner again.
The easiest recipe I’ve tried!! It came out better than I expected. My new go to.
These were so easy! I am a failure when it comes to baking, but I gave these a try and they came out PERFECT! And they were so easy and delicious!
I love this recipe- and my family loves them too! Second time- delicious just as the first. Thank you! This is becoming my “Go-2 Girl”
Light, fluffy and beautiful- super easy for a beginner Baker, but also a great recipe for the person who needs a foolproof yummy bun to top off the dinner. You will not be disappointed!
Do yourself a favor and bake these rolls for dinner. They are absolutely delicious! So fluffy and tender and perfect. My dough was a sticky mess when trying to shape into a ball for the first rising (I didn’t want to add too much flour according to directions), but it turned out fine in the end. Brushed with honey butter. *drool* Thank you!
These are perfect! Delicious, soft, buttery rolls. I’ve been looking for the perfect roll recipe and this is it! Thank you
I’ve made these three times so far and they are a always good. I do use two Tbsp honey cause I like just a little sweeter
These are the very best so light and fluffy. Thank you for sharing. Will make them again and again. ?
Super easy and so delicious! I’ll definitely make again!
They turned out amazing! Thank you so much for the wonderful recipe!
I used this dough to make rolls for dinner, then saved leftover dough in fridge for 2 days and made calzones tonight. I used butter, milk, sugar wash for both. The dough was perfect for both! I almost forgot, I even had enough to make a medium size pizza too. Thank you so much for such a versatile dough recipe!
Can we do cinnamon rolls with this dough?
I do! Also do orange marmalade rolls. Sometimes let the dough sit in the fridge for a day or two (after first rise) to make it tangy/slightly sourish.
This was my first time using my stand mixer for dough and the rolls turned out great. My kids absolutely loved them. Thanks!
This is one of those things where its like expectations vs reality. They really didn’t come out looking soft like in the picture. The taste ismt exactly there either…
Ohh no! Try them again and I know you will love them! I can’t make bread to save my life and I’ve succeeded with this recipe!
If I do not have a stand mixer can I use a hand mixer? Or must it be turned by hand or with a spatula?
Irresistible and super easy to make! This was the first time I’d ever tried baking rolls of any kind, and my hubby couldn’t stop raving about them, he was amazed they weren’t from a store.
I use a hand mixer–but with the DOUGH HOOK attachments… don’t use the other attachments. I’ve made them twice now–delish.
I dont have a mixer either so I just mixed it in a bowl with a nonstick spatula and then kneaded it a bit and they came out perfect!
These rolls were delicious, I’ve never made bread this fast before. I was making swedish meatballs and the grocery store bakery didn’t have fresh bread. Thanks Covid-19. I loved the yeasty flavor of these but I thought they needed something else. Perhaps more honey or sugar instead of honey, not sure. I may brush them with butter before they go in the oven next time. I used the full 4 cups of flour and the rolls were super soft. I’m so glad I have this recipe, I can’t wait to make these rolls again!
These are the MOST DELICIOUS light, fluffy rolls I’ve EVER had!!! I used bread/high grade flour.
i make these rolls all the time they are so good my husband can’t stop eating them so i make double also i make other types of home rolls i love to bake
My husband requests these at least once a week! We cannot get enough. Doesn’t hurt that they don’t take more than an hour to put together. My Bosch mixes great on the lowest speed, I find all kneading durations run pretty accurate. Thank you! :)
Can I cut this recipe in half you think?
You will be sorry if you cut the recipe by ½!!! They are wayyy to delish!
There are the best
I made these last year, and they were great! I dont have a stand mixer so I kneaded by hand. They came out great! Making them today. Just wondering if 6-8 minutes is enough for kneading by hand. Thank you!
Hello! Excited to make this recipe. Can I cut the ingredients in half to make half as much? Also is it okay if I knead instead of using the stand mixer that you recommend? I don’t have a stand mixer, just my good ol hands.
I don’t have a dough hook, so how long would you hand kneed these?
I’ve never made yeast rolls before but I’m so glad I did! They turned out amazing. I did add additional flour (approx 1/3c)because the dough was sticking to the bowl. They are really fluffy & tasty. Give them a try you won’t be sorry you did.
These rolls were 100% spot on…
I mention here that I didn’t have honey on hand so I subbed White Karo of equal amounts… the bread still came out a winner.. they were easy-Peary to make .. just loved not having to spend hours making them.. easy enough for any day of the week..thanks for sharing this recipe… it was a hit… gonna be my go to from now on❤️❤️❤️Thanks!!! Joan Murphy
Can I use quick rise yeast?
If you mean instant yeast, I did and it worked just fine
These turned out perfectly. Followed recipe 100%. I have made many roll recipes and these were great.
Making these for probably the fourth time in less than two weeks. :-)
These were delicious and super easy to make!
Easy to make with a delicious result. Thanks for sharing a great recipes!
I mixed the ingredients together with a spoon and then kneaded it for 5 minutes. Didn’t want to mess with getting the KitchenAid mixer out. Followed all other directions as written. Excellent result.
The BEST roll recipe I have ever tried! I used my bread maker to make the dough instead of the stand mixer and it turned out amazingly, twice. Thank you so much :)
Ps- could this be pizza dough too?
Fabulous rolls without taking all day… reminds me of the delicious yeast rolls the lunch ladies made at school many years ago.
I made these today and they were a huge hit! Easy and delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
It was my first time trying this recipe but I tell you rolls came out so beautiful but the taste too was so unbelievable so tasty and soft.Thank you for sharing.
Primrose
I don’t use a stand up mixer so how do I adjust the recipe?
Hi! These recipe looks amazing, doing it today.
Could this dough be frozen to make fresh baked buns other day? Thank you
So easy to make and they came out perfect! (3.5 cups of flour is all I needed.)
Do you have a good loaf bread recipe that’s as easy?
I followed recipe exactly and rolls were both easy and delicious! Thank you for sharing.
I have made these buns twice this week..absolutely delicious!
These were so easy and sooo delicious!! I used soy milk as a replacement for the milk bc I didn’t have any and they came out perfect!
These buns were delicious. I made them to be enjoyed with stew however they were ready first and half were gobbled down, right out of the oven. They were light and fluffy. To make them I left the warm liquid in the original glass container and added in the yeast (I was worried about transferring it to a cold mixing bowl as it might cool it down too quickly). I put the flour and salt in the mixer and made a well in the middle to add the liquid. I let the mixer stir until the dough pulled away from the sides and then I kneaded it for 5 minutes before I let it rise.
Don’t feel like you have to put the butter on top. You can butter the middle if you like. I leave it alone so my family can butter how they like.
Thank you for the recipe. It is amazing. Turned the family lunch to a great kick. They are delicious by themselves. Now I wanna try other recipes on this website.
Hi there!
Is there an alternative to using a microwave? as my household does not have one.
I have heated the mixture in a saucepan on the stove on low while using a thermometer and stirring/watching until it came to temp!
I have made these four times during quarantine and all I can say is I will continue making these forever. Absolutely perfect! (I usually only need 3 cups of flour)
They are better than anything store bought. Make them!
Also, perfect for making fried dough!
I was looking for a good option for making less labor intensive dinner rolls. This is it! The recipe is easy and the result is delicious. But the edits done in 2018 need further tweaking — first, the list of ingredients list calls for melted butter so I went ahead and melted some, but then as I worked through the directions I realized you need to melt the butter in the microwave along with the other ingredients. And, at the top of the recipe you are told to grease a 9×13 pan, but then as you get into the middle of the recipe it suddenly asks in addition for ao greased bowl. Not a big problem but annoying when you are in a hurry. So editor please fix these in your next iteration, but readers go ahead and make the rolls — they are great!
I don’t normally leave reviews. I have been a homemaker for 20 years, and this is the very best roll recipe I’ve used. My new go-to. I followed the instructions exactly, and wound up with PERFECT rolls.
Second time making these delicious both times!!
These were absolutely perfect! Stowing this recipe away for any time I want rolls!