1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls Recipe

Dreaming of a basket of warm, pillowy rolls that melt in your mouth and make every meal feel like a special occasion? Meet your new obsession: 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls. In just 60 minutes, you can whip up bakery-style rolls that boast a tender crumb, golden tops, and that irresistible buttery sheen. Whether you’re hosting a fancy holiday feast or just want to elevate a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers comfort and delight, all without hours of waiting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls, you only need a handful of pantry staples. Every ingredient is chosen for the way it builds flavor, creates that airy yet satisfying texture, and helps achieve perfectly golden, fluffy results.

• Water: Essential for activating the yeast and giving structure to the dough. Use warm, not hot, water for best results.
• Melted Butter: Adds rich flavor and a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. You’ll also slather some on top for that classic, glossy finish.
• Milk: Infuses extra richness and tenderness, ensuring each bite is soft and luscious.
• Honey: A touch of honey brings subtle sweetness and helps the rolls brown beautifully in the oven.
• Active-Dry Yeast: The powerhouse ingredient that makes these rolls rise in record time, yielding pillowy soft centers.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your dough; start with 3 1/2 cups and add more if needed for a perfect, slightly sticky dough.
• Fine Sea Salt: Balances all the flavors and ensures your rolls don’t taste flat or bland.
• Extra Melted Butter (for brushing): The finishing touch that gives the rolls a gorgeous sheen and an extra hit of rich, buttery flavor.

How to Make 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (204°C), which gives these rolls a quick rise and a beautiful golden color. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks and your rolls come out perfectly shaped and easy to serve.

Step 2: Warm the Liquids

Combine the water and melted butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then stir in the milk and honey. Microwave the mixture for about a minute and then in 15-second bursts until it’s warm—think of soothing bath water, not piping hot—right around 110°F. Alternately, you can do this quickly in a saucepan over medium-low heat. The warmth helps the yeast activate quickly, setting the stage for that lightning-fast rise.

Step 3: Activate the Yeast

Pour the warm mixture into a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer bowl) and sprinkle the yeast evenly over the top. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s working when a foamy layer starts forming, releasing that classic fresh bread aroma and promising perfectly fluffy 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Add 3 1/2 cups of flour and the salt to the yeast mixture. Hold off on adding all the flour—start with less, and add more as needed to make sure the dough comes together smoothly. This lets you keep your rolls super soft and not overly dense.

Step 5: Mix and Knead the Dough

With your mixer on medium-low and using the dough hook, mix until everything is combined. If you notice the dough sticking to the sides, sprinkle in an additional 1/4 cup flour at a time, maxing out at 4 cups total. After a few minutes, the dough should form a ball that’s slightly tacky but doesn’t stick heavily to your hands. Keep it going for around 4–5 minutes for a silky-smooth dough. Gently form it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl.

Step 6: Quick Rise

Cover the bowl with a damp towel (or paper towel), then let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot for just 15 minutes. It won’t double in size yet, but you’ll already see it start to puff up—proof that those speedy 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls are living up to their promise.

Step 7: Shape the Rolls

Gently punch the dough to deflate, then divide it into 15 equal-sized pieces. Take each piece, roll it between your hands into a smooth ball, then nestle the balls into your prepared baking dish. Cover again with your damp towel and let the dough rest for 15 to 20 minutes for a final quick lift.

Step 8: Bake

Uncover the rolls and pop the baking dish into your hot oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the tops are a lovely, light golden brown and the rolls sound slightly hollow when tapped. The smell will literally draw everyone to the kitchen!

Step 9: Butter and Serve

Right after they come out, place the dish on a cooling rack and immediately brush the tops generously with more melted butter. This last touch makes your 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls shine and ups the rich flavor. Serve warm for peak deliciousness.

How to Serve 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls

Garnishes

To bring out the best in your rolls, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of finely chopped herbs like chives or parsley. Even a swipe of honey butter or garlic butter on top will make these 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls unforgettable.

Side Dishes

These rolls are famously versatile. Pair them with roasted chicken, dreamy soups, or a classic pot roast. The soft crumb soaks up every bit of sauce or broth, making your meal feel extra hearty and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the rolls in a rustic basket lined with a pretty cloth napkin, or stack them high on a platter so everyone can grab one easily. For parties, you can even split and fill them with sliders or mini sandwiches—a fun, crowd-pleasing twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls (a rare event!), let them cool completely. Store them in a sealed zip-top bag or container at room temperature for up to 2 days—just be sure to keep them wrapped up tight to maintain their moisture and softness.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! Allow the baked rolls to cool completely, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their fluffy texture for up to 2 months. When cravings hit, just pull out what you need—no need for a special occasion!

Reheating

For fresh-from-the-oven softness, wrap your rolls in foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Or if you’re in a hurry, microwave each roll for about 15 seconds. Don’t forget an extra little brush of melted butter to revive that glorious sheen and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active-dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast using the same amount. The steps remain the same, but you might notice the rolls rise a bit faster, so keep an eye on the dough during the rise times.

How can I knead the dough if I don’t have a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Just mix the dough with a sturdy wooden spoon, then turn it out onto a floured surface and knead by hand for about 7–8 minutes until it’s smooth. The rolls will still be tender and delicious.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Definitely. Swap out the butter for your favorite plant-based version and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat. The result is still irresistibly soft and perfect for all eaters.

Is it possible to add herbs or cheese to the dough?

Go for it! Adding minced garlic, fresh herbs, or a handful of shredded cheese right before shaping the dough will only make these 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls more special and flavorful.

Why do my rolls turn out dense sometimes?

This usually comes from adding too much flour or not giving the dough enough time to rise. Add flour just until the dough is slightly tacky, and make sure your yeast is active and foamy before continuing. Stick to the fast but crucial rest periods for perfectly light, fluffy rolls every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s true magic in pulling a tray of fresh, golden rolls from the oven in just an hour. Invite friends or family to gather around the table and share the comfort of 1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls. With a few simple steps and a little love, you’ll have a new signature recipe everyone asks for again and again—don’t be surprised if it becomes the star of every meal!

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