One-Hour Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls

These soft, pillowy one-hour dinner rolls are perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. Slathered with sweet honey butter, these easy-to-make rolls are always a hit.

If you’ve been intimidated by homemade rolls, this streamlined recipe is for you. Instant yeast shortens the rise time, and a stand mixer handles the kneading so you can have tender, buttery rolls in about an hour.

The Best Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls

These rolls bake up soft and fluffy without the long waits of traditional recipes. Instant yeast speeds the process and buttermilk adds a subtle tang while honey gives a gentle sweetness. They’re simple enough for weeknight dinners and elegant enough for holiday tables.

What You Need To Make This Recipe

• Bread flour (3 ½ cups / 420 g) for more gluten and structure; all-purpose flour also works if needed.
• Unsalted butter to flavor the dough and for the honey-butter topping.
• Buttermilk (whole or low-fat) for moisture and a slight tang; whole milk may be substituted.
• Instant yeast—no rehydration required and a faster rise than active dry yeast.
• Honey for sweetness in the dough and in the topping.
• Salt to enhance the flavors.
• One large egg for structure.

How To Make This Recipe

• Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set aside.
• In the stand mixer bowl (whisk attachment), combine instant yeast and honey; whisk briefly to incorporate.
• Warm the buttermilk and butter together until the butter is nearly melted and the mixture is warm to the touch (about 110–120°F). Heat in short intervals and check frequently.
• Pour the warm buttermilk mixture into the bowl with the yeast and beat on medium speed until combined, about 1–2 minutes. Add the salt and egg and mix until the egg is fully incorporated.
• Switch to the dough hook and add flour in three additions, mixing after each. When the dough forms a ball and pulls from the sides of the bowl, knead with the dough hook 4–5 minutes until smooth and stretchy. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable; add flour one tablespoon at a time if needed.
• Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them about an inch apart in the prepared dish.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and set it in a warm spot (on top of the preheating oven or inside a turned-off 200°F oven) to rise about 15 minutes, until nearly doubled.
• Remove plastic wrap and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
• Whip the honey butter by beating 4 tablespoons softened butter with 2 tablespoons honey until smooth. Brush over warm rolls and serve.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap whole milk or a plant-based milk for buttermilk if needed. Stir in herbs like rosemary or parsley, or add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the dough for savory rolls. For a sweeter twist, add cinnamon to the dough and honey butter.

Make-Ahead and Storing Instructions

You can shape the rolls and refrigerate them, covered, for up to two days before baking. Bring them to room temperature for about 2 hours before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze fully wrapped for up to 3 months; thaw completely before reheating or bake from frozen wrapped in foil at 300°F for about 20 minutes.

Why Did My Rolls Turn Out Dense?

Check your yeast. Expired yeast may not produce a proper rise. Avoid adding too much flour. Over-flouring yields dry, dense rolls—aim for a slightly sticky dough. Don’t skip the rise time. Even with instant yeast, the rolls need to nearly double before baking to stay light and tender.

Tips for The Best Homemade Dinner Rolls

• Roll sizes don’t need to be exact—varying sizes are fine.
• Provide a warm environment for the short rise; the top of a preheating oven works well.
• For accurate results, weigh your flour. If using measuring cups, spoon flour into the cup rather than scooping.

Recommended Tools for This Recipe

• Stand mixer (optional but helpful)
• Kitchen scale for accurate flour measurement
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9 x 13-inch baking dish

Serve These Rolls With Some Reader Favorites

• Hot Honey Butter Chicken Thighs
• Creamy Cajun Mushroom Pasta
• Southern Baked Spaghetti
• Cajun Honey Butter Roasted Carrots
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Gnocchi Skillet

📖 Recipe