Description

This classic Dinner Rolls recipe yields soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet rolls perfect for any meal. Made with warm milk, yeast, honey, and butter, these rolls are easy to prepare using a stand mixer and baked until golden brown. The final touch of honey butter glaze adds a beautiful shine and extra flavor. Ideal as a side for dinners, holidays, or any occasion that calls for homemade bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1 cup warm milk (110-115° F, any fat content)
2 tablespoons honey (divided, 1 tbsp for yeast, 1 tbsp for glaze)
1 large egg
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature, cut into 4 cubes)
2 tablespoons salted butter (melted for brushing)

Dry Ingredients

2 ¼ teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (or 1 packet; instant yeast may be used)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
3 ¼ cups (390 grams) all-purpose flour (or bread flour)

Instructions

Activate Yeast: Combine the warm milk and yeast in the bowl of your stand mixer. Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foam appears on top, indicating the yeast is active.
Mix Dough: Add the remaining honey, cornstarch, salt, egg, butter, and one-third of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with the paddle attachment. Gradually add the remaining flour while mixing for about 30 seconds.
Knead Dough with Hook: Switch to the dough hook attachment and beat on medium-low speed for 2 minutes. If dough is too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until manageable but still sticky (usually 5-6 tablespoons extra).
Hand Kneading: Dust your hands with flour and knead the dough inside the bowl for 3 minutes to develop structure.
First Rise: Scrape the dough out using a silicone spatula and transfer it to a large, lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
Shape Rolls: Punch down the dough to release air. Divide and shape the dough into 15 tight, smooth balls of equal size. Place them in a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spaced evenly.
Second Rise: Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size again.
Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 375° F (190° C) during the last part of the second rise.
Bake First Phase: Bake the rolls for 18 minutes until they start to turn golden.
Apply Honey Butter Glaze: Combine melted salted butter and 1 tablespoon honey. Remove rolls briefly from oven and brush tops generously with this honey butter mixture. Return to oven.
Bake Second Phase: Continue baking for 3-5 more minutes, watching carefully until the tops are golden brown and glossy.
Cool and Serve: Allow rolls to cool for a few minutes, then serve warm for the best experience.

Notes

Milk temperature should be around 110-115°F to activate yeast without killing it.
Do not add too much flour during kneading; rolls should be soft and slightly sticky for fluffiness.
Rising times can vary based on room temperature; a warmer environment speeds up the process.
Honey butter glaze enhances flavor and gives a beautiful shine but is optional if a less sweet roll is desired.
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 26 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: dinner rolls, soft rolls, homemade bread, yeast rolls, honey butter rolls