When it comes to baking, there’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh, warm dinner rolls wafting through your kitchen. But let’s be honest — traditional bread recipes can be time-consuming and intimidating, especially for busy home cooks. Enter: Easy One-Hour Dinner Rolls, the ultimate solution for those who crave soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden rolls but don’t have hours to spare.
This foolproof recipe will have you serving bakery-quality dinner rolls in just an hour, from start to finish. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a holiday feast, these quick rolls are sure to impress. Read on for the recipe, tips, and tricks to make your rolls turn out perfect every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 60 minutes, these rolls are ideal for last-minute baking.
- Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’ve never baked bread before, this recipe is simple enough to follow.
- Ingredients You Already Have: No need for fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Impressively Delicious: Buttery, soft, and golden brown — your guests will think you spent hours making them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how accessible it is. You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For brushing the rolls:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is activated and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- Add the melted butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough comes together and is slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 15 minutes. The dough should double in size.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 even pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Final Rise
- Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 15 minutes. This step allows the rolls to puff up beautifully.
Step 7: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Step 8: Brush with Butter
- Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter for a glossy, flavorful finish.
Tips for Success
- Temperature Matters: Be sure your milk is warm (but not hot) to properly activate the yeast. Aim for 105°F to 110°F.
- Don’t Over-Flour: The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Adding too much flour can make the rolls dense.
- Speed Up the Rise: If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven. Preheat the oven to 200°F, then turn it off before placing the dough inside.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the dough a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
Why These Rolls Work for Every Occasion
Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or hosting a formal event, these one-hour dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. Pair them with soups, stews, pasta dishes, or holiday roasts — they’re versatile enough to complement any cuisine.
Need to customize? Add garlic powder, rosemary, or shredded cheese to the dough for a twist on this classic recipe. You can even turn them into slider buns or mini sandwiches for a party platter!