Ever wish you could have fresh dinner rolls without spending hours in the kitchen? These 1 Hour Dinner Rolls deliver soft, fluffy perfection in just 1 hour.
These 1 Hour Dinner Rolls are the perfect solution when you want fresh, homemade bread without spending all day in the kitchen. Made with simple ingredients and a quick-rising dough, these rolls bake up soft, fluffy, and golden in just about an hour from start to finish. They’re slightly buttery, tender on the inside, and perfect for slathering with butter, dipping into soups, or serving alongside hearty main dishes.
I love adding my Herb Butter Spread, 15 Minute Skinny Spinach Artichoke Dip, or even my Roasted Red Pepper Hummus to these rolls.
Table of Contents
Why We Love These Homemade Dinner Rolls
- Quick-rise dough allows you to save time while still achieving great flavor and texture.
- Perfect for beginners, this recipe is ideal for those new to bread-making.
- Easily double the recipe to accommodate larger gatherings or meal prep needs.
Recipe Ingredients
Whole Milk – Adds moisture and a tender texture to the dough.
Kosher Sea Salt – A teaspoon of salt enhances the overall flavor of the rolls. Kosher salt works best, but any fine sea salt can be used as a substitute.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
Non-Dairy Alternative – Use almond milk or oat milk, and replace butter with a plant-based alternative to make the rolls dairy-free.
Add Grated Cheese – Fold in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for cheesy dinner rolls.
How to Make 1-Hour Dinner Rolls
Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl (or 2-cup glass measuring cup), combine the honey, butter, water, and milk. Heat in the microwave until the mixture is warm and the butter is almost melted (about 1 minute on HIGH). Remove and whisk to melt the butter completely. Let it sit until the mixture reaches 110–115 degrees Fahrenheit (43–46 degrees Celsius) before adding it to the flour mixture.
Step 3: Add the warm milk mixture and egg. Mix on low until a soft and sticky dough forms.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius).
Step 5: Switch to the dough hook and knead on low for 5 minutes or until the dough becomes elastic. Transfer to a lightly floured surface, sprinkle the top with a light dusting of flour, and cover with plastic wrap. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Once the dough has rested, divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them in a well-buttered quarter sheet pan (lining it with parchment paper is recommended). Butter the parchment and the bare sides of the pan. Cover with plastic wrap. Turn off the oven and place the covered rolls inside to rise for 25 minutes. The rolls should double in size, and the sides should touch.
Step 7: Remove the rolls from the oven and TURN ON your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Once preheated, remove the plastic wrap and bake for 15–20 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as they may take a bit longer.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and brush with the melted butter. Serve warm.
Expert Tips
Add a Pan of Hot Water in the Oven – While proofing, place a pan of hot water in the oven. The steam will create a humid environment that encourages faster rising.
Brush with Milk Before Baking – For a soft crust, brush the rolls with milk instead of butter before baking. This adds moisture and enhances softness.
Ways to Serve This Bread
Breakfast – Spread with honey, jam, or butter for a quick and delicious start to the day.
Soups and Stews – Serve these warm 1 Hour Dinner Rolls alongside my Cheesy Cauliflower Soup, Vegetable Beef Stew, Potato Corn Chowder, Chicken Wild Rice Soup, or Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana. The rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
Main Course – Pair with Sausage, Mushroom, and Spinach Pasta to balance the savory richness, or enjoy alongside Baked Ziti to scoop up the cheesy, tomato-based sauce.
Appetizers – Enjoy as dipping bread with garlic butter, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, or pair with a cheesy spinach dip for a simple yet flavorful starter.
Holiday Meals – Add these rolls to your festive table with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or creamy mashed potatoes to complete your celebration feast.
FAQs
To achieve soft and fluffy rolls, knead the dough just until it becomes smooth and elastic, and avoid adding too much flour. Add additional flour, ¼ cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is slightly sticky to the touch. A slightly sticky dough helps create a lighter texture.
Absolutely! Incorporating fresh herbs, garlic, or shredded cheese into the dough can enhance the flavor of your dinner rolls.
Storage Information
STORE the leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days, or keep them in the fridge if needed for slightly longer freshness.
To FREEZE, you can either freeze the dough after letting it rise for 20 minutes by wrapping the pan tightly in foil and storing it in the freezer for 4–6 months, or freeze baked rolls in freezer bags for up to 6 weeks.
To REHEAT, wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) oven for 15 minutes. If baking frozen dough, thaw it in the fridge overnight or defrost for 1 hour at room temperature before baking. Then bake as directed, adding 5–7 extra minutes if needed.
More Favorite Homemade Rolls to Try
1 Hour Dinner Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 3/4-3 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tbsp instant yeast - quick rise
- 1 tsp kosher sea salt
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter - cut into tablespoons
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 egg - room temperature
- 2 tbsp salted butter - melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
- In a microwave-safe bowl (or 2-cup glass measuring cup), combine the honey, butter, water, and milk. Heat in the microwave until the mixture is warm and the butter is almost melted (about 1 minute on HIGH). Remove and whisk to melt the butter completely. Let it sit until the mixture reaches 110–115 degrees Fahrenheit (43–46 degrees Celsius) before adding it to the flour mixture.
- Add the warm milk mixture and egg. Mix on low until a soft and sticky dough forms.
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius).
- Switch to the dough hook and knead on low for 5 minutes or until the dough becomes elastic. Transfer to a lightly floured surface, sprinkle the top with a light dusting of flour, and cover with plastic wrap. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
- Once the dough has rested, divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them in a well-buttered quarter sheet pan (lining it with parchment paper is recommended). Butter the parchment and the bare sides of the pan. Cover with plastic wrap. Turn off the oven and place the covered rolls inside to rise for 25 minutes. The rolls should double in size, and the sides should touch.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and TURN ON your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Once preheated, remove the plastic wrap and bake for 15–20 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as they may take a bit longer.
- Remove from the oven and brush with the melted butter. Serve warm.
with yeast, do you put directly into the flower ,or follow the directions on the yeast jar, by adding water & sugar & let stand for five min.
do you follow the direction’s re: the yeast on the jar or just put the yeast directly into the flower ?
Because it’s quick or instant yeast, you will put it directly into the flour.
Very soft and fluffy, a bit dense.. these are some filling rolls with some weight to them. The rolls only took 13mins, I know it varies by oven and altitude so I live in Texas if that helps anyone. Definitely add the honey! I’ve tried other rolls and they were missing something, it was the honey. I’m eating one as I write this. They are good warmed up the morning after with some jam.
Thanks for your feedback Hannah! I would say if you have time let them rise for 10 or 15 minutes more and they will probably be a bit fluffier. Glad you enjoyed them!
These did not rise for me but I’m assuming from comments I shoulda used quick yeast ? I’m not a baker so I was super excited cause making dough was exactly what u said it would be like but no rising an then I cooked them thinking maybe they would puff up lol anywho I will try again but change the yeast up would that be your suggestion ☺️
Hi Rachelle! Yes, rapid rise yeast- I will make sure to note that in the instructions!
They did not rise for me either! The dough was so sticky it could not be formed! In the 30 years I habe been a pastry chef and baker, I have not had a bread turn out. Waste of time and money yo make these!
Then you must have been a bad pastry chef lol – they came out perfect for me every time and I’ve made them 10+ times
A had to add about an extra couple of flour or more to make them not so sticky. I think it depends on where you are baking them. I live in the south but I’m from Alaska and I know ingredients can need adjusting based on your climate.