Easy One-Hour Dinner Rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to whip up fresh, fluffy bread in no time, you’re going to love this Easy One-Hour Dinner Rolls Recipe. These golden little rolls come out soft, buttery, and perfectly tender all within an hour—making them ideal for last-minute meals, family dinners, or just a comforting snack. From a simple mix of pantry staples to that irresistible warm, buttery finish, this recipe truly brings bakery-quality rolls to your kitchen without any fuss or long waits.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in making these rolls deliciously soft and perfectly golden. They’re simple, pantry-friendly, and come together to create the ideal flavor and texture you expect from fresh dinner rolls.

• All-purpose flour: 4 cups, this provides the sturdy yet tender structure for the rolls.
• Instant yeast: 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons), it quickly activates to give our dough the perfect rise.
• Granulated sugar: 1 tablespoon, adds just enough sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, enhances flavor while keeping yeast activity balanced.
• Warm water: 1 cup at 110°F, the perfect temperature to gently wake up the yeast.
• Unsalted butter: ¼ cup melted, enriches the dough and lends a wonderful buttery taste.
• Large egg: 1, adds richness and gives the rolls that gorgeous golden color.

How to Make Easy One-Hour Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast

Start by combining your warm water, granulated sugar, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let it rest for about 5 minutes until that magical frothy layer appears on top. This step is crucial as it proves your yeast is active and ready to make your dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix in Butter and Egg

Once your yeast mixture is nice and frothy, add the melted butter and egg straight to the bowl. Mix everything until fully combined, setting the stage for a rich, tender dough that will bake up into soft, flavorful rolls.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this to your wet mixture, stirring as you go, until you form a shaggy dough that’s just beginning to come together.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Use your hands to fold, push, and press the dough until it’s smooth and elastic—this step is where the gluten develops, which helps your rolls hold their shape and fluff up beautifully.

Step 5: First Rise

Shape your dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it so every bit is lightly coated with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap, then let it rest in a warm spot for 30 minutes. The dough should double in size during this time, soft and ready to be shaped.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces, then shape each into a smooth ball. This step sets you up for perfect uniform rolls that bake evenly.

Step 7: Second Rise

Arrange the shaped dough balls in a greased baking dish, cover them again, and let them rise for 15 minutes. This short second rise ensures your rolls will be puffed up and tender when they hit the oven.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the rolls in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until their tops are beautifully golden brown. This final step transforms your dough into warm, pillowy rolls that are irresistible straight from the oven.

Step 9: Add the Finishing Touch

Once out of the oven, brush the rolls generously with melted butter. This not only gives them a stunning shine but also an extra layer of rich flavor that makes these rolls so memorable. Let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy the full buttery goodness.

How to Serve Easy One-Hour Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Brushing your rolls with melted butter right after baking works wonders, but you can also sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for a fun flavor twist. These additions elevate the rolls and can complement any meal beautifully.

Side Dishes

These rolls are the perfect side for everything from hearty stews and soups to festive roasts or even a simple salad. Their warm, soft texture makes them ideal for soaking up sauces or serving alongside savory spreads.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming touch, arrange your Easy One-Hour Dinner Rolls Recipe in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin or serve them in mini cast iron skillets for individual portions. You can also split and fill them with butter, jam, or even a slice of cheese for a quick snack that feels special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any rolls left, store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh—though they’re best enjoyed warm and fresh!

Freezing

To keep your dinner rolls fresh for longer, freeze them either before baking (shape and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag) or after baking once completely cooled. Frozen rolls can last up to three months without losing their texture or flavor.

Reheating

Reheat rolls by warming them in the oven wrapped in foil at 300°F for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave them for 15-20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel to revive their softness quickly.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can! Just remember to proof active dry yeast by dissolving it in warm water with sugar before adding the other ingredients, as it requires a little extra time to activate compared to instant yeast.

What if I don’t have unsalted butter?

If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but consider reducing the salt in the recipe slightly to compensate for the added salt in the butter.

Can I make these dinner rolls gluten-free?

Making gluten-free rolls requires special gluten-free flour blends and sometimes additional binding agents like xanthan gum. This recipe is best with all-purpose flour to achieve the desired texture.

How can I make the rolls more flavorful?

Try adding herbs, garlic powder, or cheese right into the dough for an extra pop of flavor without changing the simple nature of this Easy One-Hour Dinner Rolls Recipe.

What temperature should the water be for activating yeast?

Water temperature should ideally be around 110°F. Too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it properly, so using a thermometer can really help with perfect results.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of warm, homemade bread fresh from the oven, and this Easy One-Hour Dinner Rolls Recipe is your shortcut to that bliss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these rolls deliver incredible flavor and texture with minimal effort. Give it a try today and watch how quickly they become a beloved staple at your table!

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