Crispy on the outside, pillowy soft on the inside, these dinner rolls are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. The slight sweetness perfectly complements savory dishes, while the buttery flavor makes them irresistible all on their own. What makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of speed and flavor. By optimizing the proofing time, you can achieve that coveted airy texture in just one hour, making them ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
These fluffy 1-hour dinner rolls are fantastic served alongside a hearty stew, used as sliders for mini burgers, or simply enjoyed warm with a generous pat of butter. The simple ingredients and straightforward method make this a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.
Why you’ll love this Fluffy 1-Hour Dinner Rolls
- Ready in just one hour, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- The melt-in-your-mouth texture is simply irresistible.
- The slight sweetness enhances any savory dish.
- Requires only simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Impress your family and friends with these homemade 1-hour dinner rolls.
- The recipe is easy to follow and yields consistently delicious results.
Ingredients & Substitutions

- 1 cup warm milk (110-115°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, cooled slightly
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, for brushing
1-hour dinner rolls makes every moment feel velvety. For a richer flavor, use whole milk. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast, but no proofing is needed – just add it directly with the other ingredients.
How to make Fluffy 1-Hour Dinner Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to leaven the dough.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Make sure your melted butter is cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the egg.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size. This rise is crucial for developing the airy texture.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 10 minutes. This final rise ensures a light and fluffy final product.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter immediately after removing from the oven. The butter adds richness and a beautiful shine.
Step 8: Serve
Serve warm and enjoy these Fluffy 1-Hour Dinner Rolls.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your milk is between 110-115°F to properly activate the yeast.
- Don’t over-knead the dough, as this can result in tough rolls.
- For extra soft rolls, brush with milk before baking.
- A warm environment is key for proper rising. Place the dough in a warm spot in your kitchen, or even in a slightly warmed oven (turned off!).
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are incredibly versatile! Serve them alongside classic comfort foods like roasted chicken, beef stew, or even as a base for mini sandwiches. For a truly indulgent treat, try them with a drizzle of honey butter. You can never go wrong serving these alongside savory sausage pinwheels at brunch! And for a sweet and savory option, give them a try with a side of homemade jam. These also pair wonderfully with creamy soups.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze the baked rolls for up to 2 months; thaw completely before serving. For a fun dessert idea, check out this strawberry cheesecake tacos recipe that could use your rolls!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze these rolls? Yes! Baked rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw completely at room temperature before reheating.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the initial rise, punch it down and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
- What if I don’t have a warm place for the dough to rise? You can create a warm environment by turning your oven to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turning it off. Place the covered bowl inside the warmed oven to rise.
These fluffy 1-hour dinner rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bringing warmth and comfort to any table. With their soft texture, subtle sweetness, and quick preparation time, they’re the perfect addition to your recipe collection. Give them a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!

Fluffy 1-Hour Dinner Rolls
These soft and buttery dinner rolls are ready in just one hour! Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, they boast a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, comforting flavor. The secret? A simple yet effective method that delivers consistently delicious results, every single time. These rolls are unbelievably soft, slightly sweet, and have a beautiful golden-brown crust. Imagine serving these warm, fresh rolls with a pat of butter – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Get ready to impress your family and friends with these homemade delights.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110-115°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, cooled slightly
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, for brushing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
- Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 10 minutes.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter immediately after removing from the oven.
- Serve warm and enjoy these Fluffy 1-Hour Dinner Rolls.
Notes
For extra soft rolls, brush with milk before baking. Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the baked rolls for up to 2 months; thaw completely before serving. For a richer flavor, use whole milk. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast, but no proofing is needed. Add it directly with the other ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
