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Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls

Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls are the kind of homemade bread that instantly elevates any meal. These rolls are enriched with honey, butter, eggs, and buttermilk, creating a soft crumb and pillowy texture that melts in your mouth. Unlike dense whole wheat bread, this recipe produces rolls that rise high and bake to a perfectly golden finish thanks to the combination of vital wheat gluten and a carefully balanced dough.
Whether you’re serving them at a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or a cozy weeknight meal, these rolls bring comfort and warmth to the table. Their subtly sweet, buttery flavor pairs wonderfully with soups, roasts, salads, and spreads like jam or herb butter. The dough is easy to handle and reliable, making it a perfect recipe even for those new to baking bread.
These rolls store well, reheat beautifully, and are versatile enough to be enjoyed as dinner rolls, mini sandwich buns, or breakfast bread. Their irresistible fluffiness and homemade aroma make them unforgettable—and likely to become a family favorite.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Rising Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 24

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
  • ½ cup 120 ml warm water
  • ½ cup 113 g unsalted butter or coconut oil, softened (plus extra for brushing)
  • ¼ cup 80 g honey
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup 240 ml buttermilk or dairy-free buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon vital wheat gluten
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 4½ –5 cups 563–625 g whole wheat flour

Instructions

  • Dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside.
  • Beat butter and honey in a stand mixer until well combined.
  • Add eggs, buttermilk, and dissolved yeast mixture; mix well.
  • Add vital wheat gluten and salt, then switch to the dough hook.
  • Add 2 cups of flour and mix to combine.
  • Gradually add more flour until the dough comes together and is no longer tacky.
  • Knead with the dough hook for 2 minutes.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let dough rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
  • Turn dough onto a floured surface, knead briefly, and let rest for 3 minutes.
  • Divide dough into 24 equal balls and place in a buttered 13×9-inch pan.
  • Let the rolls rise for another 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake rolls for 13–25 minutes or until golden brown—do not overbake.
  • Brush the tops with butter after removing from the oven.
  • Serve warm or cool completely before storing.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
  • Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
  • Substitute buttermilk with milk + vinegar (1 tbsp vinegar per cup).

Make-Ahead & Storage

  • Store rolls at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
  • Freeze baked rolls up to 3 months; thaw and warm before serving.
  • For best texture, do not overbake—they stay soft when slightly underbaked.

Serving Variations

  • Brush with garlic herb butter for a savory twist.
  • Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds before baking.
  • Use as slider buns for mini sandwiches.

Avoid Common Mistakes

  • Do not add too much flour; dough should be slightly soft and elastic.
  • Avoid hot water when activating yeast—warm water ensures proper rise.
  • Don't skip the second rise; it guarantees fluffy, airy rolls.