Dinner Rolls with Herb Butter

Freshly baked rolls have a way of settling into a room—the gentle warmth, the quiet hint of yeast in the air. As you mix and shape these, there’s a small moment when the dough softens under your hands, and it’s hard not to feel a bit encouraged by it. This recipe stays simple and steady, and the herb butter adds just enough brightness to make the whole thing feel special without asking much of you. And yes, there’s something faintly amusing about how quickly a tray of warm rolls disappears.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These dinner rolls are incredibly versatile. Whether you are hosting a holiday meal, a Sunday dinner, or just want to enhance your weeknight routine, these rolls will impress everyone at the table. Their light texture and slight sweetness pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes, while the herb butter offers an aromatic punch that’s both sophisticated and comforting.

• Easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
• Soft texture that’s irresistibly delightful.
• Perfect for soaking up gravies and sauces.

“Warm dinner rolls with whipped herb butter.”

Ingredients: Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls with Herb Butter

Servings: 12 rolls

For the Rolls

• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk, warmed
• ½ cup (120 ml) water, warmed
• 1 large egg
• 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Herb Butter

• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Options: Substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a healthier variant.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Clean kitchen towel
• Whisk
• Rolling pin

Step-By-Step Guide: How to Make Dinner Rolls with Herb Butter

A soft dough and a gentle rise are all you’re really watching for here—easier than it sounds once you’re in it.

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, combine the warm milk, water, and melted butter, then add the egg. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until a dough forms.

Tip: Keep your liquids warm but not hot—about body temperature works well.

Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The moment it stops sticking to your hands is always a small relief.

First Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. You might catch yourself checking early—it happens.

Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape them into balls. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they’re close but not touching. The dough softens nicely as you shape it—almost cooperative.

Second Rise

Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown. A little peek through the oven door is hard to resist.

Make the Herb Butter

While the rolls are baking, mix together the softened butter, parsley, chives, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. The herbs brighten the butter right away.

Serve Warm

Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and brush them with herb butter while they are still warm. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for a delightful experience.

“There’s no better feeling in the world than a warm loaf of bread.” — Paul Hollywood

This video is here as an extra source of inspiration! While it may not match this exact recipe, it offers helpful techniques, ideas, or visual guidance to enhance your cooking experience.

Pro Tips for Dinner Rolls with Herb Butter

A few small choices can make the process smoother.

• Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and dairy, are at room temperature for better yeast activation.
• Don’t rush the rising process; allowing the dough to rise properly ensures fluffier rolls.
• Brush the rolls with extra herb butter just before serving for that restaurant-quality finish.

(And yes, the extra butter is always worth it.)

Dietary Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free Version

• Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
• Mix gently until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
• Bake for the same time, but start checking for doneness 5 minutes earlier; some blends may brown faster.

Tip: Adding 1/4 tsp xanthan gum per cup of gluten-free flour can help improve the texture.

Dairy-Free

• Replace milk with unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk in equal amounts.
• Use dairy-free butter in place of unsalted butter (same quantity).
• Expect a slightly different texture in the rolls; don’t overmix the batter.

Tip: A teaspoon of lemon juice can enhance the flavor in dairy-free versions.

Egg-Free / Vegan

• Replace the egg with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed combined with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
• Use the same dairy-free butter and milk substitutions mentioned above.
• Bake a few minutes longer if the center seems undercooked.

Tip: A tablespoon of vinegar with the plant milk can add lift and help the rolls rise.

Low-Sugar

• Reduce sugar by 25% while increasing the liquid by 1-2 tablespoons to maintain moisture.
• Enhance the flavor with additional herbs and spices to balance the reduced sweetness.

Tip: Brushing with a light mix of honey and water after baking can add a subtle sweetness.

High-Protein

• Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with high-protein flour (such as bread flour) for a chewier texture.
• Alternatively, stir in 1/4 cup Greek yogurt into the wet ingredients to increase the protein content.
• Adjust liquid by adding a bit more water if the dough feels too dry.

Tip: Allow the dough to rise longer to achieve optimal fluffiness using high-protein flour.

Whole Wheat Option

• Substitute 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• You may need to add an extra tablespoon of water to achieve the desired dough consistency.

Tip: Allow the dough to rise longer for better texture when using whole wheat flour.

Creative Variations: Unique Takes on Dinner Rolls

Garlic Parmesan Rolls

Mix minced garlic and grated Parmesan into the dough for a cheesy twist.

Tip: Brush with extra herb butter after baking for added flavor.

Sweet Honey Butter Rolls

Add a tablespoon of honey to the dough for a subtle sweetness.

Tip: Serve with a honey butter spread for a delightful contrast.

Cheddar and Chive Rolls

Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese and chives into the dough for a savory experience.

Tip: Allow the cheese to melt slightly before serving for a gooey texture.

Rosemary Sea Salt Rolls

Add fresh rosemary leaves to the dough and sprinkle sea salt on top before baking.

Tip: Rosemary adds a fragrant earthiness that complements rich dishes beautifully.

Whole Wheat Herb Rolls

Substitute half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.

Tip: You may need to add a tiny bit more water to achieve the right dough consistency.

Option note: If using whole wheat flour, you may need to adjust liquid amounts slightly.

“Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” — Harriet Van Horne

Serving Suggestions

Serve these soft rolls alongside hearty stews, roasted meats, or a fresh salad. They also pair beautifully with soups, making them a perfect companion in any meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in aluminum foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. For a quick option, a few seconds in the microwave will also suffice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few things can throw off the texture, but each has an easy fix.

Over-Kneading the Dough

Kneading too long can create a dense texture instead of soft rolls.

Tip: Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Not Allowing Enough Rise Time

Rushing through the rise will yield denser rolls.

Tip: Look for the dough to double in size for the best results.

Using Cold Ingredients

Cold ingredients can hinder yeast activation, resulting in flat rolls.

Tip: Bring eggs and dairy to room temperature before mixing.

Baking at the Wrong Temperature

Incorrect oven temperature can lead to uneven baking.

Tip: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Skipping the Herb Butter

Omitting the herb butter diminishes the flavor profile of the rolls.

Tip: Experiment with different herbs for unique tastes.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.

How should I store leftover rolls?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked shaped rolls and bake them directly from the freezer, adding extra baking time.

What can I substitute for fresh herbs in the butter?

Dried herbs will work, but use them sparingly as they are more concentrated.

What size rolls should I make?

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions for standard-sized rolls. For slider size, aim for smaller portions.

Soft and Irresistible Dinner Rolls Await You

Once these come out of the oven, still warm and brushed with herb butter, they rarely linger on the table. There’s a quiet satisfaction in pulling one apart and feeling the softness give way. Simple ingredients, steady steps, and a tray of rolls that feel just right. Enjoy them while they’re warm.