Imagine pulling apart a warm, pillowy dinner roll that melts in your mouth, with a golden, slightly crisp exterior and an impossibly tender interior. These Soft Buttermilk Dinner Rolls are not just a side dish – they're a culinary experience that will transform your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe promises bakery-quality rolls that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 rolls
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup buttermilk, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, and active dry yeast, whisking together to blend dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Warm the buttermilk to approximately 110-115°F (slightly warmer than body temperature) to activate the yeast. Pour the warm buttermilk into the dry ingredients.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the mixture. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add remaining flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but remain somewhat tacky.
- Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft and pliable.
- Place dough in a greased large bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide into 16 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth, round ball by tucking edges underneath.
- Arrange rolls on a greased baking sheet, leaving slight space between each roll. Cover and let rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Optional: Brush rolls with an egg wash or melted butter for golden, shiny tops.
- Bake rolls for 18-22 minutes until tops are golden brown and rolls sound hollow when tapped.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Tips
- Yeast Temperature Matters: Ensure your buttermilk is precisely warm (110-115°F) to activate the yeast without killing it. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- Don't Rush the Rising: Give your dough ample time to rise in a warm, draft-free area. This develops flavor and creates that light, airy texture.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading, aim for a smooth, elastic dough. The texture should be soft and slightly tacky, not dry or overly sticky.
- Shaping Matters: When forming roll balls, tuck the edges underneath to create a smooth, rounded top that will bake evenly.
- Optional Flavor Boost: Brush rolls with melted butter before and after baking for extra richness and a beautiful golden shine.
- Storage Tip: These rolls freeze beautifully. Cool completely, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat wrapped in foil at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
