Description

These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with rich garlic butter flavor. Perfect for complementing any meal or serving as a tasty snack, these homemade rolls are beginner-friendly and require only simple ingredients. The dough is kneaded by hand, allowed to rise twice for maximum fluffiness, then baked to a golden brown. Brushing with warm garlic butter after baking adds an irresistible savory touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

1 cup whole milk (240g), warm (around 110°F)
3 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/3 cup sugar (70g)
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (490g)
1 large egg
1.5 teaspoons salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85g), softened

Finishing

1 large egg (for egg wash)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1-2 cloves garlic, minced (for garlic butter)

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Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
Mix Dough Ingredients: Add the sugar, all-purpose flour, egg, salt, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until the ingredients form a shaggy dough.
Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead by hand for about 15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with cling wrap. Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 90 minutes.
Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball.
Second Rise: Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg (egg wash) and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
Preheat Oven: While the rolls are undergoing their second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.
Apply Garlic Butter: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter infused with minced garlic to give them a rich, savory finish.

Notes

Ensure the milk is warm but not hot, around 110°F, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
Kneading by hand can be substituted with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for convenience.
For garlic butter, gently warm the butter and mix in freshly minced garlic for best flavor.
These rolls freeze well; wrap tightly and thaw before reheating in the oven to refresh.
Using an egg wash helps create a shiny, golden crust on the rolls.