Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

There is something truly magical about warm, soft rolls fresh from the oven, especially when infused with rich, buttery garlic flavor. These Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are exactly that kind of comfort food: irresistibly fluffy inside, with a golden, shiny crust and a luscious coat of homemade garlic butter that makes each bite heavenly. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner, a festive holiday feast, or simply craving a decadent snack, these rolls promise to bring warmth and smiles to any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the process—this recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create the perfect dinner rolls. Each item plays a crucial role, from the yeast that helps the dough rise to fluffy perfection, to the butter that tenderizes and enriches every bite with flavor and moisture.

• Whole milk (1 cup, warm): Provides moisture and richness while activating the yeast for a perfect rise.
• Active dry yeast (3 teaspoons): The magical ingredient that makes the rolls rise and become airy.
• Sugar (⅓ cup): Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the garlic butter.
• All-purpose flour (3 ¾ cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure and chew.
• Large egg (1): Adds richness and helps bind the dough for a tender crumb.
• Salt (1.5 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the yeast in check.
• Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, softened): Makes the dough tender and adds buttery notes inside the rolls.
• Egg yolk and milk for egg wash: Create a gorgeous shiny crust that invites everyone to dig in.
• Salted butter for garlic butter (¼ cup): The star component that soaks into the warm rolls to elevate every bite.
• Fresh garlic cloves (2-3, finely chopped): Bursting with aroma and flavor, the garlic is a must for that signature taste.
• Fresh parsley (1-2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a fresh, herby burst that balances the richness perfectly.

How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Activate the yeast and combine ingredients

Start by stirring the warm milk with your yeast in a large bowl. This wakes up the yeast and sets the stage for fluffy rolls. Then add in all the other ingredients—flour, sugar, egg, salt, and softened butter. Mix everything until you get a shaggy, sticky dough full of potential.

Step 2: Knead the dough

Transfer your dough to a clean surface and get ready for some arm work. Knead for about 15 minutes with a push-pull motion using your palms. It’s normal for the dough to be sticky at first, but keep going until it becomes smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it passes the window-pane test—stretch a small piece until it’s almost translucent without tearing.

Step 3: First rise

Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with cling wrap. Find a warm, cozy spot and let it rise until doubled in size, which usually takes around 90 minutes. This resting period allows the dough to develop beautiful flavor and become airy.

Step 4: Shape the rolls

Once risen, punch down the dough and gently divide it into 12 even pieces. Roll each into a tight, smooth ball. For the perfect finish, try twisting the dough on one palm while cupping with the other to avoid wrinkles or cracks. This step assures a consistent shape and even baking.

Step 5: Second rise and egg wash

Place the shaped rolls on a parchment-lined 9×13″ baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Brush generously with a mix of egg yolk and milk to give them their signature glossy look. Let them rise again in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes until beautifully puffy.

Step 6: Bake to golden perfection

Preheat your oven to 350F. Give the rolls one more brush of egg wash for that extra shine, then bake for 20-22 minutes. When they turn a gorgeous golden-brown color on top, you’ll know they’re ready to be transformed by the garlic butter.

Step 7: Make and brush garlic butter

While the rolls bake, melt the salted butter in a saucepan and gently sauté the finely chopped garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Turn off the heat and stir in fresh parsley. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven and are still warm, brush them generously with this heavenly garlic butter mixture.

How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley or a pinch of sea salt over the tops for a fresh, eye-catching finish. For a little shimmer and extra flavor, grated Parmesan cheese also works wonders when sprinkled just before serving.

Side Dishes

These rolls are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside your favorite soups like creamy tomato basil or hearty chicken noodle. They are also perfect partners to roast dinners, steamed vegetables, or a vibrant salad, balancing out the meal with their soft texture and savory garlic touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls in a rustic basket lined with a colorful kitchen towel for casual family dinners. For holiday gatherings, stack them in a pyramid shape on a wooden board garnished with fresh herbs—it makes an inviting centerpiece that guests will reach for all night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any rolls left (though these disappear fast), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, perfect for quick snacks or sandwiches.

Freezing

You can freeze the rolls before the second rise. Place shaped dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, let them rise, and bake as usual. For baked rolls, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing to preserve moisture.

Reheating

To revive leftover rolls, warm them in the oven at 300F for 10 minutes wrapped loosely in foil, or microwave them for 15-20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel. Brush with a little extra garlic butter after reheating to freshen up that irresistible flavor.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! Instant yeast can be used interchangeably in this recipe. It may even shorten the rising time slightly since it activates faster.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic or parsley?

You can use garlic powder in place of fresh garlic, but reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the rolls. Dried parsley or even Italian seasoning can substitute, but adding fresh herbs truly brightens the dish.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

To make vegan rolls, substitute milk with plant-based milk and use a vegan butter alternative. Replace the egg with a flax egg or skip it entirely, though texture may slightly differ.

Why is my dough sticky, and should I add more flour?

Sticky dough is normal for soft rolls. Resist adding extra flour during kneading as it may make the rolls dense. Keep kneading until dough becomes smooth and elastic.

How do I know when the rolls are properly baked?

Look for a golden-brown shiny crust and a soft, springy texture when pressed gently. You can also tap the bottom of a roll—it should sound hollow.

Final Thoughts

Making these Easy Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls is such a joyful experience, especially when you see the transformation from simple ingredients to golden, fragrant bites that bring everyone around the table. Don’t wait for a special occasion to try this recipe—once you taste these buttery, garlicky rolls fresh from your oven, they’ll become your go-to comfort food for every meal.

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