Just like my favorite Soft & Fluffy French Bread, this recipe delivers the perfect bakery-style dinner rolls—soft, golden, and irresistible. These yeast rolls are light, fluffy, and slightly sweet, making them ideal for family dinners, holiday feasts, or Sunday suppers.
This recipe makes a large batch (24–36 rolls), which is perfect for Thanksgiving or any gathering. You can even halve the recipe if you’re baking for a smaller crowd. Once you learn the easy rolling technique, you’ll be making them bakery-style in no time.
And the best part? There’s no shortening, processed sugar, or oil here—just wholesome ingredients like honey, yeast, and butter. They taste just like grandma’s rolls, especially when served warm with a swipe of honey butter.
Why You’ll Love These Rolls
✔ Soft & fluffy – The perfect balance of chewy and airy.
✔ Wholesome ingredients – Sweetened with honey instead of refined sugar.
✔ Make-ahead friendly – Can be made overnight or frozen (baked or unbaked).
✔ Crowd-pleasing – A big batch recipe ideal for holidays and family meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Warm water (100–110℉): The key to activating yeast.
- Honey: Natural sweetness that makes the dough tender and flavorful.
- Yeast: Active dry or instant both work.
- Butter: Softened for richness, plus more melted for brushing.
- Eggs: Bind the dough and keep rolls soft longer.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the perfect fluffy structure.
- Salt: Essential flavor enhancer.
Note: See substitution ideas below for dairy-free or baby-safe options.
Substitutions & Variations
- Honey: Swap with agave, maple syrup, or sugar if preferred.
- Butter: Use shortening or dairy-free butter alternative.
- Flour: Bread or whole wheat flour works—just reduce by ½ cup and adjust as needed.
- Water: Can be replaced with low-fat milk or plant-based milk.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm water, honey, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. (Too hot = yeast dies. Too cold = slow rise.)
Step 2. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, salt, and flour. Pour in the yeast mixture and knead for 7–10 minutes by hand (or 5–7 minutes with a mixer) until smooth and elastic.
Step 3. First Rise
Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4. Shape the Rolls
Divide dough into 24–36 equal pieces (58–60 g for 30 rolls). Roll each into a smooth ball using the “C” hand motion on your work surface.
Step 5. Second Rise
Place rolls in a greased 11×18-inch pan (6 rows of 5 for 30 rolls). Cover and let rise for another 1 hour, or until doubled.
Step 6. Bake
Bake at 375℉ for 15–16 minutes on the lower oven rack until golden brown.
Step 7. Butter & Serve
Brush hot rolls with melted butter (or rub with a butter stick). Serve warm!
Pro Tips for Perfect Rolls
- Weigh your flour for consistent results (7 cups = ~1000 g).
- Don’t overproof. Over-risen rolls may collapse in the oven.
- Practice shaping. Rolling bakery-style gets easier with practice.
- Brush with butter immediately. Adds shine, softness, and flavor.
FAQs
Why aren’t my rolls fluffy?
Most likely from under-kneading, overproofing, or flour measurement issues.
What’s the best rise temperature?
Room temperature (75–80℉) is ideal. Too cool = longer rise, too warm = risks overproofing.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes! Freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months, or freeze shaped dough balls and bake fresh later.
How long do rolls stay fresh?
They stay soft for 3–4 days in an airtight container. Reheat with a quick microwave warm-up.
Old-Fashioned Yeast Rolls Recipe
Author: Sara Smith | Eat Dessert Snack
Servings: 30 rolls | Prep Time: 30 min | Rise Time: 2 hrs | Bake Time: 15 min
Total Time: 2 hrs 45 min
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water (100–110℉)
- ¼ cup honey
- 4 tsp active dry yeast (14 g)
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2½ tsp salt
- 7 cups all-purpose flour (1000 g)
- 3–4 Tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Mix warm water, honey, and yeast. Let sit until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, salt, and flour. Stir in yeast mixture.
- Knead until dough is smooth and elastic (7–10 minutes).
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and rise for 1 hour.
- Divide into 24–36 equal pieces and shape into rolls.
- Place in greased pan, cover, and rise for 1 hour.
- Bake at 375℉ for 15–16 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter and serve warm.
✨ These soft, buttery dinner rolls are everything you want on the table—light, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfect for Thanksgiving, holidays, or any night you crave homemade bread!