Name: Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk (240g), warm (around 110F); 3 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast; ⅓ cup sugar (70g); 3 ¾ cup all purpose flour (490g); 1 large egg; 1.5 teaspoon salt; 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened at room temperature (85g); Egg wash: 1 egg yolk and 1 tablespoon milk; ¼ cup salted butter (57g); 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1-2 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 32 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted the perfect soft, fluffy, and irresistibly flavorful rolls for your dinner table, you’re going to love this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe. I’ve perfected these over time, and they always get rave reviews from my family and friends. The combination of tender yeast rolls with a fragrant garlic butter glaze is just fan-freaking-tastic—you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds (and thirds!). Stick around because I’ll share all my tips to make sure your rolls come out flawless every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using everyday pantry staples like yeast, butter, and garlic gives these rolls a classic and comforting taste.
Perfect Texture: The long kneading process builds the dough’s gluten for that soft, airy crumb that tears beautifully.
Garlic Butter Brushing: Brushing the rolls with warm garlic butter right out of the oven adds moisture, richness, and that irresistible aroma.
Easy to Customize: You can tweak the garlic, herbs, or brush on more butter—this recipe adapts well to your tastes and occasions.

Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, fluffy dinner rolls, garlic dinner rolls, homemade yeast rolls, soft buttery rolls - A group of 12 soft, golden brown dinner rolls arranged in a 4 by 3 grid on a wooden board. Each roll has a shiny top coated with a light layer of melted butter and is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, likely parsley, giving a fresh green contrast to the warm golden color. The rolls touch each other closely, showing their soft texture and round shapes. Small bits of herbs are also scattered on the wooden board around the rolls, adding a rustic touch. The wooden board sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe is in choosing ingredients that work together to build flavor and texture without fuss. Each component plays a key role in making the dough soft, the crumb tender, and the crust beautifully shiny.

Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, fluffy dinner rolls, garlic dinner rolls, homemade yeast rolls, soft buttery rolls - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of warm whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a neat pile of all-purpose flour, one large whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter softened to room temperature, a small white ceramic bowl of salted butter, three fresh garlic cloves beside finely chopped garlic in a small heap, a few sprigs of freshly chopped parsley scattered naturally, a small white ceramic bowl containing a mixture of egg yolk and milk, and a small white ceramic bowl with active dry yeast, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and enriches the dough for tender rolls.
Yeast: This is the workhorse that makes the dough rise and become fluffy—active dry or instant work well.
Sugar: Just enough to feed the yeast and add subtle sweetness without overpowering.
All-purpose flour: Provides the right balance of protein for soft, elastic dough.
Egg: Adds richness and helps with structure and color.
Salt: Balances flavors and controls yeast activity.
Unsalted butter: Softened into the dough for moist, tender rolls.
Egg yolk and milk (egg wash): Creates that beautiful golden, shiny crust.
Salted butter (for garlic butter): Butter is the base of the garlic glaze, adding lusciousness.
Garlic: Fresh cloves bring the bold punch of flavor everyone loves.
Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, herbaceous note to complement the garlic.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe my own by tweaking it depending on the meal or season. Don’t hesitate to add your personal flair—you’ll find it’s forgiving and adaptable.

Herb Swap: Sometimes I swap the parsley for rosemary or thyme, especially in fall, to give the rolls a cozy, woodsy vibe that’s perfect with soups.
Garlic Punch: If you’re a garlic lover like me, adding an extra clove or even a pinch of garlic powder to the dough gives an extra layer of garlicky goodness.
Whole Wheat Upgrade: For a nuttier flavor and more fiber, try replacing a cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour—but be prepared for a slightly denser texture.
Dairy-Free Option: I’ve tested this with coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk instead of whole milk—rolls turn out tasty, just a bit different in texture, so adjust proofing times accordingly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast with Warm Milk

I start by warming the milk to about 110°F, just warm enough to activate the yeast without killing it. Stirring the yeast into warm milk wakes it up and makes the dough rise like a charm. Pro tip: use a digital thermometer so you get the perfect temperature every time—too hot can kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it properly.

Step 2: Mix and Knead That Dough

Once the yeast and milk are combined, I add sugar, flour, egg, salt, and softened butter right into the same bowl. Stir until it forms a shaggy dough. Then comes my favorite part: kneading. For about 15 minutes, I push and pull the dough on a clean countertop until it goes from sticky to smooth and elastic. This builds the gluten and sets you up for soft, airy rolls. Don’t be tempted to add more flour if sticky—it’ll get better as you knead!

Step 3: Rise and Shine – First Proof

After kneading, I pop the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it tightly, and set it somewhere warm and humid. A little trick I love is to put the bowl inside my oven with just the light on for the perfect proofing environment. The dough doubles in size in around 90 minutes, promising that tender crumb we all want.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls with Care

Once risen, I punch the dough down gently and divide it into 12 equal pieces. When rolling each ball, I use one palm flat and twist the dough gently with the other to get that smooth, tight surface—no wrinkles or cracks. This step might seem small, but trust me, it makes a huge difference in how they rise and look baked.

Step 5: Rise Again and Egg Wash

I arrange the rolls on a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking sheet, leaving space so they puff but still touch a bit—this helps keep the sides soft. Brushing with egg wash gives that classic glossy finish. Then, they get a second rise for 30-45 minutes until pillowy.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

With the oven preheated to 350°F, I brush on another layer of egg wash, then bake the rolls for about 20 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the crust is glistening golden brown. Resist the urge to open the oven too often, or they might fall flat! Instead, peek towards the end.

Step 7: Sizzling Garlic Butter Finish

While the rolls bake, I melt butter in a saucepan and gently sauté finely chopped garlic for a minute or two—the aroma fills the kitchen with comfort. Then I stir in fresh parsley and brush this luscious mixture over the hot rolls as soon as they come out. This finishing touch locks in butteriness and garlic goodness, making these rolls downright addictive.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Perfect Temperature: Always check your milk temperature with a kitchen thermometer; 110°F is ideal to activate yeast without harm.
No Extra Flour During Kneading: Trust the process—sticky dough will become silky after enough kneading; adding flour can make rolls dense.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic in the butter glaze makes a noticeable difference compared to powders or pre-minced options.
Keep Rolls Covered: Cover the rolls during the second rise with a damp towel or plastic wrap to prevent drying out, so they stay soft and puffy.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls, fluffy dinner rolls, garlic dinner rolls, homemade yeast rolls, soft buttery rolls - The image shows soft, golden-brown dinner rolls with a shiny, slightly crisp top sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. Each roll is small and round, with a smooth, shiny crust that catches the light. A woman's hand is holding one roll split open to reveal its fluffy, light, and airy inner texture, which is pale cream in color. The rolls sit close together on a wooden board, against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle just a bit more freshly chopped parsley on top after baking to add that vibrant fresh color and subtle herb freshness. Sometimes a light dusting of flaky sea salt on the warm garlic butter brushed tops takes the rolls into another level of deliciousness.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with comfort foods like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, or hearty stews. I also love serving them alongside a bowl of warm tomato soup or with a fresh green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the rolls in a circular pull-apart pattern in a round pan, then brushing with extra garlic butter between them. It looks fancy but still easy. You can also sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top before baking for a gooey twist that disappears fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them from drying out, I sometimes wrap them in a clean kitchen towel before bagging. The rolls stay soft and just as yummy the next day.

Freezing

If I want to prep ahead, I freeze the shaped rolls before the second rise—just pop the sheet into the freezer until solid, then transfer rolls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and allow the second rise before baking. This method keeps the dough fresh and flavorful.

Reheating

To reheat, I wrap rolls loosely in foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for 10-12 minutes. If you want to freshen the garlic butter, simply melt a little more and brush on after warming—almost like they’re fresh out of the oven again!

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast in this recipe?

Absolutely! Both active dry and instant yeast will work fine for this Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe. Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the flour without proofing, while active dry yeast benefits from proofing in warm milk first. I usually use whichever I have on hand without noticing a difference in the rolls.
Why is my dough sticky, and should I add more flour?

Sticky dough is completely normal at first—it’s a sign of well-hydrated dough. Resist the urge to add more flour during kneading, as it can make the rolls dense. With enough kneading, the dough will become smooth and elastic. If it’s overly wet, adding a tiny sprinkle of flour after the first knead is okay, but usually patience is all you need.
How can I tell when the rolls have risen enough?

After shaping, you want the rolls to roughly double in size and look puffy, usually about 30-45 minutes at warm room temperature. A good test: gently press one roll with your finger—if the indentation springs back slowly and partially fills in, they’re ready for the oven.
Can I make these rolls vegan?

Yes, you can substitute plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of dairy butter. Keep in mind that texture and flavor will shift slightly, but the rolls will still be delicious. Also, swap the egg and egg wash with a mixture of plant-based milk and a little maple syrup or mashed banana for browning.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe has truly become a favorite in my kitchen, and I know once you try it, it’ll find a spot in your heart (and dinner table) too. They’re soft, buttery, and packed with garlic goodness that pairs well with nearly any meal. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just treating yourself, these rolls are comforting little bites of happiness that will have everyone asking for your secret. Go ahead, give them a try—I’m cheering you on every step of the way!