One Hour Dinner Rolls
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No Thanksgiving table feels complete without a basket of warm, fluffy rolls—and for me, it’s got to be homemade. There’s just something extra special about pulling a tray of golden rolls from the oven, especially when they’re soft, buttery, and made with love. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for One Hour Dinner Rolls—a quick, no-fuss option that’s perfect for the holiday rush.
What I love most about this recipe is how fast and forgiving it is. In just about an hour, you can have fresh, homemade rolls on the table—no long rise times, no complicated steps. That makes them a total time-saver for Thanksgiving, when oven space and prep time are both in high demand.
These easy dinner rolls bake up light and tender, with a slightly smaller size that’s just right for holiday meals. They’re easy to grab and enjoy alongside turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings—a perfect portion when your plate is already full of favorites. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want to add a homemade touch to your meal, these rolls are a simple way to make your Thanksgiving spread feel extra special.
Ingredients for One Hour Dinner Rolls
- WARM WATER
- ACTIVE DRY YEAST
- SUGAR
- BUTTER
- SALT
- ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
Instructions for One Hour Homemade Dinner Rolls
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy—this means your yeast is activated and ready to go.
Add in the softened butter, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Using the dough hook attachment, mix until everything is well combined. Continue adding flour ¼ cup at a time, just until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. It should feel soft and slightly sticky to the touch. Let the mixer knead the dough for 3–5 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 20 minutes in a warm spot.
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 20 equal-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and arrange them in the prepared pan in 4 rows of 5. Brush the tops with ⅔ of the melted butter, then cover loosely and let them rise again for 15–20 minutes.
Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and brush with the remaining melted butter for that irresistible glossy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really make these in just one hour?
Yes! From mixing to baking, these rolls come together in about 60 minutes, thanks to a quick rise and simple ingredients.
Do I need a stand mixer to make this recipe?
A stand mixer makes the kneading easier, but you can absolutely mix and knead by hand—just add a few extra minutes of kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it after the first rise, then shape and bake the rolls the next day. Let the dough come to room temperature before shaping.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Definitely! Bake and cool the rolls completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in a warm oven before serving.
What kind of yeast should I use?
Use active dry yeast for the best results. If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour.
Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Absolutely! Try mixing in chopped rosemary, garlic powder, or shredded cheddar for a flavorful twist.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top and sound slightly hollow when tapped. Start checking at the 13-minute mark.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
One Hour Dinner Rolls
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ cups warm water 95-105 degrees
- 1 Tbsp yeast
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp butter softened
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour more or less as needed
- 3 Tbsp butter melted
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the yeast and sugar with the warm water. Allow to sit stand for five minutes or until foamy.
- Add in the butter, salt, and 3 cups of the flour. Mix the the dough hook until combined.
- Add additional flour, ¼ cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is slightly sticky to the touch. Then let the mixer knead the dough for 3-5 minutes, until smooth.
- Cover with plastic. Allow to rise for 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray a 9 x 13 inch pan with cooking spray.
- Punch down the dough & divide it into 20 equal-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place in 4 rows of 5 in the prepared pan.
- Brush with 2/3 of the melted butter and all to rise for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 13-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and brush with the remaining butter. Serves 20.
