The aroma of fresh bread baking in the oven instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. It’s a smell that promises comfort, warmth, and togetherness. As a mom of three, I’ve found that few things bring my family to the table faster than a basket of warm, homemade bread.
That’s why these Brioche Dinner Rolls have become a staple in our home. I still remember the first time I made them; my youngest, Leo, who usually picks at his food, devoured two rolls before dinner even started, his face smeared with butter and a huge grin. He declared them “cloud bread,” and honestly, he wasn’t wrong.
These aren’t just any dinner rolls; they’re soft, buttery, and incredibly fluffy – the kind of bread that makes any meal feel special, a true expression of love from my kitchen to my family’s plate. Making these Brioche Dinner Rolls is a simple act, but it creates lasting memories.
Why You’ll Love These Irresistible Brioche Dinner Rolls
You absolutely need these Brioche Dinner Rolls in your life. First and foremost, their texture is simply divine. Imagine biting into a roll that is incredibly soft, light, and almost melts in your mouth.
That’s the magic of brioche! The richness from the butter and eggs gives these dinner rolls an unparalleled tenderness. Furthermore, they are surprisingly easy to make.
Don’t let the fancy name fool you; the process is straightforward, yielding bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen. You’ll feel such a sense of accomplishment serving these gorgeous, golden Brioche Dinner Rolls. They elevate any meal, from a simple weeknight stew to a festive holiday spread.
Plus, the smell that fills your home while they bake is utterly intoxicating. It’s a guaranteed way to make your kitchen the heart of your home. These amazing Brioche Dinner Rolls truly make every dinner feel like a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) instant dry yeast (one standard packet)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed to 105-115°F (40-46°C)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature, plus 1 for egg wash
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened and cut into 1-inch pieces
- Optional: 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
Substitutions & Variations
While the classic recipe for Brioche Dinner Rolls is perfect as is, you can certainly experiment! If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with bread flour, though it might result in a slightly chewier texture. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and a high-quality vegan butter substitute.
The rolls will still be delicious, just with a slightly different nuance. You can also play with flavors; try adding a teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for savory Brioche Dinner Rolls, perfect for pairing with roasted chicken. For a touch of sweetness, incorporate a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon.
You can even add shredded cheese, like cheddar or Parmesan, for cheesy Brioche Dinner Rolls that kids absolutely adore. Feeling adventurous? Shape them into knots, small loaves, or even a pull-apart loaf instead of individual rolls. The possibilities are endless for these versatile Brioche Dinner Rolls.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating these delightful Brioche Dinner Rolls is a journey, and each step brings you closer to that amazing aroma. First, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Give it a quick mix to combine the dry ingredients.
Next, pour in the warm milk and the two room-temperature eggs. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, about 1-2 minutes. Increase the speed to medium-low and continue to knead for 5 minutes until the dough starts to come together.
Now, it’s time for the butter. Add the softened butter, one piece at a time, allowing each piece to fully incorporate before adding the next. This step is crucial for achieving that characteristic brioche richness and texture.
Once all the butter is in, continue to knead on medium speed for another 10-15 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and pass the windowpane test (you can stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through it without tearing). This extensive kneading develops the gluten, vital for fluffy Brioche Dinner Rolls.
Lightly grease a large bowl with a little oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is the first rise, essential for developing flavor and texture in your Brioche Dinner Rolls. Once doubled, gently punch down the dough to release the air.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, approximately 60-65g each. Shape each piece into a smooth, round ball by cupping it with your hand and rolling it against the counter.
Arrange the shaped rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the Brioche Dinner Rolls rise again in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy and almost doubled.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven preheats, prepare the egg wash. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon of water.
Gently brush the tops of the risen Brioche Dinner Rolls with the egg wash. This gives them that beautiful golden-brown crust. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the rolls are deeply golden brown and cooked through.
If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent them with aluminum foil. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the Brioche Dinner Rolls cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve them warm with your favorite butter or jam. You’ll be so proud of these homemade Brioche Dinner Rolls!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving bakery-quality Brioche Dinner Rolls at home is totally within reach, especially with a few insider tips. First, ensure your milk is truly warm, but not hot. Too cold, and the yeast won’t activate; too hot, and it will kill the yeast.
Aim for that perfect 105-115°F (40-46°C) range, which feels like warm bathwater. Secondly, don’t rush the kneading process. Brioche dough is enriched with butter and eggs, which can inhibit gluten development initially.
Those 10-15 minutes of kneading after adding the butter are absolutely essential for creating that smooth, elastic dough that results in incredibly fluffy Brioche Dinner Rolls. A stand mixer is a huge help here! If kneading by hand, be prepared for a good arm workout.
Thirdly, pay attention to your proofing environment. A warm, draft-free spot is ideal for both rises. If your kitchen is cool, you can turn your oven on to its lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and let the residual warmth create a cozy spot for your dough to rise.
Another fantastic trick is to use an egg wash. The combination of an egg and a little water brushed over the tops of your Brioche Dinner Rolls before baking gives them that gorgeous, shiny, golden-brown crust that is so characteristic of brioche. Finally, resist the urge to overbake.
Overbaking can dry out your rolls, making them less tender. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown, but still soft to the touch. A quick temperature check with an instant-read thermometer should show about 200-210°F (93-99°C) internally. Following these tips guarantees perfect Brioche Dinner Rolls every single time.
Storage & Reheating Tips
These delicious Brioche Dinner Rolls are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but don’t worry if you have leftovers. They store beautifully! To keep them fresh for up to 2-3 days, place the cooled rolls in an airtight container or a large resealable bag at room temperature.
Avoid refrigerating them, as this can actually dry out bread faster. For longer storage, these Brioche Dinner Rolls freeze exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the frozen rolls at room temperature.
Reheating is super easy and brings them almost back to their fresh-baked glory. To reheat, you have a few options. For a small batch, wrap a roll or two in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds.
For a larger batch or to restore that crisp exterior, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the Brioche Dinner Rolls directly on a baking sheet or wrap them loosely in aluminum foil. Heat for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
The foil will help keep them soft, while direct heat gives them a slightly crisper crust. Serve these revived Brioche Dinner Rolls warm with plenty of butter, and no one will guess they weren’t just baked!
What to Serve With This Recipe
These versatile Brioche Dinner Rolls are the perfect accompaniment to almost any meal. Their rich, buttery flavor and tender texture make them incredibly adaptable. For a classic pairing, serve them alongside a hearty beef stew or a comforting chicken pot pie.
They are fantastic for soaking up all those delicious sauces and gravies. They also shine with roasted meats; imagine them next to a perfectly cooked roast chicken, a succulent turkey, or a tender pot roast. During the holidays, these Brioche Dinner Rolls are an absolute must-have addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table, elevating the entire feast.
Don’t limit them to just dinner! These rolls are wonderful with breakfast too. Slice them open and use them to make mini breakfast sandwiches with scrambled eggs and cheese, or toast them lightly and spread with your favorite jam or honey butter.
They’re also excellent with a simple bowl of soup or a fresh salad for a lighter meal. For a truly indulgent treat, serve these Brioche Dinner Rolls with a flavorful compound butter, perhaps garlic herb or sun-dried tomato. No matter what you choose, these fluffy Brioche Dinner Rolls will undoubtedly enhance your dining experience and leave everyone asking for more.
FAQs
Can I make these Brioche Dinner Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough for these Brioche Dinner Rolls the night before. After the first rise, gently punch down the dough, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight.
The next day, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before shaping and proceeding with the second rise and baking. This makes entertaining so much easier with fresh Brioche Dinner Rolls.
What’s the secret to fluffy Brioche Dinner Rolls?
The secret to truly fluffy Brioche Dinner Rolls lies in two main things: thorough kneading and proper proofing. Extensive kneading develops the gluten, creating a strong structure that can trap air. The butter and eggs contribute to the tender crumb. Additionally, allowing enough time for both rises ensures the yeast properly leavens the dough, resulting in that wonderfully light and airy texture characteristic of the best Brioche Dinner Rolls.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast for these Brioche Dinner Rolls. The main difference is that active dry yeast typically needs to be proofed first. To do this, mix the active dry yeast with the warm milk (and a pinch of the sugar from the recipe) in a small bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Then, proceed with the recipe as directed, adding the foamy mixture when the recipe calls for milk and eggs. The overall baking time for your Brioche Dinner Rolls will remain the same.
Why are my Brioche Dinner Rolls dense?
Dense Brioche Dinner Rolls can result from several factors. Most commonly, it’s due to insufficient kneading, which doesn’t allow the gluten to develop properly. It could also be over-flouring the dough, which makes it stiff, or not allowing enough time for the dough to rise adequately during both proofing stages. Ensure your yeast is active, your kitchen is warm, and you follow the kneading times closely for light and airy Brioche Dinner Rolls.
What is the best way to shape Brioche Dinner Rolls?
The best way to shape uniform Brioche Dinner Rolls is to first divide the dough into equal portions. Then, take each portion and gently pull the edges under to create a smooth top surface. Cup your hand over the dough ball and gently roll it in a circular motion on a lightly floured or clean, un-floured surface.
The friction will help seal the bottom and create a perfectly round, smooth roll. This method creates tension on the surface, which contributes to a beautiful rise and perfectly shaped Brioche Dinner Rolls.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 190mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 7g |
Brioche Dinner Rolls
- Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Brioche Dinner Rolls are soft, buttery, and incredibly fluffy, making any meal feel special. They are straightforward to make and create lasting family memories.
Ingredients
3 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
¼ cup Granulated Sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons Instant Dry Yeast
1 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
½ cup Whole Milk
2 large Eggs
½ cup Unsalted Butter
Optional: 1 tablespoon Water
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix briefly
- Add warm milk and room-temperature eggs. Mix on low speed until shaggy dough forms
- Knead at medium-low speed for about 5 minutes
- Incorporate softened butter one piece at a time, then knead for another 10-15 minutes until smooth
- Grease a bowl, place the dough inside, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1-2 hours
- Punch down the dough, divide into 12 pieces, and shape into balls
- Arrange in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again until puffy
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), prepare egg wash, then brush on the rolls
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving
Notes
For a richer flavor, substitute some all-purpose flour with bread flour.
For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and vegan butter.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 18-22 mins
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg