If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a soft, buttery, delightfully fluffy bread that screams comfort and indulgence, this Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe will become your new obsession. These golden rolls boast a tender crumb and a rich, slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements any meal, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, these brioche rolls bring that homemade warmth and bakery charm right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward baking your own batch of irresistible brioche dinner rolls. Each one plays a vital role, from lending richness to ensuring the perfect rise, so don’t skimp on quality especially with the butter and eggs.
- Milk (3/4 cup): Warm milk activates the yeast and adds moisture for a soft crumb.
- Dry active yeast (1 1/2 tsp): The secret to those fluffy, risen rolls that practically melt in your mouth.
- Sugar (1/4 cup + 1 tbsp): Gives a gentle sweetness and helps feed the yeast for that perfect rise.
- Salt (1 tsp): Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The sturdy base that creates structure in these tender rolls.
- Eggs (3 large): Infuse the dough with richness and a beautiful golden hue.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Softened butter adds a luxuriously tender texture and deep buttery flavor.
- Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tsp water): Brushed on top for that irresistible gleaming golden crust.
How to Make Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Make the yeast mixture
Start by warming the milk just enough to feel pleasantly warm to the touch—neither too hot nor cold. Stir in the dry active yeast with the sugar and let it sit in a large measuring cup until it becomes frothy. This proofing step ensures your yeast is alive and active, setting the stage for wonderfully airy rolls.
Step 2: Combine flour, sugar, salt, eggs, and yeast mixture
In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, add the flour, the remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and the bubbly yeast-milk mixture. Mix these ingredients until they begin to come together into a dough. At this point, the mix might feel a little shaggy – don’t worry, it’s about to get better.
Step 3: Add softened butter
Now for the magic touch: softened butter. Add it to the dough in chunks and continue kneading. Incorporating butter slowly is the key here—it helps develop the dough’s silky texture and elasticity that makes brioche so distinctive. You’ll notice the dough gradually becomes smooth, glossy, and less sticky as the butter blends in.
Step 4: Proof the dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. This step is where the dough truly comes alive, becoming light, airy, and full of promise.
Step 5: Shape into rolls and proof again
Once your dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release excess air. Divide it evenly into 12 pieces and shape each into a smooth ball. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough room for them to grow. Cover and let them proof a second time until puffy and nearly doubled—patience here pays off with incredible softness.
Step 6: Brush with egg wash and bake
Before popping your brioche dinner rolls into the oven, brush them generously with a simple egg wash made from one beaten egg mixed with a teaspoon of water. This creates that beautiful shiny, golden crust everyone loves. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes until the tops have a rich, inviting color and the rolls sound hollow when tapped at the bottom.
How to Serve Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
These brioche rolls shine best with minimal embellishment because their buttery flavor already makes them star-worthy. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking can add a delightful contrast. If you’re feeling festive, a brush of melted herb butter straight from the oven adds a fragrant touch.
Side Dishes
Brioche dinner rolls pair fabulously with nearly any savory dish. Think hearty stews, creamy mashed potatoes, savory soups, or roasted vegetable medleys. Their slightly sweet undertone also makes them perfect alongside spicy barbecue or tangy salads. These rolls are the perfect canvas to complete your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange your rolls in a circular wreath shape on the serving platter, tucking in sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme for a rustic charm. You can slice them horizontally and turn them into mini sandwiches filled with roasted meats and cheeses, transforming the ordinary dinner roll into a show-stopping bite-sized treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any brioche dinner rolls leftover (and trust me, you might), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and ready for snacking or dinner accompaniments the next day without drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, these rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag, where they will last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature overnight.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, lightly mist the rolls with water and reheat them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This gentle warming method refreshes their softness and revives their buttery aroma perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of dry active yeast?
Yes! You can substitute instant yeast, but reduce the amount slightly since it’s more potent. Also, you can mix it directly with the flour instead of proofing it in milk, which shortens the preparation time.
Why is the butter added after the initial dough forms?
Adding butter after the initial dough formation allows gluten to develop first. Then, the gradual incorporation of butter creates the tender, rich crumb characteristic of brioche without weighing down the dough.
Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
Absolutely! A stand mixer fitted with a dough hook works brilliantly for this recipe, making the kneading process easier and more efficient, especially when incorporating the butter thoroughly.
How do I know if my dough has proofed enough?
The dough should roughly double in size and look puffy and airy. You can gently press it with your finger—if the indentation springs back slowly, it’s ready for the next step.
Can I add herbs or cheese to these rolls?
Yes, adding finely chopped herbs or shredded cheese can add an exciting twist. Incorporate them in the dough before the first rise for even distribution, but keep in mind this may slightly alter the texture.
Final Thoughts
This Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe is truly a treasure to have in your baking repertoire. They’re not just rolls; they’re tiny bundles of buttery bliss that can elevate any meal or gathering. Once you try them fresh from your own oven, with that golden crust and tender crumb, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this recipe. So grab your ingredients, warm that milk, and let these rolls fill your home with irresistible aroma and joy.
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Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
These Brioche Dinner Rolls are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, perfect for accompanying any meal or serving as a base for sliders. Made with a rich dough that involves yeast fermentation and multiple proofs, these rolls bake up golden brown with a shiny crust thanks to an egg wash, offering a tender crumb and delightful flavor.
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1 1/2 tsp dry active yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp water
Instructions
- Make the yeast mixture: In a large measuring cup, combine the warm milk with the dry active yeast and 1/4 cup sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Add everything but the butter to the mixer: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, 1 tbsp sugar, salt, eggs, and the frothy yeast mixture. Mix on medium speed until a dough begins to form and is roughly combined.
- Add softened butter: Gradually incorporate the softened unsalted butter into the dough while continuing to mix. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth, elastic, and cohesive. This process usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes with a stand mixer or a bit longer by hand.
- Proof the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Shape into rolls and proof again: Punch down the risen dough and divide it evenly into 12 portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a greased baking sheet or in a baking dish. Cover again and allow them to proof for about 30 to 45 minutes until they puff up.
- Brush with egg wash and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat the egg with 1 tsp water to make an egg wash. Gently brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash to create a shiny, golden crust during baking. Bake the rolls in the oven for 25 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Use room temperature butter for easier incorporation into the dough.
- Allow adequate proofing time for soft, fluffy rolls.
- Brush rolls with egg wash right before baking to achieve a beautiful golden color.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- These rolls can be frozen after baking and reheated before serving.
