Cold evenings call for soft bread straight from the oven. These dinner rolls are light, buttery, and made for cozy meals, the kind you pull apart with your hands and spread with melting butter while they’re still warm.

I love making these when the air turns chilly and dinner feels like a quiet gathering…soup simmering on the stove, the table set simply, and the scent of warm yeast and butter filling the kitchen. They’re soft enough to serve beside a comforting stew, yet rich enough to stand on their own with a drizzle of honey.

Tips & Tricks

• Check your yeast: If your yeast doesn’t bubble or foam after sitting in warm milk and sugar, it’s no longer active. Start fresh, it makes all the difference in getting that perfect rise.
• Don’t rush the rise: Warm kitchens help dough rise beautifully. If your kitchen is chilly, place the covered bowl near the oven (turned off) or inside with the light on for gentle warmth.
• Use a light hand with flour: The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, not dry. Add flour gradually to avoid dense rolls.
• For extra golden tops: Brush the rolls with a little melted butter or milk just before baking.
• Make ahead: You can shape the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking the next day.
• Freeze friendly: Once baked and cooled, freeze in an airtight bag. Reheat in a warm oven for that just-baked texture.

From My Cottage Kitchen to Yours

If you love cozy, from-scratch recipes like this one, you might enjoy my books! Each one filled with gentle, seasonal recipes and stories inspired by slow living and cottage life.

Browse my collection of books here or find them on Amazon under Autumn Rosewood. They’re written for quiet evenings, and flour-dusted counters…just like this.