If you’ve ever dreamed of soft, pillowy bread that melts in your mouth with a hint of buttery sweetness, this Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. These golden, tender rolls have just the right balance of richness and fluffiness, making them perfect for a cozy family dinner or an indulgent holiday feast. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll find every meal feels just a bit more special with a fresh, homemade brioche roll on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with thoughtfully selected ingredients that work perfectly together. The ingredients for this recipe are simple, yet they each add something essential — from creamy richness to that signature brioche tenderness and a beautiful golden crust.
- 3/4 cup milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and adds moisture for a soft crumb.
- 1 1/2 tsp dry active yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise and gives those airy pockets inside.
- 1/4 cup sugar + 1 tbsp: Adds sweetness and helps yeast bloom beautifully.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances flavors and strengthens the dough’s structure.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for your dough, giving it that lovely body and chew.
- 3 large eggs: Bring richness, color, and that classic brioche texture you’ll adore.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Softened butter folds into the dough to make each bite meltingly tender.
- 1 egg for wash: Gives the rolls a shiny, golden finish you’ll want to show off.
- 1 tsp water: Helps the egg wash spread smoothly and evenly.
How to Make Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Make the Yeast Mixture
Begin by warming your milk just until it’s pleasantly warm to the touch — not hot. Stir in the dry active yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar, then let the mixture rest until frothy and bubbly. This bloom indicates the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on your dough.
Step 2: Combine Flour, Sugar, Salt, Eggs, and Yeast Mixture
Next, in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine your all-purpose flour, the remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and that beautiful yeast mixture. Mix these ingredients together until they form a rough dough. This is where everything starts coming together, and you’ll feel the dough beginning to take shape.
Step 3: Incorporate the Butter
The trick to ultra-soft brioche rolls is gentle patience as you add softened butter bit by bit. Mix it into the dough slowly, letting it absorb fully before adding more. After this step, your dough will become smooth, shiny, and elastic — a sign you’re on the right path.
Step 4: Proof the Dough
Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This can take about an hour or more depending on the temperature, and it’s truly rewarding to watch your simple ingredients transform into a fluffy mass full of promise.
Step 5: Shape Into Rolls and Proof Again
Once risen, gently punch down your dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a smooth ball, place them on your baking sheet, and let them proof a second time until puffed and cozy. This step ensures your rolls will bake up soft and tender inside.
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake
Before baking, mix your reserved egg with 1 teaspoon water and brush it generously over the tops of your rolls. This egg wash will give them that irresistible sheen and beautiful golden brown color. Bake the rolls at 350°F for 25 minutes, and soon your kitchen will be filled with the warm, inviting scent of homemade brioche.
How to Serve Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple, flavorful touch, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme over the egg-washed rolls before baking. You can also brush with melted garlic butter right out of the oven to amp up the aroma and give every bite a savory glow.
Side Dishes
Brioche dinner rolls pair wonderfully with soups like creamy tomato bisque or hearty chicken stew. They’re also fantastic alongside roasted vegetables and glazed ham, lending a tender, sweet balance to more savory mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your rolls into sliders by slicing them in half and filling them with everything from pulled pork to fresh mozzarella and basil. You can also serve them warm with whipped honey butter or herbed cream cheese for a delightful appetizer or snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your freshly baked brioche rolls stay soft and delicious if stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel before placing in the container helps maintain their lovely texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe later, freezing is a fantastic option. Once completely cooled, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To bring frozen rolls back to life, thaw them at room temperature, then warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This gentle heat re-crisps the crust while keeping that soft, tender interior you love.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Just reduce the initial proofing time since instant yeast activates faster and you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients without blooming it in milk first.
Why are my brioche rolls dense instead of light and fluffy?
Dense rolls usually result from under-proofing or not kneading enough. Make sure to let the dough rise until doubled and knead until smooth and elastic so the gluten develops well.
Can I replace all-purpose flour with bread flour?
Bread flour can be used and will give your rolls a chewier texture due to higher protein content. If you prefer tender rolls, stick with all-purpose flour for a softer crumb.
How important is the butter temperature?
Butter should be soft but not melted. This helps it incorporate evenly into the dough, giving you that silky brioche texture without making the dough too greasy or loose.
Can I make mini brioche dinner rolls with this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply divide the dough into smaller portions and adjust the baking time slightly—mini rolls may bake in about 15 to 18 minutes. They make charming bite-sized treats for parties!
Final Thoughts
Diving into this Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, buttery hug from the inside out. The process may take some time, but each step builds toward a truly special bread experience. Trust me, once you share these golden, tender rolls, they’ll become a beloved staple on your table. Give yourself the joy of homemade brioche—you won’t regret it.
Print
Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 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 serving alongside any meal. Made with rich ingredients like eggs and butter, these fluffy rolls have a golden crust thanks to an egg wash and bake to perfection in just 25 minutes. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, they bring a delightful, tender texture and a delicious aroma to your table.
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup 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, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Add everything but the butter to the mixer: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, salt, eggs, and the frothy yeast mixture. Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until a dough begins to form.
- Add softened butter: Gradually add the softened unsalted butter to the dough while the mixer is running. Continue mixing until the butter is fully incorporated, and the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- 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 place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Shape into rolls and proof again: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let the rolls proof a second time until puffy, about 30-45 minutes.
- Brush with egg wash and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 teaspoon water to prepare the egg wash. Gently brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash to give them a shiny, golden crust after baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Softened butter should be at room temperature for easy incorporation.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for best results.
- Check rolls toward the end of baking as oven temperatures can vary.
- These rolls freeze well—cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.
