Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe

Imagine the aroma of buttery, pillowy-soft Brioche Dinner Rolls emerging fresh from your oven—golden-topped and irresistible! These rich, tender rolls transform any meal into a feast and are destined to become the star of your table, whether served alongside a cozy Sunday roast or simply enjoyed with a pat of fresh butter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Brioche Dinner Rolls may taste luxurious, but they come together with just a handful of pantry staples. Every ingredient plays a special part in creating their characteristic golden color, pillowy crumb, and rich flavor—let’s take a peek at what you’ll need and why!

• Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and adds moisture, resulting in a tender crumb.
• Dry Active Yeast: Provides the signature rise and airy pockets in each roll.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the richness and helps the yeast flourish.
• Salt: Brings out the flavors and keeps the rolls from tasting flat.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure while staying soft and light—be sure to measure it correctly!
• Eggs: Key to Brioche’s signature richness and golden hue.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds creaminess and a melt-in-your-mouth quality, making these rolls truly decadent.

Variations

Once you’ve mastered these classic Brioche Dinner Rolls, don’t hesitate to get creative! It’s amazingly easy to tweak this recipe for different moods, flavors, and dietary needs—making it one of the most versatile breads you’ll ever bake.

• Herbed Brioche Rolls: Add finely chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary, chives, or thyme) to the dough for a fragrant twist.
• Sweet Brioche Swirls: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar or orange zest into the dough before rolling into balls for a brunch-worthy treat.
• Mini Slider Brioche Buns: Divide the dough into smaller balls to create adorable bite-sized rolls—perfect for sliders and parties!
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives for a tender vegan version.

How to Make Brioche Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start by warming your milk just enough to be cozy (about 105°F, think warm bath water). Whisk in the yeast and a tablespoon of sugar, then simply let it rest until bubbly and frothy—about 10 minutes. This step ensures your yeast is lively, guaranteeing tall, light Brioche Dinner Rolls.

Step 2: Mix Dough Without Butter

Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and add the flour, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and the frothy yeast mixture. Begin mixing on low until the flour is moistened, then increase to high speed. After a few minutes, you’ll notice the dough come together—this initial mixing gives your rolls their fine, even texture.

Step 3: Add the Butter

Now for the magic: add in the softened butter, one chunk at a time. Keep mixing on high speed—be patient here! The dough may look sticky, but after 5–10 minutes, it will become glossy, elastic, and pull away from the sides. This rich butter is what sets Brioche Dinner Rolls apart from every other dinner roll you’ve tasted.

Step 4: First Rise

Gently scrape your dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a towel or wrap, and let it rise for about one hour. You want it to double in size—placing it in a warm spot (even your oven’s “proof” setting) works wonders for this step.

Step 5: Shape and Second Proof

Once your dough is beautifully puffed, punch it down and divide evenly into 12 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball by cupping it under your hand and rolling—this creates smooth, picture-perfect Brioche Dinner Rolls. Nestle the balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another hour so they become irresistibly tender.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk an egg with just a splash of water for a glossy egg wash, then brush every roll generously. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes until gloriously golden—the ultimate reward for your patience! Let them cool slightly before digging in for that first, unforgettable bite.

How to Serve Brioche Dinner Rolls

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, try brushing your just-baked rolls with a little extra melted butter and sprinkling on flaky sea salt or even a dusting of finely chopped herbs. Each adds a gorgeous visual and flavorful pop that makes these Brioche Dinner Rolls every bit as impressive as they taste.

Side Dishes

Brioche Dinner Rolls are famously versatile. Pair them with slow-roasted meats, creamy soups, fresh salads, or even serve them at brunch alongside scrambled eggs or honeyed fruit. Their subtle sweetness and rich crumb complement just about any savory or sweet main!

Creative Ways to Present

Create an eye-catching bread basket centerpiece by stacking the golden rolls high, or serve each roll individually wrapped in parchment and twine for a rustic-chic vibe. For a modern twist, split and stuff them with caramelized onions and cheese for sliders or holiday appetizers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extras, store cooled Brioche Dinner Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Their texture remains soft and lovely, making them just as perfect for next-day lunches or midnight snacking!

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer bag and store for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving—their irresistible pillowy softness returns with just a touch of reheating.

Reheating

To bring Brioche Dinner Rolls back to their bakery-fresh splendor, warm them in a 300°F oven for about 7–10 minutes, or microwave briefly (with a damp towel) for just a few seconds. Add a swipe of butter for pure comfort!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something soft, buttery, and absolutely unforgettable, these Brioche Dinner Rolls deserve a spot in your baking routine. Give them a try—their warmth and richness are guaranteed to bring a little extra joy (and a lot of compliments) to your table!

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