If you’ve ever dreamed of bakery-quality bread fresh from your own oven, this Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe is your golden ticket. These rolls boast a tender, buttery crumb and a beautiful golden crust that is soft yet sturdy enough to hold your favorite fillings. Perfectly enriched with eggs and butter, they’re a delightful blend of rich flavor and light texture that transform any meal into a special occasion. Whether you’re new to bread making or looking to add an irresistible homemade touch to your dinner table, this recipe delivers consistently stunning, delicious results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
While the ingredient list may look simple at first glance, each component plays a vital role in creating the soft, fluffy, and flavorful rolls that make this Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe truly shine. The balance of richness from the eggs and butter with the delicate sweetness from sugar, all brought together by the yeast’s magic, makes these rolls standout every time.
- 3/4 cup milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast for a soft crumb.
- 1 1/2 tsp dry active yeast: The key leavening agent, it ensures those lovely airy pockets inside.
- 1/4 cup sugar + 1 tbsp: Adds subtle sweetness, helping balance the richness and aids yeast activation.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances flavor while controlling yeast activity for perfect rise.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving structure and chew.
- 3 large eggs: Contribute to the tender texture and beautiful golden hue.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds luxurious buttery flavor and richness.
- 1 egg for wash: Creates a shiny, inviting crust.
- 1 tsp water: Used to thin the egg wash for a perfect finish.
How to Make Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by warming your milk—not too hot, just comfortably warm—then whisk in the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let this mixture sit until it gets frothy and bubbly, signaling that your yeast is happily doing its job and ready to bring those rolls to life.
Step 2: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Crack the eggs into the bowl, then pour in your yeast mixture. Stir everything together until the dough starts to come together in a rough ball.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter and Knead
Now for the magic! Gradually add the softened butter to the dough, folding and kneading as you go until the dough turns smooth and elastic. This step takes patience but results in that irresistibly soft texture you want in your brioche rolls.
Step 4: First Rise
Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm spot until it doubles in size, usually about an hour. This rise develops flavor and gives the dough its airy structure, perfect for soft, fluffy rolls.
Step 5: Shape and Proof
Once risen, gently punch down the dough and divide it into twelve equal portions. Shape each into a smooth ball, then place them on a baking tray, leaving space to grow. Let the rolls proof a second time, allowing them to puff up beautifully before baking.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Mix the egg with a teaspoon of water for that perfect egg wash. Brush it generously over the rolls to ensure a shiny, golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes or until the rolls are puffed and deeply golden. The smell will fill your kitchen with buttery, yeasty goodness that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
These brioche rolls look stunning on their own, but a sprinkle of coarse sea salt or a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate them instantly. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme pressed into the top before baking add an aromatic touch that will impress your guests.
Side Dishes
Warm brioche dinner rolls are an exquisite companion to almost anything, from hearty soups and creamy stews to vibrant salads. They’re especially fantastic alongside roasted chicken, glazed ham, or a cheese and charcuterie board, soaking up every delicious drop of sauce or spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the rolls horizontally to make mini sandwiches, filled with savory or sweet fillings like butter and jam, or smoked salmon and cream cheese. For a festive touch, arrange the rolls in a wreath shape on your serving platter, brushing with melted butter to keep them glossy and soft.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your brioche dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh. For longer storage, different methods work better.
Freezing
Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a sealed freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy the rolls, thaw them at room temperature or overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To bring your rolls back to fresh-from-the-oven softness, gently warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel can soften them, but be careful not to overdo it and end up with chewy bread.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! If you substitute instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing it first. Just reduce the yeast amount slightly to about 1 teaspoon.
Why do my brioche rolls sometimes come out tough?
Overworking the dough or not allowing enough rising time can lead to tougher rolls. Be gentle when kneading once the butter is added and make sure the dough doubles during the first rise for light, tender results.
Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Use the dough hook attachment and mix on low speed to combine ingredients, then increase speed slightly when kneading. It’s a great way to ease the mixing and kneading process.
What is the best way to soften butter for this recipe?
Leave butter out at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it’s soft but not melted. You want it pliable enough to incorporate smoothly into the dough, which is crucial for that rich brioche texture.
Are brioche rolls suitable for freezing after baking or before?
You can freeze brioche rolls both before and after baking. Freezing the dough before shaping can be tricky, so many prefer freezing the baked rolls. Just reheat gently to regain that fresh-baked feel.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade brioche dinner rolls might sound like a big endeavor, but with this Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe, it becomes an approachable and deeply rewarding baking adventure. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as pulling a tray of golden, buttery rolls from the oven and sharing them with loved ones. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a cherished staple in your kitchen too!
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Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 dinner rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
These soft and buttery Brioche Dinner Rolls are a perfect accompaniment to any meal. With a rich, tender crumb and a slightly sweet flavor, these homemade rolls are made from scratch using yeast, eggs, and unsalted butter, resulting in a fluffy texture and golden crust after baking.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3/4 cup milk (warm)
- 1 1/2 tsp dry active yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp water
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large measuring cup, mix the warm milk with the dry active yeast and 1/4 cup sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, remaining 1 tbsp sugar, and salt. Add the eggs and the frothy yeast mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms.
- Incorporate Butter: Gradually add the softened unsalted butter to the dough, continuing to mix and knead either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky, about 8-10 minutes.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Shape Rolls & Second Rise: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them evenly spaced on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let proof again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Prepare Egg Wash & Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk the egg with water to create the egg wash. Gently brush each roll with the egg wash for a shiny, golden crust. Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Milk should be warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Softened butter is easier to incorporate and helps create a tender crumb.
- Ensure dough rises in a draft-free, warm environment for best results.
- Egg wash gives the rolls a beautiful golden color and slight sheen.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before serving to let the crumb set.
