The Best Lion House Dinner Rolls Recipe

There’s something magical about homemade bread, especially when it’s soft, buttery, and impossible to resist like Lion House Dinner Rolls. Every Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, these rolls grace our table, and they’re the one thing I know I can’t skip! Of all the roll recipes I’ve tried (and loved), this is the one I make the most. They’re easier to make than you might think and always turn out perfectly fluffy. Trust me—once you try these, you’ll never look back!

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Why You’ll Love These Rolls

Soft and Buttery: These rolls are melt-in-your-mouth good. With buttery layers and a golden crust, they are the epitome of comfort food.

Perfect for Holidays: These rolls are always a hit during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special dinner.

Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a bread expert to make these rolls! They come together quickly with simple ingredients, and the result is absolutely divine.

Taste and Texture

Imagine the perfect dinner roll—light, fluffy, and full of rich buttery flavor. These rolls have a soft and tender crumb, with layers that peel apart easily. The golden, slightly crispy exterior adds just the right amount of texture, making each bite a dreamy combination of flavor and comfort.

Ingredients for Lion House Dinner Rolls

Here’s everything you need to create these amazing rolls:

• 2 cups warm water
• ⅔ cup instant nonfat dry milk powder
• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ⅓ cup salted butter, softened
• 1 egg, beaten
• 5-6 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
• ¾ cup salted butter, melted (for shaping and brushing)

Tools You’ll Need

• Stand mixer with a dough hook
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Bench scraper or sharp knife
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper-lined baking sheet

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, stir together the warm water and dry milk powder until dissolved. Add the yeast and let it proof for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is crucial for giving the rolls that perfect fluffy rise!

2. Mix the Dough

Add the sugar, salt, softened butter, egg, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Switch to the dough hook and gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time. You’re looking for a soft, slightly sticky dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

3. Knead the Dough

Knead the dough for 5 minutes in the mixer or about 10 minutes by hand until it’s smooth, elastic, and supple.

4. First Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, turn it to coat all sides, and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size, about 1 to 1½ hours.

5. Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, generously flour a clean surface and divide the dough in half. Roll out each half into a rectangle, about 11″x14″ and ¼-inch thick. Brush the dough with melted butter, then cut into rectangles (approximately 2″x4″). Roll each rectangle into a log shape and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

6. Second Rise

Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap or a clean dish towel and let them rise again in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

7. Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 14-16 minutes until golden brown. Brush with more melted butter right after they come out of the oven for an extra buttery finish!

Make-Ahead Tips

To save time, you can freeze the dough before the second rise. Shape the rolls, then freeze them on a baking sheet. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise at room temperature for about 4 hours before following the baking instructions.

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Storage Instructions

Store: Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Freeze: These rolls freeze beautifully! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?
Yes! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It will take a little longer, but the results will be just as delicious.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier roll, but keep in mind it might change the texture a bit.

What if I don’t have dry milk powder?
You can substitute it with 2 cups of regular milk. Just reduce the water in the recipe by the same amount.

Serving Suggestions

These Lion House Dinner Rolls are perfect alongside any holiday meal. Whether you’re serving up a hearty roast, a Thanksgiving turkey, or a cozy pot of soup, they pair beautifully. If you want more savory inspiration, check out this Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie Bake for a comforting dish that’s perfect for pairing with these rolls.

And for a fresh, lighter side, consider serving these rolls with a healthy veggie dish like Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower!

Tips for the Best Rolls

• Make sure your water is warm (not too hot) to activate the yeast properly.
• Don’t rush the rise times! The dough needs to double in size both times to ensure the rolls are fluffy.
• Brush the rolls with melted butter both before baking and right after for an ultra-buttery flavor and soft crust.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more delicious treats? Try these other amazing recipes:

• Frozen Yogurt Bark for a refreshing and healthy snack.
• Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower for a crunchy, savory side.

Share Your Creations!

I’d love to see how your Lion House Dinner Rolls turn out! Share your photos and reviews on Pinterest. Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!

Enjoy making these incredible rolls, and don’t forget to subscribe for more quick, easy, and delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

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