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Fluffy Lemon Herb Butter Dinner Rolls

lemon herb butter dinner rolls - featured image

These fluffy lemon herb butter dinner rolls combine the bright zest of lemon with fragrant fresh herbs and rich butter for a soft, flavorful bread perfect for cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet) active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for brushing
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • Zest from 1 medium lemon
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme recommended)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let sit until foamy and bubbly, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt. Add eggs and softened butter, then pour in the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead with a stand mixer on medium speed for 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  5. Punch down the dough gently to release air. Divide into 12 equal pieces (about 2.5 ounces or 70 grams each). Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place on a greased baking sheet or round pan.
  6. Cover and let the rolls rise again until puffy and nearly doubled, about 30 to 45 minutes.
  7. While rolls rise, mix softened butter, lemon zest, and chopped herbs in a small bowl to prepare the herb butter glaze.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush rolls generously with half of the herb butter.
  9. Bake rolls for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches about 190°F (88°C).
  10. Remove rolls from oven and immediately brush with remaining herb butter. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Do not skip the second rise for fluffy rolls. Use warm milk at about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Brushing herb butter before and after baking locks in moisture and flavor. If kitchen is cold, place dough in oven with light on for a warm environment. Fresh herbs are preferred but dried herbs can be used at one-third the amount.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb dinner rolls, lemon butter rolls, fluffy dinner rolls, herb butter bread, easy bread recipe, cozy gathering rolls