Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Name: Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for tangzhong); ⅓ cup water (for tangzhong); 3 cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp salt; 2¼ tsp instant yeast; ¾ cup whole milk, warm; 1 large egg; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; ½ tsp flaky sea salt

Quick Answer

Mix tangzhong (2 tbsp flour + ⅓ cup water, cooked to paste). Combine with 3 cups flour, ¼ cup sugar, 1 tsp salt, 2¼ tsp yeast, ¾ cup warm milk, 1 egg, 3 tbsp butter. Knead 10 min, rise 1 hr. Shape 12 rolls, rise 30 min. Bake 375°F 18-20 min. Brush with garlic herb butter immediately.

By Sarah Mitchell • June 15, 2026

Prep: 20 min

Cook: 20 min

Servings: 12

Difficulty: Medium

dinner rollsgarlic butterbreadpull-aparttangzhongfluffy rollsside dish

Pin This Recipe

These garlic butter dinner rolls are pillowy soft, brushed with a generous layer of garlic herb butter, and impossibly fluffy. The dough uses a tangzhong (flour-water roux) technique that traps moisture inside, keeping the rolls soft for days. Fresh out of the oven, each roll pulls apart with a satisfying stretch and fills the kitchen with the most incredible garlic-butter aroma.

## Baker's Tips

**Don't skip the tangzhong:** This Japanese technique cooks a small portion of flour with water to create a paste that locks in moisture, making rolls that stay soft much longer than traditional recipes.

**Butter temperature matters:** Use room-temperature butter in the dough for proper gluten development, but melted butter for the garlic brushing.

**Pull test:** The dough is kneaded enough when you can stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through it (windowpane test).

About This Recipe

"Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls" is a Side Dishes recipe that brings all-purpose flour (for tangzhong), water (for tangzhong), all-purpose flour, granulated sugar and salt together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated Medium and ready in about 40 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 12 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The American inspiration behind this dish balances classic techniques with clean, vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for tangzhong)
⅓ cup water (for tangzhong)
3 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
2¼ tsp instant yeast
¾ cup whole milk, warm
1 large egg
3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp flaky sea salt

Instructions

1
Make tangzhong: whisk 2 tbsp flour and ⅓ cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat until it forms a thick paste. Cool to room temperature.
2
In a stand mixer, combine 3 cups flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm milk, egg, and cooled tangzhong. Mix with dough hook until combined.
3
Add softened butter 1 tbsp at a time, kneading on medium speed 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic (windowpane test).
4
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
5
Punch down and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into smooth balls and place in a greased 9×13 baking pan.
6
Cover and let rise 30 minutes until puffy.
7
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
8
Mix melted butter with minced garlic and parsley. Brush generously over hot rolls. Sprinkle with flaky salt.

Expert Tips

For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. All-purpose flour (for tangzhong) is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. Stand mixer and 9x13 baking pan work especially well for this preparation. Because the recipe is vegetarian, it fits easily into balanced eating plans. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.

What To Serve With This

"Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls" is a versatile Side Dishes dish that pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted protein, a bowl of soup, flatbread and classic American sides. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating before sealing the container. Reheat gently until warmed through, adding a small splash of liquid if needed to restore the original texture.