The Best Lion House Dinner Rolls Recipe for Fluffy Perfection

Golden, buttery lion house dinner rolls have been my secret weapon at potlucks for years.

Soft and pillowy, these rolls practically melt in your mouth with their delicate texture.

Family gatherings always buzz with excitement when these appear on the table.

My grandmother taught me her cherished technique, passed down through generations of home bakers.

Neighbors constantly request this recipe after tasting these cloud-like treasures.

Each bite promises warm comfort and nostalgic memories of shared meals.

Dive into this simple yet magical recipe that will become your new favorite dinner companion.

Baking the Best Lion House Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Activate Yeast Mixture

Combine warm water and dry milk powder in a large bowl. Stir until fully dissolved. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and wait for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and fragrant.

Step 2: Create Initial Dough Blend

• Sugar
• Salt
• Softened butter
• Egg
• First portion of flour

Beat the mixture on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 3: Develop Dough Consistency

Gradually add remaining flour in small increments. Continue mixing until the dough becomes soft and slightly sticky. The dough should pull away from the bowl’s sides. Knead using a dough hook or by hand for 5-10 minutes until elastic and smooth.

Step 4: Allow First Rise

Transfer dough to a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Place in a warm location and let rise until the volume doubles, approximately 1-1½ hours.

Step 5: Shape Delightful Rolls

Divide dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a rectangle (11″x14″). Brush generously with melted butter. Cut into small rectangles (2″x4″). Roll each small rectangle into a compact bundle.

Step 6: Prepare for Final Rise

Arrange rolled dough bundles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow rolls to rise again for 1 hour in a warm environment.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 14-16 minutes until they turn golden brown. After removing from oven, brush with additional melted butter for a rich, glossy finish.

Dinner Roll Tips That Match Lion House Softness

• Proof Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water is warm (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it, creating a soft, fluffy texture in your rolls.
• Soften Butter Smartly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to blend seamlessly into the dough, preventing lumpy texture.
• Rise Right: Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on for consistent rising.
• Butter Brush Technique: Use a pastry brush to apply melted butter generously before and after baking for a golden, rich, shiny roll surface.
• Roll Shaping Secret: When rolling dough rectangles, use gentle, even pressure to create uniform, symmetrical rolls that bake evenly and look professional.

Save Lion House Dinner Rolls Soft and Warm

• Seal rolls in an airtight container or ziplock bag, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Keep rolls in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Warm rolls in microwave for 10-15 seconds, or preheat oven to 350°F and wrap rolls in foil, heating for 5-7 minutes until soft and warm. Brush with butter after reheating for extra moisture and flavor.

Lion House Rolls Companion Suggestions

• Butter Up Beverage Pairing: Warm, freshly brewed chamomile tea perfectly complements the soft, buttery rolls, creating a soothing and comforting flavor combination that feels like a warm hug.
• Savory Sauce Companion: Serve these rolls alongside a rich, creamy honey butter or homemade raspberry jam to elevate the taste and add an extra layer of indulgent sweetness.
• Protein Partner: Pair these tender rolls with a hearty beef stew or roasted chicken to create a complete meal that balances the light, fluffy texture of the rolls with substantial main dishes.
• Wine Whisper: Select a light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the buttery rolls and cleanse the palate between bites.

Lion House Dinner Roll Variants

• Whole Wheat Wonder: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more nutritious roll with added fiber and a heartier texture.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring xanthan gum is included to maintain the roll's soft, fluffy consistency.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute dry milk powder with almond or oat milk powder, and use coconut oil or dairy-free margarine instead of butter for those with lactose intolerance.
• Herb-Infused Rolls: Incorporate dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the dough for an aromatic and flavorful variation that pairs perfectly with soups and main dishes.

FAQs

• Why do I need dry milk powder in this recipe?

Dry milk powder helps create a softer, more tender roll by adding richness and enhancing the texture without making the dough too wet.

• Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and refrigerate them overnight. Just let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

• How do I know the yeast is active and working correctly?

The yeast is working when it becomes foamy and bubbly after 5 minutes in warm water. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be expired or the water was too hot or cold.

• What's the best way to get a soft, fluffy texture for these rolls?

Knead the dough thoroughly, allow proper rising time in a warm spot, and avoid adding too much flour, which can make rolls dense and tough.

Dinner Rolls That Are Soft, Fluffy, and Famous for a Reason

• Effortless Elegance: Craft professional-quality rolls with simple ingredients and basic baking skills, perfect for home cooks seeking restaurant-style results.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Soft, buttery rolls that bring warmth to any meal, guaranteed to make everyone at the table smile and ask for seconds.
• Versatile Wow Factor: Adaptable for multiple occasions from casual family dinners to holiday gatherings, these rolls elevate any spread with minimal effort.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough in advance and refrigerate, allowing flexible meal planning and stress-free entertaining without compromising delicious homemade taste.

Lion House Dinner Rolls Ingredient List

• Warm Water: Key liquid for activating yeast and creating dough.
• Dry Milk Powder: Adds rich flavor and softness to rolls.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for dough rising and texture.

• Sugar: Provides subtle sweetness and helps yeast activation.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of rolls.
• Softened Butter: Contributes rich taste and tender texture.
• Egg: Helps bind ingredients and adds richness.

• All-Purpose Flour: Primary structure for creating soft dinner rolls.

Lion House Dinner Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Pillowy Lion House Dinner Rolls embody Salt Lake City’s beloved bakery tradition, delivering comfort in each golden, buttery bite. Warm, tender, and irresistibly light, these rolls invite you to savor a slice of homemade happiness straight from Utah’s culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 5–6 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
• 2/3 cup instant nonfat dry milk powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 cups warm water
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup salted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup salted butter, melted (for shaping and brushing)

Leavening Agent:

• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast

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Instructions

1. Combine warm water and dry milk powder in a large mixing bowl, stirring until completely dissolved. Sprinkle yeast over the liquid and allow it to activate and become frothy, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate sugar, salt, softened butter, and egg into the yeast mixture. Add 2 cups of flour and mix thoroughly using an electric mixer, beating for 2 minutes to develop gluten and create a smooth base.
3. Gradually introduce remaining flour in incremental amounts, creating a soft, slightly tacky dough that cleanly separates from the bowl’s edges. Knead the dough either with a stand mixer’s dough hook or manually, working the mixture for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Transfer the dough to a generously greased bowl, ensuring complete surface coverage. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, positioning in a draft-free, warm environment to rise until volume doubles, approximately 1-1.5 hours.
5. Gently punch down the risen dough and divide into two equal portions. Roll each section into a precise rectangular shape, approximately 11×14 inches. Brush the entire surface with melted butter for enhanced flavor and texture.
6. Slice each rectangle into smaller uniform sections, approximately 2×4 inches. Carefully roll each piece from the shorter side, creating compact, uniform rolls with smooth surfaces.
7. Arrange the rolled portions on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing sufficient spacing between rolls for expansion. Let the shaped rolls undergo a second rising period of 45-60 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls until they achieve a rich, golden-brown color, typically 14-16 minutes. Immediately after removing from the oven, brush with additional melted butter for a glossy, rich finish.

Notes

• Ensure water temperature is between 105-110°F for optimal yeast activation without killing the microorganisms.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother dough integration and easier mixing.
• Develop gluten structure by kneading consistently, creating a smooth, elastic texture that ensures soft, fluffy rolls.
• Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven or wrapped in a warm towel to promote even rising.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg