If you love soft, fluffy, and buttery rolls, these Cowboy Butter Dinner Rolls are a must-try! They are my Cheesy Garlic Dinner Rolls (without the cheese) with a golden, garlicky cowboy butter topping that melts into every bite. They are perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or any meal that calls for warm, pull-apart rolls. But honestly, I’d eat them any time! For another tasty twist, check out my Rosemary Dinner Rolls with Garlic Butter. They are just as soft, just as flavorful, and perfect alongside your favorite dishes.

Pan of Cowboy Butter Dinner Rolls on a wooden table from overhead.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Flour: All-purpose flour gives the rolls their structure. Add it in stages to help the dough reach the right consistency. You may need a little extra if the dough feels too sticky, but I didn’t have to add any more.
Yeast: I used rapid-rise yeast, also called instant yeast. It works quickly, so these rolls only need a little over an hour (about an hour and a half total) to rise. It’s perfect timing to work on main dishes or other sides while the dough does its thing.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness and helps the yeast grow. The yeast needs a little sugar to do its job and make the dough rise properly.
Salt: Just a little kosher salt balances the flavor and strengthens the dough.
Milk: Make sure the milk is warmed to 110 to 115°F, the perfect temperature to activate the yeast. Too cold and the yeast works slowly (or not at all); too hot and it will kill the yeast.
Eggs: You will need 2 eggs for this recipe. One goes into the dough to enrich it, giving a tender crumb and lovely color, and the other is used for an egg wash to brush on top for a beautiful golden finish.
Garlic & Chives: Fresh garlic and chives give these rolls a subtle savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the cowboy butter topping. You can leave them out if you prefer plain rolls (which we tested and liked, also), or try dried chives in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon dried).
Cowboy Butter Topping: This is the star! This homemade Cowboy Butter is melted butter flavored with garlic, fresh herbs, and spices, with a gentle kick from cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. (You can easily adjust the spice level by using more or less of the peppers.) Brushing it onto the warm rolls adds bold, buttery flavor and makes them hard to resist. And once you taste the flavor you get from cowboy butter, you will want to check out all of my cowboy butter recipes!

Brushing cowboy butter onto herb dinner rolls.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a few hours in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator, then shape and bake when ready. This is perfect if you want fresh rolls for dinner without starting from scratch.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of rapid-rise yeast?

Absolutely. If using active dry yeast, you’ll need to proof it in the warm milk with a little sugar for 5 to 10 minutes before adding it to the flour mixture. It will take a little longer for the rolls to rise.

Do I have to make the Cowboy Butter topping?

Nope, you don’t have to, but you’ll definitely want to! The rolls are delicious on their own, but the Cowboy Butter adds a bold, buttery blend of herbs, garlic, and just a touch of heat that makes them extra special.

Can I freeze these cowboy butter dinner rolls?

Yes! Freeze unfrosted rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. You can also freeze baked rolls, then rewarm and brush with fresh Cowboy Butter before serving.

Close up of a pan of Cowboy Butter Dinner Rolls.

How to Make “Perfect” Dough Balls

To make your rolls round and even, lightly sprinkle flour on your counter so the dough doesn’t stick. Take each piece of dough and cup it in your hand, rolling gently in a circle. Keep your movements smooth and gentle; you don’t want to squish the dough. The more you practice, the easier it gets to make uniform, perfectly shaped rolls. Use this same method for my Cheesy Garlic Dinner Rolls, another fun variation of this recipe that’s soft, buttery, and full of cheese and flavor!

Stack of Cowboy Butter Dinner Rolls on a wooden table.

How to Store Cowboy Butter Dinner Rolls

Room Temperature: Let the rolls cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for a few days, but note they may dry out a bit faster (so I do not recommend that).

Freezing: Let the rolls cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in foil and place in a sealed freezer bag or container for 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the oven or microwave before serving.