Dilly Rolls
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026
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These homemade dilly rolls are a fragrant addition to any dinner table, offering a soft, pillowy texture and a punch of herbal flavour. Infused with fresh dill, aromatic dill seeds, and finely chopped onion, these savoury buns boast a unique depth that pairs beautifully with melted butter. The combination of buttermilk and whole milk ensures a rich, tender crumb that stays moist, while the golden crust provides a satisfying finish to every bite.
As a versatile vegetarian side dish, these rolls are perfect for accompanying a hearty winter soup or serving alongside a traditional Sunday roast. They are simple enough for weekend baking but feel special enough for festive gatherings and celebrations. For the best results, serve them warm from the oven when the aroma of toasted herbs is at its most inviting.
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Ingredients for Dilly Rolls
120ml whole milk
2 tablespoons sugar
35g envelope active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons )
120ml buttermilk
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoons dill seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
325g plain flour plus more
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted, divided, plus more for bowl and parchment paper
How to make Dilly Rolls
Back to contentsGently heat milk until warm to the touch (an instant-read thermometer should register 49°C to 54°C). Add sugar and yeast and whisk to combine. Add buttermilk; let sit until yeast starts to foam, 5–10 minutes.
Combine onion, fresh dill, dill seeds, salt, and 600ml flour in a large bowl. Stir in milk mixture and 2 tablespoons butter, adding more flour as needed (dough will initially be fairly wet), until a sticky dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
Transfer dough to a lightly buttered bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Punch down dough and let rise until doubled again, about 1 hour. Punch down dough and, using a pastry scraper or a sharp knife, divide into 12 pieces.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly butter top. Cupping your hand over and using your palm, roll each piece of dough on work surface into a ball and place on prepared baking sheet, spacing at least 2" apart (you need to leave enough room so that they're not touching after they've risen). Brush tops with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and cover loosely with plastic wrap; let rise until almost doubled in size, 20–30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 204°C.
Bake rolls until puffed and deep golden brown on the tops and bottoms, 15–20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool slightly before serving.
DO AHEAD: Rolls can be made 3 hours ahead. Reheat before serving, if desired.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
28 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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