Cloverleaf Rolls

These soft and buttery cloverleaf rolls bake up golden and fluffy with a signature three-leaf shape. They’re great paired with many kinds of meals.

You might also want to try sourdough bread, Irish soda bread, cheddar and chive rolls, French bread rolls, and lemon sweet rolls.

Why You’ll Love It           

Soft and fluffy texture: Each roll bakes up light airy and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Beautiful presentation: The signature three-leaf shape looks impressive but is simple to make.
Buttery flavor: Every bite delivers that rich, comforting taste of homemade bread.
Perfect for gatherings: These rolls pair with everything from roast dinners to soups and stews.

Homemade Cloverleaf Rolls Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Milk: Adds moisture and richness for soft tender rolls.
Butter: Gives the rolls their signature rich flavor and golden color.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness.
Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise evenly and ensures a soft fluffy texture.
Egg: Contributes structure and enhances the golden crust.
Bread flour: Provides strength and chewiness for perfectly fluffy rolls.
Egg wash: Brushed on top of the homemade dinner rolls for shine and color.
Nonstick cooking spray: To grease the bowl.

How to Make Cloverleaf Dinner Rolls

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Mix the wet ingredients: Combine milk, softened butter, sugar, yeast and egg in a stand mixer bowl.
Add the dry ingredients: Mix in flour and salt then knead in a stand mixer until smooth and elastic.
Let the dough rise: Transfer into a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow it to double in size for about an hour or hour and a half.
Shape the rolls: Divide dough into 36 balls and add 3 to each muffin cup in your muffin pan.
Second rise: Cover lightly and let them puff up before baking.
Brush and bake: Add egg wash and bake until golden brown.
Finish: Brush baked rolls with melted butter if liked and cool slightly in the muffin tin before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Flour options: You can substitute part of the bread flour with all-purpose flour for a softer texture.
Dairy-free version: Replace milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend formulated for yeast breads.
Flavor twists: Add garlic powder or shredded cheese for a savory variation.
Active dry yeast: Can be used instead of instant yeast. You’ll need to proof this type of yeast in warm milk until bubbly before mixing in.

Serving Suggestions

As an appetizer: Serve cloverleaf rolls warm, with honey butter or cinnamon butter. Hot honey is another idea!
With soup: Enjoy these clover rolls with a bowl of hamburger soup or butternut squash soup.  
With stew: I love them with Irish lamb stew and beef stew.
With another dish: They’re also great with pork chops Italiano, steak marsala and Tuscan marry me salmon.
With jam: Try cherry jam, raspberry jam or blueberry jam on the buttered rolls.

How to Store Old Fashioned Cloverleaf Rolls

Store: Keep cooled rolls in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5.
Freeze: Freeze cooled rolls in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Thaw: Let thaw at room temperature until soft.
Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until heated through.