Few things are as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen. These perfectly soft and buttery cloverleaf dinner rolls are a delight to both bake and eat. With their golden crust and tender crumb, they’re the ideal accompaniment to any meal. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these rolls transform any dinner into a special occasion.
Steps
- Dissolve the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in the warmed milk, and let it sit until foamy, which should take about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons of butter.
- In a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix the remaining sugar, flour, and salt. On low speed, add the foamy yeast mixture and the egg, kneading until the dry ingredients form a smooth dough, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Pour in the melted butter and continue kneading, increasing the speed to medium for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the dough is shiny and elastic. If the dough sticks, scrape it down into a ball, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
- Butter a 12-cup muffin tin. Turn the risen dough onto a work surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into 3 small balls, placing them in one muffin cup. Repeat for all 12 sections.
- Lightly cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap and let the dough rise until doubled again, 45 minutes to 1 hour. The rolls should look puffy and rebound slowly when pressed.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Uncover the rolls and brush them gently with the melted butter.
- Bake the rolls for 10 to 12 minutes until they are golden and puffed. Once out of the oven, brush them again with butter and sprinkle with salt. Serve the rolls warm.
Ingredients
- 1 package (¼ ounce/2¼ teaspoons/7 grams) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) whole milk, warmed to 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the pan
- 2 cups (255 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 large egg
Nutritional Values
Total nutritional values for the entire recipe: 1800 calories | 84 grams fat | 48 grams saturated fat | 0 grams trans fat | 24 grams monounsaturated fat | 0 grams polyunsaturated fat | 228 grams carbohydrates | 12 grams dietary fiber | 36 grams sugars | 36 grams protein | 1272 milligrams sodium.
FAQ
- Can I prepare the cloverleaf rolls in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time. Shape the dough into balls, place them in the muffin tin, and cover with plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator overnight. Before baking, allow the rolls to proof for about 30 minutes.
- What are some tips for handling the dough without it sticking?
- To prevent the dough from sticking to your hands during shaping, consider using a little canola oil on your hands. This will help manage the dough more easily.
- Can I substitute the butter in the recipe for a vegan alternative?
- Absolutely, you can use vegan butter as a substitute. Many people have had success using vegan butter, and it results in delicious rolls that complement a variety of meals, including vegan-friendly meals.
- Do these rolls freeze well?
- Yes, these cloverleaf rolls freeze beautifully. You can make them in advance, freeze them, and then reheat them for later use. This makes them a convenient make-ahead option for busy meal preparations.
- What should I do if my dough is sticky?
- If your dough is sticky, avoid adding extra flour. Instead, scrape down the sides of the bowl and form the dough into a neat ball. With proper kneading, the dough should become smooth and elastic.
- How can I enhance the flavor of the rolls if they seem bland?
- If you find the rolls to be bland, consider adding more salt or incorporating herbs or garlic into the dough. Another option is to use flavored butters or spreads to accompany the rolls when serving.
Tips
- Ensure Proper Proofing: Allow enough time for the dough to rise properly at each stage. The dough should double in size and appear puffy, which contributes to the rolls’ light texture.
- Handle Dough with Care: When shaping the dough into balls, use a little oil on your hands to prevent sticking, making it easier to form smooth, tight balls without adding extra flour.
- Serve Warm for Best Flavor: These rolls are at their most delicious when served warm. Consider reheating them just before serving if made in advance.
- Consider Make-Ahead Options: These rolls can be prepared up to the shaping stage and then refrigerated overnight. Allow them to proof at room temperature before baking, making them a convenient option for preparing ahead of time.
Equipment
- Stand mixer with a dough hook attachment
- Standard 12-cup muffin tin
