There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh rolls baking in the oven. Soft and fluffy dinner rolls are a staple at any gathering, their golden crust and tender crumb perfect for soaking up gravies or spreading with butter. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, these rolls add a touch of warmth and comfort to any meal. Let’s explore a recipe that will make everyone reach for seconds.
Steps
- Combine warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar in your mixing bowl and let it sit covered for five minutes to activate the yeast.
- Add the remaining sugar, egg, butter, salt, and one cup of flour to the mixture. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until the dough pulls away from the bowl’s sides.
- Knead the dough for five minutes, either with a mixer or by hand on a floured surface, until it becomes soft and slightly sticky. Ensure the dough can pass the “windowpane test” to confirm it’s been kneaded enough.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides, then cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into 14-16 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in a greased baking pan.
- Cover the shaped rolls with a towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for about an hour until puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C), then bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown. Optionally, brush them with honey butter after baking and let them cool slightly before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (such as Platinum Yeast from Red Star)
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 4 pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (390g) all-purpose flour or bread flour (spooned and leveled)
- Optional topping: 2 Tablespoons (28g) melted unsalted butter mixed with 1 Tablespoon honey
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of milk in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute whole milk with non-dairy or low-fat milk. However, using whole milk will give the rolls a richer flavor and texture.
- What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
- No worries! You can mix the dough ingredients by hand using a large wooden spoon or silicone spatula. It might require a bit more effort, but it’s entirely doable without a stand mixer.
- How can I make the dough in advance?
- Prepare the dough, let it rise, and shape the rolls. Then, cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 16 hours. When you’re ready to bake, allow the rolls to rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours before putting them in the oven.
- Can these rolls be frozen for later use?
- Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped dough for up to 3 months. Once frozen, place them in a freezer bag. Thaw and let them rise for about 4-5 hours before baking. You can also freeze the baked rolls and reheat them as needed.
- What can I add to the rolls for extra flavor?
- You can enhance the rolls by mixing in ingredients such as chopped rosemary, shredded cheddar cheese, or a combination of dried herbs and garlic powder when you add the flour.
Tips
- Check the Yeast: Ensure your yeast is not expired for optimal rising. The expiration date can be found on the package, and using fresh yeast will prevent dense rolls.
- Accurate Flour Measurement: Properly measuring flour is essential to avoid dense rolls. Rather than scooping the flour directly from the bag, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Kneading Tips: To check if the dough is kneaded enough, perform the windowpane test. Stretch a small piece of dough until it’s thin enough for light to pass through. If it doesn’t tear, the dough is ready to rise.
- Make-Ahead and Freezing Options: For convenience, prepare and shape the rolls ahead of time. They can be refrigerated overnight or frozen for up to three months. Allow them to thaw and rise before baking.
Equipment
- Stand Mixer – Useful for mixing and kneading the dough with a paddle attachment or dough hook.
- Bench Scraper – Helpful for dividing and shaping the dough.
- Pastry Brush – For applying the optional honey butter topping.
- 9×13-inch Glass Baking Pan – Preferred for even browning of the rolls.
