Ah, the smell of fresh bread wafting through the house. Is there anything quite as comforting? It reminds me of lazy Sunday afternoons at my grandmother’s.
She’d always have a batch of dinner rolls baking, their golden tops peeking through the oven window like little suns. It’s like a hug in food form—soft, warm, and inviting. Perfect for mopping up gravy or just savoring with a pat of butter.
And let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling apart a roll that’s still steaming hot. So, if you’re ready to create some magic in your kitchen, these dinner rolls are your ticket to bread bliss. Grab your apron (and maybe your phone to snap a pic for Instagram), because these rolls are about to steal the show at your dinner table!
Steps
- Begin by combining warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar in a mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit covered for about 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
- Add the remaining sugar, egg, butter, salt, and one cup of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a dough hook or paddle attachment on low speed for 30 seconds, then incorporate the rest of the flour, mixing until the dough pulls away from the bowl’s sides.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes either by continuing with the mixer or by hand on a lightly floured surface. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky; add flour sparingly if needed. Perform the windowpane test to ensure sufficient kneading.
- Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 14-16 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking pan.
- Cover the shaped rolls and allow them to rise for about an hour until puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C), positioning the rack in the lower part to prevent burning.
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown. Optionally, brush them with honey butter after removing them from the oven, then let them cool slightly before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to approximately 110°F (43°C)
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (like Platinum Yeast from Red Star), equivalent to one standard packet
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and divided 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 combined with 1 tablespoon honey
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of flour for these dinner rolls?
- Yes, you can use either all-purpose flour or bread flour for this recipe. All-purpose flour is more convenient for most people, but bread flour will give you chewier rolls. Both options will result in soft and fluffy dinner rolls.
- What kind of yeast should I use, and how does it affect the rise time?
- You can use either active dry yeast or instant yeast. If you choose active dry yeast, expect slightly longer rise times. The recipe recommends using Platinum Yeast from Red Star, which is an instant yeast with natural dough improvers for better results.
- Can I prepare the rolls in advance for a special occasion?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, shape the rolls, and then refrigerate them for up to 16 hours. Before baking, allow them to rise at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. This option is ideal for planning ahead for events like Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.
- How can I freeze the dinner rolls for later use?
- To freeze the rolls, shape them and place them in a greased baking pan. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use them, let the rolls thaw and rise for about 4-5 hours before baking. You can also freeze already baked rolls; just thaw them at room temperature or in the fridge before reheating.
- What are some variations I can try with this dinner roll recipe?
- You can add different flavors by mixing in ingredients like chopped rosemary, shredded cheddar cheese, or a blend of dried herbs and garlic powder. These variations can add a unique twist to your dinner rolls.
Tips
- Ensure Proper Yeast Activation: Use warm milk at about 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast effectively. If the milk is too hot, it might kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
- Kneading Tips: If you’re kneading by hand, make sure to work the dough on a lightly floured surface for at least 5 minutes. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it becomes too sticky, add flour a teaspoon at a time to maintain the right consistency.
- Shape Uniform Rolls: When shaping the dough into rolls, aim for uniform size by dividing the dough into 14-16 equal pieces. This helps ensure even baking and a consistent texture across all the rolls.
- Make Ahead and Freeze: To save time, you can prepare the rolls in advance. After shaping, freeze them in a baking pan, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw and allow them to rise before baking for freshly baked rolls whenever needed.
Equipment
- Electric Stand Mixer – Useful for mixing and kneading dough efficiently.
- Dough Hook or Paddle Attachment – Attachments for the stand mixer to aid in the dough preparation.
- Bench Scraper – Helpful for cutting and dividing dough.
- Pastry Brush – Used for brushing the tops of the rolls with butter or honey butter.
- 9×13-inch Glass Baking Pan – Preferred for baking rolls to avoid quick browning, although metal pans can also be used with caution.
- Silicone Spatula – Useful for mixing and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
