Ah, the simple joy of tearing into a soft, fluffy dinner roll—it’s like a warm hug from a cloud. These rolls are the culinary equivalent of a favorite sweater, cozy and comforting, inviting you to savor every bite. I remember stumbling upon a similar recipe when I was trying to impress my friends at a holiday dinner; the rolls were gone in a flash, but the memory lingers.
Steps
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Cover the bowl and let it sit for about 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the remaining sugar, egg, butter, salt, and 1 cup of flour to the yeast mixture. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds with a mixer, then scrape the bowl’s sides and add the rest of the flour. Continue beating on medium speed until the dough forms and pulls away from the bowl, about 2 minutes.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes, or keep it in the mixer and beat for an additional 5 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle small amounts of flour until it is soft and slightly sticky but manageable.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl, place the dough in it, and turn it to coat all sides. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 14-16 pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball. Arrange the balls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls with a towel or plastic wrap. Allow them to rise until they become puffy, about 1 hour.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the rolls on a lower oven rack for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until they are golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and brush with honey butter if desired. Let them cool slightly before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to approximately 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 (56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and divided into 4 pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (390g) all-purpose or bread flour, measured by spooning and leveling
- Optional topping: 2 tablespoons (28g) melted unsalted butter mixed with 1 tablespoon honey
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of yeast?
- Yes, you can use either active dry yeast or instant yeast for this recipe. Keep in mind that if you’re using active dry yeast, the rise times may be slightly longer compared to instant yeast. Platinum Yeast from Red Star is recommended for its blend of instant yeast with natural dough improvers.
- What type of flour should I use?
- You can use either all-purpose flour or bread flour in this recipe. All-purpose flour is more readily available for most people, but bread flour will yield chewier dinner rolls. Both types will result in soft and fluffy rolls, so you can choose based on your preference.
- How can I make the dough ahead of time?
- To make the dough ahead of time, shape the rolls and cover them tightly before refrigerating for up to 15 hours. When you’re ready to bake, allow the rolls to rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours before placing them in the oven. Alternatively, you can freeze the shaped rolls and thaw them for 4-5 hours before baking.
- How should I store leftover rolls?
- Store any leftover dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy them warm, reheat them in a 300°F (149°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
- Can I add flavors to the dinner rolls?
- Certainly! You can enhance your dinner rolls by mixing in ingredients like rosemary, cheddar cheese, or garlic and herbs when you add the flour. These variations can add a delightful twist to the classic dinner roll.
Tips
- Use Whole Milk for Best Results: For the softest and most flavorful dinner rolls, opt for whole milk, as it enhances both texture and taste compared to lower-fat or non-dairy alternatives.
- Knead Until Just Right: When kneading the dough, aim for a soft and slightly sticky consistency. Perform the “windowpane test” by stretching a small piece of dough until thin enough to let light through without tearing. This ensures the dough has been kneaded sufficiently.
- Plan Ahead for Convenience: If time is tight, prepare the dough and shape the rolls ahead of time. Let them rise, then refrigerate overnight. Allow the rolls to come to room temperature and rise before baking to enjoy freshly baked rolls without the rush.
- Vary the Flavors: Add excitement to your dinner rolls by mixing in ingredients like rosemary, cheddar, or garlic and herbs when incorporating the flour. This simple addition can transform your rolls into a flavorful treat.
Equipment
- Electric Stand Mixer – Helpful for mixing and kneading the dough, especially if you want to avoid mixing by hand.
- Dough Hook Attachment – Often used with a stand mixer for kneading bread dough.
- Paddle Attachment – Used with a stand mixer for initial mixing.
- 9×13-inch Glass Baking Pan – Preferred for baking the rolls as it helps prevent them from browning too quickly.
- Bench Scraper – Useful for dividing and handling the dough.
- Pastry Brush – For applying melted butter or honey butter topping on the rolls.
