There’s something irresistibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. I remember the first time I made these dinner rolls; they were so fluffy, they practically floated off the tray. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into the world of homemade bread, these rolls are foolproof and bound to win over even the pickiest eaters.
Steps
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, salt, warm milk, butter, and egg. Attach the dough hook and mix on the lowest speed until the flour is blended in, scraping the bowl as needed.
- Increase the mixer’s speed to medium and continue mixing for 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of flour and mix until incorporated. Repeat with another 1/2 cup of flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms and pulls away from the bowl’s edges.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, gently punch down the dough to deflate it.
- Pinch off pieces of dough and form 24 rolls, optionally weighing them for uniformity. Arrange the rolls on a greased quarter baking sheet or a 9 x 13 baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Bake the rolls for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown. If needed, cover rolls with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Once out of the oven, brush the hot rolls with melted butter. Serve immediately or store cooled rolls in a plastic bag for up to 3 days.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons rapid-rise or instant yeast
- ? cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups warm milk (around 110°F)
- 5 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1776kcal | Carbohydrates: N/A | Protein: N/A | Fat: 96g | Saturated Fat: 48g | Cholesterol: 408mg | Sodium: 3264mg | Potassium: N/A | Sugar: 72g | Vitamin A: 3360IU | Calcium: 480mg | Iron: N/A
FAQ
- How can I ensure my yeast activates properly when making dinner rolls?
- It’s essential to check the temperature of the milk used to activate the yeast. Aim for a temperature between 100-110°F. You can warm the milk in the microwave using a glass measuring cup and verify the temperature with a digital thermometer. If the milk overheats, let it cool down to the appropriate range before proceeding.
- What are some tips for achieving evenly sized dinner rolls?
- To ensure even baking, make your rolls uniform in size. One method is to pat the dough into a rectangle about 8 x 12 inches, then cut it into 24 equal pieces. Weighing the dough pieces with a kitchen scale can also help maintain consistency.
- How do I prevent my dinner rolls from browning too much during baking?
- If you notice the rolls beginning to brown more than desired before they are fully baked, cover them with a piece of foil. This will prevent further browning while allowing the rolls to continue baking.
- Can I make dinner rolls ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. Before baking, let the rolls sit at room temperature for about an hour, then bake as directed.
- What’s the best way to store leftover dinner rolls?
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze the rolls for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, or place them in a freezer-safe ziploc bag.
Tips
- Measure Ingredients in Advance: Before starting, ensure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. This allows for a smooth process, as you can simply mix everything together without interruptions.
- Check Milk Temperature: The milk needs to be between 100-110°F to properly activate the yeast. Use a thermometer to confirm the temperature, ensuring it’s not too hot or too cold, which could inhibit yeast activation.
- Ensure Consistent Roll Size: To ensure even baking, make all rolls the same size. Consider using a kitchen scale to weigh the dough pieces for uniformity.
- Prevent Over-Browning: If the rolls start to brown too quickly before they are fully baked, cover them with foil to prevent further browning while allowing them to finish cooking.
Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Digital thermometer
- Kitchen scale (optional)
- Quarter sheet pan
- Glass measuring cup
