Ah, the smell of freshly baked rolls, wafting through the house like a comforting hug from a loved one you haven’t seen in ages. There’s magic in the simplicity of flour, yeast, and butter coming together to create something so soft, so fluffy, it feels like biting into a cloud. Remember those warm Sunday dinners at Grandma’s, where these rolls were always the star, stealing the spotlight from even the fanciest roast?
Steps
- Combine dry yeast and a bit of sugar in a bowl and add warm water. Let the mixture sit for five minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, the remaining sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in milk, melted butter, beaten eggs, and the frothy yeast mixture.
- Stir the ingredients with a wooden spoon until you achieve a thick, sticky dough similar to muffin batter.
- Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel and place it in a warm spot to rise for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the dough has nearly tripled in size.
- Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough to remove air bubbles and shape it into a log on a floured surface.
- Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Form each piece into a ball by pressing it down and gathering it up into a smooth ball.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared tray, smooth side up, and cover them with oiled cling wrap. Allow them to rise in a warm area for an additional 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) for a conventional oven or 180°C (350°F) for a fan/convection oven.
- Bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and brush them with melted butter. Let them cool on a rack before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dry yeast
- 1/4 cup caster/superfine sugar (or regular white sugar)
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (cooking/kosher salt)
- 1 cup lukewarm milk (whole or low fat)
- 50 grams (3 1/2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 eggs, at room temperature, beaten with a fork
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3060cal | Total Fat: 112g | Saturated Fat: 67g | Cholesterol: 504mg | Sodium: 3480mg | Total Carbohydrates: 428g | Dietary Fiber: 14g | Sugars: 50g | Protein: 94g
FAQ
- What makes these No Knead Dinner Rolls unique?
- These rolls are incredibly easy to make, requiring no kneading, no stand mixer, and no special equipment. You just mix the ingredients in a bowl with a wooden spoon, making them perfect for those new to baking or short on time.
- Can I prepare the dough in advance?
- Yes, you can roll the dough into balls and refrigerate them overnight to bake fresh rolls when you’re ready to serve. This makes them a convenient option for entertaining or busy schedules.
- How do No Knead Dinner Rolls compare to traditional kneaded rolls?
- While kneaded rolls might retain moisture slightly better and rise a bit more, the difference is minimal. The No Knead rolls are still soft and fluffy, making them a great alternative with much less effort.
- What is the best way to ensure a golden surface on the rolls?
- To achieve a smooth, golden surface, press the dough down lightly, gather it like a money bag, flip it over, and roll it into a ball. This technique stretches the dough on one side for a nice finish.
- How should I store and reheat these rolls if I have leftovers?
- As with most homemade bread, these rolls are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, reheating them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in the oven at 160C/320F for 8 minutes will restore their softness and moisture.
Tips
- Ensure Proper Dough Rising: For faster rising, try placing the dough in a warm environment, such as an empty dryer that’s been run for a couple of minutes. This can help the dough rise in about 1.5 hours.
- Achieve a Smooth Roll Surface: To get a smooth and golden surface on your rolls, press the dough lightly, bundle it up like a money bag, and flip it over. This technique stretches the dough on one side for a sleek finish.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the rolls in advance by shaping them and refrigerating overnight. This allows you to bake fresh rolls just when you need them, saving time on the day of serving.
- Reheating for Freshness: If serving the rolls the next day, reheat them briefly in the microwave or oven to restore their softness and moisture, as homemade rolls tend to dry out without preservatives.
Equipment
- Baking Paper (Parchment Paper)
- 9 x 13-inch Baking Tray
