Ah, the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread—there’s simply nothing quite like it. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen, where I first learned about the magic of yeast and dough.
Those warm, fluffy dinner rolls she made were more than just bread—they were little clouds of happiness that seemed to melt away the worries of the day. And speaking of clouds, have you ever watched the sky at sunset, when the sunlight dances through the clouds, painting them in hues of orange and pink?
It’s kind of like the feeling you get from the first bite of a perfectly soft roll. But I digress.
Nowadays, the world is a whirlwind of new flavors and culinary trends, yet these classic rolls remain timeless, much like the comforting embrace of an old, familiar song. Whether it’s a grand holiday feast or a simple weeknight meal, these soft and fluffy rolls find a way to steal the show, leaving everyone at the table in awe.
So, if you’re ready to bring a little slice of heaven to your next dinner, grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow the mixture to rest for about 8 minutes until it becomes bubbly.
- Incorporate the beaten egg, softened unsalted butter, and salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually add all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms that is not sticky.
- Knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes or use a stand mixer for 5 minutes. Divide the dough into 18 equal portions and shape each into a ball.
- Arrange the dough balls in a greased baking pan and cover with parchment paper and a kitchen towel. Let them rise in a warm place for 10 minutes, or up to an additional 30 minutes if time permits.
- Lightly brush the dough balls with room-temperature milk. Bake them on the middle oven rack for 10-12 minutes, or until they are just golden brown.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- ? cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 to 4 cups all-purpose flour (closer to 3 cups usually used)
- ? cup milk, at room temperature
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2412 | Carbohydrates: 342g | Protein: 54g | Fat: 90g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 198mg | Sodium: 1368mg | Potassium: 576mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 54g | Vitamin A: 648IU | Calcium: 126mg | Iron: 18mg
FAQ
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. You may not need to let it sit and become bubbly, as instant yeast can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients.
- How do I store leftover dinner rolls?
- If you have any rolls left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for a day or two. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
- Can I make these dinner rolls ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After forming the rolls, cover them and refrigerate. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise for a few minutes before baking.
- What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
- If your dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft and manageable. Be careful not to add too much flour, as it can make the rolls dense.
- Can I add herbs or cheese to the rolls?
- Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor of the rolls by mixing in herbs or grated cheese into the dough before kneading. This can give your rolls a delicious twist.
Tips
- Ensure your yeast is active by allowing it to sit in the warm water mixture until it becomes bubbly, which should take about 8 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the desired rise in your rolls.
- When adding flour to your dough, do so gradually, one cup at a time, to achieve a soft but not sticky consistency. This will help you knead the dough more effectively and result in fluffier rolls.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for at least 10 minutes, but if you have extra time, let it rise for up to an additional 30 minutes. This will enhance the texture and flavor of the rolls.
- Before baking, lightly brush the rolls with milk. This helps achieve a beautiful golden brown color on the rolls’ exterior.
Equipment
- Minute Dinner Rolls recipe, focusing on items you might not normally have at home and might need to purchase:
- Stand mixer – If you don’t have one, a stand mixer can be very useful for kneading dough quickly and effectively.
- 9×13 or 10×15 baking pan – Depending on how many rolls you want to make, a specific size baking pan might be necessary.
- Parchment paper – Useful for lining the baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Kitchen scale – Helpful for dividing dough into evenly-sized pieces, ensuring consistent roll sizes.
