Ah, the humble dinner roll—a staple at any table and the unsung hero of many meals. These soft and fluffy delights have a way of stealing the spotlight, don’t they? Like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, they wrap you in warmth and comfort, making everything feel just right. Whether you’re dipping them into a hearty stew or simply slathering them with butter, these rolls have a knack for making any gathering feel a little more special.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set the dish aside for later use.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine water, melted butter, milk, and honey. Heat the mixture in the microwave until it reaches 110°F, stirring every 15 seconds. Alternatively, use a saucepan to heat the mixture over medium-low heat.
- Pour the liquid mixture into a large bowl and sprinkle yeast on top. Stir briefly with a fork and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the yeast to activate and become foamy.
- Add 3 1/2 cups of flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a dough hook, mix on medium-low speed until combined, adding more flour if the dough is too sticky, until it pulls away from the bowl’s sides.
- Continue mixing on low speed for 4-5 minutes until the dough is smooth, then form it into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for 15 minutes.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them in the prepared baking dish. Cover again with a damp towel and allow the dough balls to rise for another 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the towel and bake the rolls for 15 minutes until they are lightly golden brown on top.
- Once baked, transfer the dish to a wire cooling rack and brush the tops with melted butter. Serve the rolls warm and enjoy.
Ingredients
- Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls:
- Water
- Milk (dairy or plant-based such as oat or almond)
- Melted butter
- Honey
- Active dry yeast (1 tablespoon)
- All-purpose flour (up to 4 cups)
- Salt
FAQ
- Can I prepare the dinner rolls ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After shaping the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Before baking, let them sit at room temperature for about 2 hours.
- What can I do if my yeast doesn’t activate?
- If your yeast doesn’t puff and bubble after 5 minutes, it might be expired. Check the expiration date and make sure your liquid ingredients are between 100-110°F. If the yeast still doesn’t activate, start fresh with new yeast.
- Can these dinner rolls be made vegan?
- Absolutely! Substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk and use vegan butter and a sweetener of your choice instead of honey to make these rolls vegan-friendly.
- What are some possible variations for these dinner rolls?
- You can add garlic powder for a garlicky taste, mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley, or incorporate cheese such as cheddar or Parmesan for a cheesy version.
- How should I knead the dough if I don’t have a stand mixer?
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, mix the dry ingredients into the dough by hand as much as possible. Then, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth, adding extra flour if necessary.
Tips
- Check Yeast Freshness: Ensure your yeast is not expired, as expired yeast can prevent the dough from rising properly. If the yeast doesn’t foam after adding it to the liquid ingredients, it might be time to start over with fresh yeast.
- Monitor Liquid Temperature: When warming your liquid ingredients, aim for a temperature between 100-110°F. If it’s too hot, it could kill the yeast, and if too cool, the yeast might not activate. Using a cooking thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
- Adhere to Rise Times: Don’t rush the rise times, as they are crucial for achieving the desired soft and fluffy texture of the rolls.
- Embrace Imperfection: When dividing the dough into rolls, don’t stress about making them perfectly even. Slightly varied sizes will still bake well together, so enjoy the process without worrying about perfection.
Equipment
- Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls recipe that you might need to purchase on Amazon:
- Stand mixer (with dough hook attachment)
- Cooking thermometer (to check the temperature of the liquid mixture)
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish
- Microwave-safe bowl (if not using a saucepan)
- Wire cooling rack
