Ah, dinner rolls—those little pillows of happiness, soft as a whisper and invitingly buttery. They remind me of my grandma’s kitchen, with the smell of freshly baked bread weaving through the air like a warm hug. Perfect for sopping up gravy or just devoured on their own, these rolls disappear faster than a viral TikTok dance—everyone wants a piece!
Steps
- Combine the yeast and 2 teaspoons of sugar with warm water in a medium bowl. Let this sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, the remaining sugar, and salt. Create a well in the middle and add milk, melted butter, beaten eggs, and the yeast mixture, including the froth.
- Stir the ingredients together using a wooden spoon until you achieve a thick, sticky dough resembling muffin batter. Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours until it triples in size.
- Once risen, prepare a baking tray with parchment paper. Deflate the dough by punching it and briefly mixing to remove bubbles. Transfer to a floured surface, shape into a log, and cut into 12 pieces.
- Form each piece into a ball by pressing down with your palm, gathering with your fingers, and rolling with the smooth side up. Place the balls on the tray, ensuring the smooth side is facing up.
- Spray the dough balls with oil, cover with cling wrap, and let them rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes until they increase by about 75% in size.
- Preheat the oven to 200C/390F (standard) or 180C/350F (fan/convection). Bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and they sound hollow when tapped.
- Once baked, brush the rolls with melted butter and transfer them to a cooling rack using the parchment overhang. Allow them to cool slightly before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dry yeast (9 grams)
- 1/4 cup caster or superfine sugar (can substitute with regular white sugar)
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cooking or 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
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3060cal | Total Fat: 92g | Saturated Fat: 52g | Cholesterol: 540mg | Sodium: 3600mg | Total Carbohydrates: 478g | Dietary Fiber: 16g | Sugars: 60g | Protein: 96g
FAQ
- Can I make these dinner rolls without any special equipment?
- Yes, these No Knead Dinner Rolls do not require a stand mixer or any other special equipment. You simply need to mix the ingredients in a bowl with a wooden spoon.
- How does the texture of No Knead Dinner Rolls compare to kneaded rolls?
- No Knead Dinner Rolls are soft and fluffy, much like traditional kneaded rolls. However, kneaded rolls might stay slightly more moist for a longer period, but both types are best consumed fresh.
- Can I prepare the dough in advance and bake later?
- Absolutely! You can shape the dough into rolls and refrigerate them overnight. They can then be baked fresh when you’re ready to serve.
- How can I ensure a golden surface on my dinner rolls?
- To achieve a smooth and golden surface, roll the sticky dough tightly into balls. You can press the dough lightly, bundle it up like a money bag, and flip it over to get a smooth top.
- What should I do if my yeast doesn’t froth?
- If your yeast doesn’t froth, it may not be active, which means your buns won’t rise. Make sure to use warm, not hot, water to activate the yeast.
Tips
- Proper Dough Rising: To ensure the dough rises effectively, place it in a warm environment. A simple trick is to run your empty dryer for a couple of minutes to warm it up, then let the dough rise inside. This can help achieve the desired rise in about 1.5 hours.
- Use Bread Flour for Best Results: While the recipe works with all-purpose flour, using bread flour can make the rolls slightly fluffier and more tender. If you have bread flour available, it’s worth considering for optimal texture.
- Forming Smooth Rolls: To get a nice, smooth surface on your rolls, press the dough down lightly, gather it into a ball, and flip it over to stretch the dough tightly over one side. This technique helps achieve a golden, smooth top when baked.
- Make Ahead Option: You can roll the dough into balls and refrigerate them overnight. This allows you to bake fresh rolls when you’re ready to serve, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
Equipment
- Baking Tray (9 x 13 inches) – A specific size tray is recommended for baking the rolls.
- Baking Paper (Parchment Paper) – Used to line the baking tray.
- Instant Read Thermometer – Useful to check the temperature of milk and water to ensure they are not too hot for yeast activation.
- Pastry Brush – For brushing melted butter on the rolls after baking.
- Kitchen Scale – For accurate measurements, especially for ingredients like flour and yeast.
