Is there anything better than the smell of fresh bread baking? These easy homemade quick yeast dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. Soft, fluffy, and ready in no time, they’re ideal for those moments when you need a delicious bread option without the long wait. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty stew or using them to soak up gravy, these rolls are sure to be a hit at your table.
Steps
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixer bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, salt, egg, lukewarm water, softened butter, and sprinkle the instant yeast on top. Mix with a dough hook on low speed until the dough pulls away from the bowl’s sides, adding more flour if necessary. The dough should be soft yet not sticky, taking about 4 to 5 minutes to form.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Lightly coat a 12-inch skillet or a 9×13-inch pan with butter to avoid sticking.
- Form the Rolls: Divide the dough into 12 equal parts. Flatten each portion slightly with your palm, then fold the edges inward to form a ball. Tuck the seams underneath and shape them briefly before placing them in the prepared pan.
- Preheat and Rise: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to preheat. Meanwhile, cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let them rise in a warm spot for 8 to 10 minutes as the oven heats up.
- Bake the Rolls: Remove the towel and place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. Once removed from the oven, immediately brush them with melted butter for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lukewarm water (~110°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 3 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2172kcal | Carbohydrates: 312g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 72g | Saturated Fat: 48g | Cholesterol: 348mg | Sodium: 2424mg | Potassium: 576mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 2364IU | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 24mg
FAQ
- What is the key difference between instant yeast and active dry yeast in this recipe?
- Instant yeast can be mixed directly with the other ingredients without needing to be activated in warm water, unlike active dry yeast, which requires activation first. This allows for a quicker preparation time.
- How should water temperature be managed for the yeast to work effectively?
- Ensure the water is lukewarm, ideally between 95°F and 105°F. Water that is too cold won’t activate the yeast, while water that is too hot can kill it.
- What should I do if my dough is sticky?
- If your dough is sticky, especially in humid environments, gradually add more flour until the dough becomes soft and elastic. Add a little at a time to avoid making the dough too dry.
- How can I store these dinner rolls to keep them fresh?
- Allow the rolls to cool completely to room temperature before storing them in a large freezer bag, bread box, or airtight container. They can last up to 5 days at room temperature or 9 days in the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze these rolls, and if so, how should I do it?
- Yes, you can freeze both the unbaked and baked rolls. For unbaked rolls, shape them, cover well with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. For baked rolls, let them cool, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be thawed at room temperature or quickly warmed in the microwave.
Tips
- Use Lukewarm Water: Ensure your water is between 95°F and 105°F to activate the yeast effectively without killing it, which is crucial for a proper rise.
- Measure Flour Carefully: Start with 3 cups of flour and add more as needed, depending on your climate. Too much flour can make the rolls tough, so add gradually until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides.
- Shape Even Rolls: For uniformly sized rolls, weigh the entire dough and divide equally by 12. This ensures consistent baking and presentation.
- Store Properly: Allow rolls to cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for 9 days, and reheated briefly in the microwave if desired.
Equipment
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook Attachment – Useful for mixing the dough efficiently.
- 12-inch Skillet or 9×13-inch Baking Pan – Essential for baking the rolls.
- Kitchen Scale – Helpful if you want to weigh the dough to ensure evenly sized rolls.
- Oven Thermometer – To ensure your oven is at the correct temperature.
