Oh, the smell of freshly baked bread—it’s like a warm hug for your senses, isn’t it? Soft and fluffy dinner rolls, they’re like little clouds of comfort on your plate.
I remember my grandmother used to make these every Sunday, and the whole house would be filled with that irresistible aroma. She always said the secret was in the kneading—though, let’s be honest, I often skipped steps in my own attempts.
But isn’t that the beauty of baking? Sometimes it’s a mess, sometimes it’s magic.
Anyway, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, these rolls are forgiving, delightful, and worth every bite. Perfect for Thanksgiving, or just a random Tuesday when you need a pick-me-up.
Let’s get baking and bring some warmth to the table—because who doesn’t need a little extra joy these days?
Steps
- Begin by mixing warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar in a large bowl. Let the mixture sit for five minutes to activate the yeast.
- Add the remaining sugar, egg, softened butter, salt, and one cup of flour to the bowl. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds, then gradually add the rest of the flour and mix until the dough is formed and pulls away from the sides.
- Knead the dough for five minutes by hand on a floured surface or using a mixer. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle small amounts of flour until it’s soft but manageable.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 14-16 pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in a greased baking pan.
- Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise for about one hour until they become puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, rotating the pan halfway through. Optionally, brush with melted butter and honey before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (such as Platinum Yeast from Red Star) or 1 standard packet
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 4 pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (390g) all-purpose flour or bread flour
- Optional topping: 2 tablespoons (28g) melted unsalted butter mixed with 1 tablespoon honey
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of milk for these dinner rolls?
- Yes, you can substitute whole milk with nondairy or low-fat milk. However, whole milk provides the best flavor and texture for the softest rolls.
- What type of yeast should I use, and can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
- You can use either active dry yeast or instant yeast for this recipe. If you choose active dry yeast, be aware that the rise times will be a bit longer compared to instant yeast.
- How can I prepare these rolls in advance?
- You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and shape the rolls. Then, cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 16 hours. Allow them to rise on the counter for 1-2 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze the shaped rolls and let them thaw and rise for about 4-5 hours before baking.
- What variations can I try with this dinner roll recipe?
- You can experiment with flavors by adding ingredients like rosemary, cheddar cheese, or garlic and herbs when mixing in the flour. These variations can add a unique twist to your dinner rolls.
- What should I do if my dough is too sticky to knead?
- If the dough is too sticky, add small amounts of flour (1 tablespoon at a time) until the dough becomes manageable. Be careful not to add too much flour, as you want the dough to remain soft and slightly tacky.
Tips
- Measure Flour Accurately: To avoid dense rolls, use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour. This prevents using too much flour, which can lead to heavier rolls.
- Choose the Right Dough: For the softest texture, opt for a rich dough which includes ingredients like milk, butter, and eggs. This differs from lean doughs that create crustier bread.
- Monitor Yeast Freshness: Ensure your yeast is fresh and not expired. This is crucial for the dough to rise properly, so always check the expiration date on the yeast package.
- Make-Ahead and Freezing Options: If you’re short on time, let the shaped rolls rise in the fridge overnight or freeze them. This allows you to bake fresh rolls at your convenience with minimal preparation.
Equipment
- Electric Stand Mixer
- Dough Hook Attachment
- 9×13-inch Glass Baking Pan
- Bench Scraper
- Pastry Brush
