Ah, the humble dinner roll—so simple, yet so profoundly satisfying. These soft, fluffy delights are like little clouds on your plate, perfect for mopping up gravy or just enjoying solo, warm from the oven. I remember the first time I managed to bake a batch that didn’t resemble hockey pucks; it felt like a small victory.
Steps
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, salt, warm milk, butter, and egg. Attach the dough hook, mix on low speed until the flour is incorporated, and scrape down the bowl sides as needed.
- Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat the mixture for 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of flour, blend with the dough hook until incorporated, then add another 1/2 cup and repeat, mixing at medium speed until a dough ball forms.
- If necessary, add more flour to achieve a slightly sticky and soft dough that pulls away from the bowl’s edge. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to deflate it. Pinch off portions to form 24 rolls, weighing each if desired to ensure uniform size.
- Place the rolls on a greased quarter baking sheet or a 9 x 13 baking dish, cover, and let them rise at room temperature for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 12 to 15 minutes or until they are golden brown. If they brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter. Serve warm or store in a plastic bag for up to three days.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of rapid rise or instant yeast
- 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 1/2 cups of warm milk (about 110 degrees Fahrenheit)
- 5 tablespoons of softened butter
- 1 egg at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1776kcal | Carbohydrates: 168g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 96g | Saturated Fat: 48g | Cholesterol: 408mg | Sodium: 3264mg | Potassium: 888mg | Sugar: 72g | Vitamin A: 3360IU | Calcium: 480mg | Iron: 7.2mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare the dinner rolls in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. Before baking, remove them from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. Then, bake as directed.
- What should I do if the rolls start browning too quickly in the oven?
- If the rolls begin to brown too fast, simply cover them with a piece of foil to prevent further browning while they continue to bake.
- How should I store leftover dinner rolls?
- Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you wish to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or placing them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag.
- What is the best way to ensure my yeast activates properly?
- Ensure your milk is between 100-110°F before mixing it with the yeast. Use a digital thermometer to check the temperature. If the milk is too hot, allow it to cool to the correct temperature to avoid killing the yeast.
- Do I need any special equipment to make these dinner rolls?
- While not strictly necessary, using a stand mixer with a dough hook can simplify the process. A digital thermometer, kitchen scale, and a glass measuring cup can also be helpful for precise measurements and temperature checks.
Tips
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: To streamline the process, measure all ingredients before starting. This allows you to quickly combine them in the mixer without any delays.
- Monitor Milk Temperature: Ensure the milk is between 100-110°F to activate the yeast properly. Use a thermometer for accuracy, and if the milk is too hot, let it cool before proceeding.
- Ensure Consistent Roll Sizes: For even baking, make sure each roll is the same size. Form the dough into a rectangle and cut evenly, or use a kitchen scale to weigh each piece.
- Protect Rolls from Over-Browning: If rolls are browning too quickly in the oven, cover them with foil to prevent further darkening while they finish baking.
Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Digital thermometer
- Kitchen scale (optional)
- Quarter sheet pan
- Glass measuring cup
