Ah, the aroma of freshly baked bread—it’s like a warm hug from the past, isn’t it? There’s something undeniably magical about the transformation of simple ingredients into something as delightful as a soft dinner roll.
It’s as if each roll tells a story, whispering tales of family gatherings, holiday feasts, and cozy evenings spent by the fire. I remember the first time I tried to bake rolls; let’s just say they were more suitable for a game of catch than for dinner.
But fear not! This recipe has been honed to perfection, ensuring each roll is as fluffy as a cloud.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, these rolls are your ticket to bread bliss. Picture this:
a basket of these beauties, warm and inviting, sitting on your holiday table. They might even steal the spotlight from the turkey.
But isn’t that the magic of homemade bread? It demands attention and love—like a beloved pet or the latest viral cat video.
So, gather your ingredients and let’s get baking. Your taste buds will thank you.
Steps
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3 cups of flour with yeast, sugar, salt, warm milk, butter, and an egg. Attach the dough hook and mix on the lowest speed until the flour is incorporated, scraping the bowl’s sides as needed.
- Increase the mixer’s speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup flour, mixing until incorporated, and repeat with another 1/2 cup flour, continuing to mix for 2 minutes until a dough ball forms. Add more flour if necessary until the dough is slightly sticky and pulls away from the bowl’s edge.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise at room temperature for 30 minutes. After rising, gently punch down the dough to deflate it.
- Pinch off pieces of dough to form 24 rolls, ensuring they are roughly the same size. Place the rolls on a lightly greased baking sheet or dish, cover again, and let them rise for another 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls for 12 to 15 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. If the tops brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
- Once out of the oven, brush the hot rolls with melted butter for a glossy finish. Serve immediately or store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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 (110°F)
- 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: N/A | Sugar: 72g | Vitamin A: 3360IU | Calcium: 480mg | Iron: 7.2mg
FAQ
- Can I make these dinner rolls ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise and then cover and refrigerate them overnight. Make sure to bring them to room temperature for about an hour before baking as directed.
- How should I store leftover dinner rolls?
- Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you wish to keep them for longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place them in a freezer-safe, airtight bag.
- What should I do if the rolls are browning too quickly in the oven?
- If you notice the rolls starting to brown too quickly before they are fully baked, cover them with a piece of foil to prevent further browning.
- Why is the temperature of the milk important in this recipe?
- The milk must be warmed to between 100-110°F to properly activate the yeast. If the milk is too hot, it could kill the yeast, preventing the rolls from rising properly.
- Can I freeze the dinner rolls?
- Yes, you can freeze the dinner rolls. Once they have cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or transfer them to a freezer-safe, airtight bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Tips
- Pre-measure Ingredients: To streamline the process, have all ingredients pre-measured and ready to go before you start mixing. This allows for a seamless workflow and ensures you can quickly add everything to the mixer without interruption.
- Ensure Proper Yeast Activation: The milk needs to be between 100-110°F to properly activate the yeast. Use a digital thermometer to check the temperature after warming it in the microwave. If it’s too hot, let it cool down to prevent killing the yeast.
- Even Dough Portions: For uniform rolls that bake evenly, shape the dough into a rectangle and cut it into equal pieces. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure each roll is the same size, promoting consistent baking.
- Monitor Baking Color: Check the rolls after 12 minutes of baking. If they are browning too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent over-browning. Aim for a golden brown finish, and always check a center roll to confirm they are fully baked.
Equipment
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Digital thermometer
- Kitchen scale (optional)
- Quarter sheet pan
