Ah, the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread—there’s nothing quite like it. These whole wheat dinner rolls are like a warm hug on a chilly evening, reminding me of family gatherings around the table, where everyone reaches for one more. They’re soft, easy, and impossible to resist—honestly, who can say no to homemade bread?
Steps
- Dissolve yeast in half a cup of warm water in a glass measuring cup. Stir and set aside.
- In a stand mixer, cream softened butter with honey using a paddle attachment.
- Add eggs to the mixture, scraping down the sides, then add warmed buttermilk and the yeast solution.
- Mix in 4½ cups of whole wheat flour and salt until combined, changing to a dough hook for kneading.
- Knead for 2-3 minutes, adding a little flour if needed, until the dough is not tacky to the touch.
- Cover the dough in the bowl with a towel and let it rise at room temperature for an hour.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead briefly, and let it rest covered for 3 minutes.
- Prepare a 13×9-inch pan by generously buttering the bottom and sides.
- Divide the dough into 24 pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
- Arrange the dough balls seam-side down in the buttered pan so they are touching.
- Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for another hour, preheating the oven to 350°F during the last 15 minutes.
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, rotating the pan halfway through for even baking.
- Brush the tops with softened butter immediately after removing from the oven.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before separating and serving. They can also be made ahead and frozen for later use.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup lukewarm buttermilk or milk
- 4½ to 5 cups whole wheat flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3240kcal | Carbohydrates: 472.8g | Protein: 86.4g | Fat: 112.8g | Saturated Fat: 64.8g | Cholesterol: 744mg | Sodium: 3456mg | Fiber: 19.2g | Sugar: 84g
FAQ
- Can you really make soft dinner rolls with only whole wheat flour?
- Yes, these dinner rolls are made entirely with whole wheat flour, without any all-purpose flour. The softness is achieved by using eggs, butter, and honey, which result in light and fluffy rolls.
- How should the dough feel when it’s ready to rise?
- The dough should be slightly sticky but not tacky to the touch. It may still stick to the mixing bowl but should not adhere to your fingers. This consistency ensures the rolls remain soft after baking.
- What if I add too much flour and the rolls turn out dense?
- Adding too much flour is a common mistake that leads to dense rolls. It’s important to only add enough flour to make the dough manageable, keeping it slightly sticky to ensure a light texture.
- Can I prepare these rolls in advance?
- Absolutely, you can prepare these rolls up to a month ahead of time. After baking, let them cool, and then freeze them in portions. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat in the oven.
- Is there a video tutorial available for this recipe?
- Yes, there is a video tutorial available that walks you through each step of making these dinner rolls. It’s especially helpful if you are new to baking bread and need visual guidance.
Tips
- Avoid Over-Kneading: Knead the dough only for a short duration—just enough to reduce stickiness without developing gluten excessively. Over-kneading can lead to dense rolls, so aim for a slightly sticky dough that doesn’t adhere to your fingers.
- Monitor Flour Addition: Be cautious with the amount of flour you add. The dough should remain soft and slightly sticky. Adding too much flour can result in heavy rolls, so only add small amounts as needed to achieve the right consistency.
- Proper Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise adequately, both in the bowl and in the pan. This ensures the rolls become light and fluffy. The dough doesn’t have to double in size during the first rise but should expand more in the pan.
- Preheat Oven on Time: Set your timer to remind you to preheat the oven about 15 minutes before the second rise is complete. This timing ensures the oven is at the right temperature when the rolls are ready to bake, promoting even browning.
Equipment
- Stand Mixer with Paddle and Dough Hook Attachments
- 13×9-inch Baking Dish
- Glass Measuring Cup
- Whisk
