Ah, the joy of homemade dinner rolls—the kind that evoke memories of family gatherings, where the aroma of freshly baked bread could make even the most distracted member of the clan pause and smile. Imagine the softest clouds, cradling a gentle warmth as you tear them apart, revealing their fluffy insides. It’s like a hug on a plate, and honestly, who couldn’t use more of those?
Steps
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3 cups of flour with yeast, sugar, salt, warm milk, softened butter, and an egg. Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until the flour is incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed. Increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup of flour and continue mixing with the dough hook until combined. Add another 1/2 cup of flour and repeat, mixing for another 2 minutes at medium speed until a dough ball forms. If needed, add more flour to achieve a slightly sticky and soft dough that pulls away from the bowl’s edge.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it 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, aiming for consistency in size by weighing them if desired. My rolls were approximately 2 ounces each, but this may vary based on the flour used.
- Arrange the rolls on a lightly greased quarter baking sheet or a 9 x 13 baking dish. Cover again with a towel or plastic wrap 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 thoroughly cooked. If the rolls start browning too quickly, cover them with foil.
- Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter. Serve while hot, or store cooled rolls in a plastic bag for up to 3 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 (around 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, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. Simply take them out of the fridge about an hour before baking to bring them to room temperature and then bake as instructed.
- How should I store leftover dinner rolls?
- Leftover rolls should be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They can also be frozen for up to three months; just ensure they are tightly wrapped in plastic and foil, or stored in a freezer-safe, airtight bag.
- What should I do if my rolls are browning too quickly in the oven?
- If you notice the rolls are getting too brown before they are fully baked, you can place a piece of foil over the top to prevent further browning until they are done.
- Do I need any special equipment to make these dinner rolls?
- While not strictly necessary, a stand mixer with a dough hook, a digital thermometer, and a kitchen scale can make the process easier and ensure consistent results. A quarter sheet pan or a 9 x 13 baking dish is also recommended for baking.
- Can these rolls be used for meals other than dinner?
- Absolutely! These versatile rolls are perfect for breakfast, lunch, snacks, or even as sandwich buns, thanks to their soft, fluffy texture and slight sweetness.
Tips
- Measure Ingredients in Advance: Before starting, measure all your ingredients and have them ready. This helps streamline the process since you can quickly add everything to the mixer without pausing to measure each component.
- Monitor Milk Temperature: Ensure the milk is between 100-110°F before adding it to the yeast. This temperature is crucial to activate the yeast without killing it. Use a thermometer for accuracy, and if the milk overheats, let it cool down to the appropriate temperature.
- Uniform Roll Sizes: For even baking, make sure all rolls are the same size. Roll the dough into a rectangle and cut it into equal portions. A kitchen scale can help ensure each roll is uniform in weight, leading to consistent baking results.
- Cover Rolls During Baking: Check the rolls at around 12 minutes into baking. If they are browning too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning while ensuring they bake thoroughly inside.
Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Digital thermometer
- Kitchen scale (optional)
- Quarter sheet pan
- Glass measuring cup
