Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the house—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. These dinner rolls? They’re the cloud-like pillows your meal has been waiting for, a sensation akin to the first sip of morning coffee. I remember last Thanksgiving, my aunt brought a batch, and let’s just say, they vanished faster than anyone could say “pass the gravy!
Steps
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast. Add the remaining sugar, egg, butter, salt, and a cup of flour, then mix using a dough hook or paddle attachment.
- Mix and Knead: Gradually add the rest of the flour and mix until the dough forms and pulls away from the bowl sides. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, adding small amounts of flour if necessary to maintain a soft texture.
- First Rise: Grease a bowl with oil or spray, place the dough inside, and cover it. Let the dough rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into 14-16 pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls again and let them rise until they become puffy, which usually takes about 1 hour.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the rack lower. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time.
- Cooling and Serving: After removing the rolls from the oven, optionally brush them with honey butter for added flavor. Let the rolls cool slightly before serving them warm.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 standard packet)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 4 pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (390g) all-purpose flour or bread flour, spooned and leveled
- Optional topping: 2 tablespoons (28g) melted unsalted butter mixed with 1 tablespoon honey
FAQ
- Can I prepare the dinner rolls ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape the rolls and cover them tightly. Refrigerate for up to 16 hours. About 3 hours before you plan to bake them, let them rise on the counter for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, you can freeze the shaped rolls for up to 3 months and thaw them before baking.
- What type of yeast should I use for these rolls?
- You can use either active dry yeast or instant yeast. Using active dry yeast will result in slightly longer rise times. Instant yeast, like Red Star’s Platinum Yeast, is recommended for its quicker rise and added dough improvers.
- What is the best type of milk to use for soft dinner rolls?
- Whole milk is recommended for the best flavor and texture. However, you can also use nondairy or low-fat milk if necessary.
- Can I customize the flavor of the dinner rolls?
- Absolutely! You can mix in ingredients like fresh or dried rosemary, shredded cheddar cheese, or a blend of garlic powder and dried herbs when you add the flour for different flavors.
- What should I do if my dough is too sticky during kneading?
- If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a small amount of flour (1 teaspoon at a time) onto the dough or work surface until it becomes manageable. Be careful not to add too much flour, as you want the dough to remain soft and slightly tacky.
Tips
- Use Whole Milk for Best Results: While you can use nondairy or low-fat milk, opting for whole milk will give your dinner rolls a richer flavor and softer texture.
- Knead Until Smooth and Elastic: Proper kneading is crucial for soft dinner rolls. Whether using a mixer or kneading by hand, ensure the dough is smooth and slightly tacky. Perform the “windowpane test” to check if the dough is ready.
- Allow Adequate Rise Time: Ensure the dough has enough time to rise in a warm environment, both during the first and second rises. This helps achieve the desired fluffy texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add variety by incorporating ingredients such as rosemary, cheddar, or garlic and herbs into the dough. These variations can enhance the flavor profile of your rolls.
Equipment
- Electric Stand Mixer – Useful for mixing and kneading the dough efficiently.
- Dough Hook or Paddle Attachment – If you’re using a stand mixer, these attachments are necessary for mixing bread dough.
- 9×13-inch Glass Baking Pan – Preferred for baking the rolls evenly without browning too quickly.
- Bench Scraper – Helpful for dividing and shaping the dough.
- Pastry Brush – Useful for applying the honey butter topping evenly on the rolls.
