Description
Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls
Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
For Brushing:
2 tablespoons melted butter
Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Add the melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix well.
3. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a greased baking tray.
7. Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Brush the hot rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect rolls every time. After activating the yeast in step 1, ensure your wet and dry ingredients are fully incorporated before kneading. Kneading is crucial: aim for a smooth, non-sticky dough that springs back when poked. During the first rise, a warm, draft-free spot is key. When shaping, roll each portion on the counter under a cupped hand to create tight, smooth balls for the best texture. The second rise is complete when the rolls look puffy and hold a slight indentation when gently pressed.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile rolls are perfect for any meal. Serve them warm with softened butter or flavored honey butter. For holiday dinners, offer them alongside gravy for dipping. They make excellent sliders for pulled pork or mini burgers. For breakfast, split and toast them, then top with jam. Leftover rolls can be used for bread pudding or torn into pieces for a luxurious homemade croutons.
How-to Summary
To summarize, you will: 1) Activate yeast in warm milk and sugar. 2) Mix in butter, egg, and salt. 3) Incorporate flour to form a dough. 4) Knead until smooth and elastic. 5) Let the dough rise until doubled. 6) Shape into balls and place on a tray. 7) Allow a second rise. 8) Bake at 375°F until golden. 9) Brush with butter and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry? Yes. You can mix instant yeast directly with the dry flour, skipping the initial activation step. The rising times may be slightly faster.
How do I know if my milk is the right temperature? It should feel warm to the touch, like bath water, between 105°F and 115°F (40°C-46°C). Too hot will kill the yeast.
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely. After shaping the rolls, cover the tray tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, let them sit at room temp for 1 hour, then bake.
Why are my rolls dense? This is usually due to over-measuring flour (always spoon and level), old/expired yeast, or not allowing enough time for the dough to rise fully.
Can I freeze the baked rolls? Yes. Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in a warm oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot milk that kills the yeast.
- Packing the flour into the measuring cup, which leads to too much flour and dry rolls.
- Not kneading the dough long enough to develop gluten, resulting in poor structure.
- Placing the dough in a cold area to rise, which drastically slows fermentation.
- Overbaking, which dries out the rolls. Remove them as soon as they are golden brown.
Conclusion
Mastering these soft and fluffy dinner rolls is a rewarding baking achievement. By following the detailed steps, avoiding common pitfalls, and using the provided tips, you can consistently produce a beautiful, buttery centerpiece for your table. Their irresistible warmth and texture are sure to make them a requested favorite for every gathering.