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Buttery Dinner Rolls: A Homemade Delight

This recipe focuses on creating the perfect buttery dinner rolls. We’ll guide you through each step, from gathering simple ingredients to achieving that golden-brown, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This article includes a detailed ingredient list, easy-to-follow instructions, a recipe card for quick reference, a nutrition card highlighting key nutritional information, and answers to frequently asked questions about making dinner rolls. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll find everything you need to bake the most delicious, comforting dinner rolls at home.

Ingredients: The Key to Perfect Rolls

The quality of your ingredients plays a vital role in the outcome of your dinner rolls. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-Purpose Flour: 3 1/4 cups (390g), plus more for dusting. Flour provides the structure for your rolls.
• Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g), one packet. Yeast is what makes the rolls rise and gives them their airy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons (25g). Sugar feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g). Salt enhances the flavor and controls the yeast activity.
• Warm Milk: 1 cup (240ml), heated to 110-115°F (43-46°C). Warm milk activates the yeast and adds moisture.
• Water: 1/4 cup (60ml), heated to 110-115°F (43-46°C). Water also helps activate the yeast.
• Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (57g), melted, plus 2 tablespoons (28g), melted, for brushing. Butter adds richness and flavor.
• Egg: 1 large. The egg adds richness, color, and structure.

Preparing the Dough: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Mixing to Baking

Now it’s time to bring everything together and create those beautiful, buttery rolls:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the melted butter (1/4 cup), egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or the dough hook attachment of your stand mixer until combined.
3. Gradually Add Flour: Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough comes together and is slightly sticky.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6-8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5-7 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but not overly sticky.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball by tucking the edges underneath.
7. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
8. Bake the Rolls: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining melted butter (2 tablespoons).
10. Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool in the baking dish for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Dinner Rolls

• Use a Thermometer: Ensure your milk and water are within the correct temperature range (110-115°F) to activate the yeast properly.
• Don’t Over Knead: Over-kneading can result in tough rolls. Stop kneading when the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Proper Rising: The rising time can vary depending on the temperature of your environment. Be patient and allow the dough to fully double in size.
• Butter is Key: Don’t skimp on the butter! It adds flavor and richness to the rolls.
• Even Baking: Rotate the baking dish halfway through baking to ensure even browning.

Serving Suggestions

These buttery dinner rolls are incredibly versatile and complement a variety of meals:

• Holiday Dinners: A classic addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter feasts.
• Weeknight Meals: Serve alongside soups, stews, or roasted chicken.
• Sandwiches: Use them to make mini sandwiches or sliders.
• Breakfast: Enjoy them with butter and jam for a simple breakfast.

Recipe Card: Buttery Dinner Rolls

Here’s a quick reference recipe card for your convenience:

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including rising time) | Category: Bread | Method: Baking | Cuisine: American

Nutrition Card: Buttery Dinner Rolls

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per roll (based on 12 servings):

Calories: 210 | Sugar: 4g | Fat: 8g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fiber: 1g | Protein: 5g | Yields: 12 rolls

Variations and Additions

Want to customize your dinner rolls? Here are some ideas:

• Garlic Herb Rolls: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley) to the dough.
• Cheese Rolls: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan cheese to the dough.
• Sweet Rolls: Add an extra 2 tablespoons of sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough. Consider brushing with a glaze after baking.
• Whole Wheat Rolls: Substitute up to 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You may need to add a little more liquid to compensate for the whole wheat flour.
• Potato Rolls: Replace half of the water with mashed potatoes. This makes for an extra soft and fluffy roll.

Storage Instructions

These dinner rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

Here are a few ways to reheat your dinner rolls:

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the rolls in foil and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Microwave on high for 15-30 seconds per roll. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough.
• Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place the rolls in the air fryer basket and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

Why are my dinner rolls not rising?

Several factors can prevent your dinner rolls from rising properly. Ensure your yeast is fresh and activated in warm (not hot) liquid. The room temperature also plays a role; a warm environment is ideal for rising. Over-kneading or under-kneading can also affect the rise.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch down the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking.

What is the best way to keep dinner rolls soft?

To keep your dinner rolls soft, store them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Adding a slice of bread to the container can also help maintain moisture. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can dry them out.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast (also known as rapid rise yeast). You don’t need to activate instant yeast in liquid first; you can add it directly to the dry ingredients. Follow the package instructions for the correct amount to use.

My dinner rolls are browning too quickly. What should I do?

If your dinner rolls are browning too quickly, tent them with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking. This will prevent them from burning while allowing the inside to cook through.

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