Get ready to transform your dinner table with the most irresistible, cloud-like dinner rolls that will have everyone begging for seconds! These Buttery Pull Apart Dinner Rolls are not just a side dish – they're a culinary experience that promises to elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Imagine breaking apart a warm, golden roll, watching the steam rise, and revealing a soft, pillowy interior that's been generously brushed with melted butter. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is your ticket to bread-baking glory that will make you the star of any gathering.
Prep Time: 2 hrs
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk (around 110°F) with sugar and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes foamy and activated.
- Add melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture, whisking thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or stand mixer with a dough hook until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when gently pressed.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball.
- Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9-inch round baking pan, allowing them to slightly touch each other.
- Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the rolls generously with the additional melted butter.
- Allow rolls to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk is precisely warm (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading, use the heel of your hand to push and fold the dough. This develops gluten and creates that perfect, soft texture.
- Rising Environment: Place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. A slightly warmed oven (turned off) or near a sunny window works great.
- Don't Rush the Rise: Allow sufficient time for the dough to double in size. This develops flavor and ensures light, airy rolls.
- Uniform Sizing: Use a kitchen scale to divide dough into equal portions for consistent baking and presentation.
- Butter Brush Trick: For extra shine and flavor, brush rolls with melted butter both before and immediately after baking.
- Storage Tip: These rolls are best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container and gently reheated in the oven for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
