Imagine pulling a warm, golden-brown roll from the oven, its buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. These Extra Special Dinner Rolls are not just any bread; they are a delightful addition to any meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! With a soft, pillowy texture and a hint of sweetness, these rolls are perfect for mopping up gravy, pairing with soups, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. Ready to impress your guests and elevate your dinner experience? Let’s dive into this easy recipe that guarantees a delicious outcome!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, warm the milk to approximately 110°F (43°C). Sprinkle active dry yeast over the warm milk and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and activated.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the yeast-milk mixture to the butter mixture, stirring continuously to create a uniform blend.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Slowly incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 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 round roll and place on a greased baking sheet, leaving space between each roll.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Optional: Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter or an egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving warm.
Tips
- Perfect Yeast Activation: Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, when you sprinkle the yeast over it. If it's too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing your rolls from rising.
- Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, which is essential for achieving that fluffy texture.
- Warm Rising Environment: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, you can turn on your oven for a minute or two, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside.
- Shaping Rolls: When dividing the dough, use a bench scraper for clean cuts. Shape each roll by tucking the edges under to create a smooth top.
- Golden Finish: For a beautiful golden crust, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter or an egg wash before baking.
- Testing for Doneness: Tap the bottom of a roll; if it sounds hollow, they’re done! This is a classic trick to ensure your rolls are baked to perfection.
- Serving Warm: These rolls are best served warm. If you can, serve them fresh out of the oven for the ultimate experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
