Imagine pulling a tray of golden, fluffy dinner rolls from the oven, their warm aroma wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. These Soft and Chewy Dinner Rolls are not just a side dish; they are the heart of any meal, perfect for soaking up gravy or enjoying with a pat of butter. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a batch of rolls that will leave your family and friends begging for seconds. Ready to impress your guests with your baking skills? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to elevate any dinner!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk (around 110°F) with active dry yeast and a tablespoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, remaining sugar, and salt to create a dry ingredient blend.
- Add melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture, whisking thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing 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 approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth, round ball.
- Arrange the dough balls on a greased baking sheet, leaving space between each roll for expansion.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise.
- Optional: Brush the rolls with an egg wash or melted butter for a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving warm.
Tips
- Activate Your Yeast: Ensure your warm milk is around 110°F to properly activate the yeast. If it’s too hot, it could kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, it won’t activate properly.
- Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. A well-kneaded dough will give you that perfect soft texture.
- Warm Rising Environment: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can preheat your oven for a minute or two, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside.
- Don’t Rush the Second Rise: Give the rolls enough time to puff up during the second rise. This step is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture.
- Golden Finish: For an extra touch, brush the rolls with an egg wash or melted butter before baking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Check for Doneness: Tap the bottom of the rolls; if they sound hollow, they’re ready to come out of the oven!
- Serve Warm: These rolls are best served warm, straight from the oven. Consider serving them with flavored butter or your favorite jam for an extra treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg
