Dinner rolls. Just the words conjure images of warm, fluffy bread, perfectly complementing any meal. But making them from scratch can seem daunting. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from mixing the dough to achieving that golden-brown crust. You'll be surprised how easy it is to create bakery-quality dinner rolls right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You'll Need:
Before you begin, gather these essential ingredients. Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F): Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): Check the expiration date! Old yeast won't rise.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Provides food for the yeast and adds sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and adds flavor.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tenderness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting: Start with 4 cups, adding more as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let's get baking! Follow these steps meticulously for best results:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This confirms your yeast is alive and active.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 8 minutes.
Step 5: First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
Step 7: Second Rise (Proofing)
Place the shaped rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, leaving some space between them. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan before serving. Enjoy your homemade dinner rolls warm, perhaps with a pat of butter!
Tips for the Perfect Dinner Rolls:
- Use a Kitchen Scale: For the most accurate measurements, especially with flour, use a kitchen scale.
- Don't Overknead: Overkneading can result in tough rolls.
- Proofing Temperature: A warm place, around 75-80°F (24-27°C), is ideal for proofing.
- Don't Open the Oven Door Too Often: This can cause the rolls to deflate.
Variations:
Once you've mastered the basic recipe, experiment with variations:
- Herb Rolls: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
- Garlic Rolls: Incorporate minced garlic into the dough.
- Sweet Rolls: Increase the sugar and add cinnamon or raisins.
Making dinner rolls from scratch is a rewarding experience. With a little patience and these detailed instructions, you’ll be enjoying soft, fluffy, homemade rolls in no time. Happy baking!
