Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting on your baking journey, we have a treat for you. This Bread 101 class recipe is not only easy to follow but will also delight your family with its delicious rolls. The enriched dough used in this recipe is simple to work with and yields wonderful results. Get ready to enjoy the aroma of freshly baked rolls that will leave everyone asking for more!
YIELD: Makes 24 rolls
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 (2½ teaspoon) packet active dry yeast or 2½ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1–1⅛ cups lukewarm water (100–110°F)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¼ cup nonfat dry milk
- ½ cup instant mashed potato flakes (just potato, not mix)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- If using active dry yeast, dissolve it with a pinch of sugar in 2 tablespoons of lukewarm water until it shows bubbles and foam. If using instant yeast, skip this step.
- Combine the dissolved yeast (or instant yeast) with the remainder of the ingredients.
- Mix the dough with your hands, a wooden spoon, or a dough hook on a stand mixer. Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto the work surface and cover it with the mixing bowl for 5 minutes.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and can form a gluten window. This should take about 5 minutes. Shape the dough into a smooth ball, oil a large bowl, and place the dough inside.
- Spin the dough around the bowl, then flip it over so all sides have been covered with a bit of oil. Cover with a dish towel or plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise until doubled, approximately 1 to 1½ hours. The dough should be very puffy and tender to the touch.
- For cloverleaf rolls, grease two muffin tins.
- Gently turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Divide the dough into 24 pieces using a pastry cutter or bench scraper. Then cut each portion into three pieces.
- Roll each piece between the counter and your palm to create a smooth ball. Place three balls in each muffin cup.
- Cover the pans with plastic wrap and allow the rolls to rise until they expand above the top of the pan and appear as one roll in each cup. This will take 1 to 1½ hours. Ensure you give the rolls enough time to rise to achieve the fluffy, tender texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.
- Place the muffin tins in the oven and bake the rolls until they are golden brown. They may be lighter on the sides but should be lightly golden on the bottom, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove the pans from the oven and allow the rolls to rest for about 1 to 2 minutes in the pans before turning them out onto a cooling rack.
- Finally, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter for an irresistible finish.
TIPS:
- Yeast Selection: You can use either active dry yeast or instant yeast for this recipe. If using active dry yeast, ensure it is activated by dissolving it in lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar until bubbles and foam appear. If you opt for instant yeast, there’s no need for this activation step.
- Mixing the Dough: Combine the yeast (activated or instant) with the rest of the ingredients and mix using your hands, a wooden spoon, or a dough hook on a stand mixer. Give the dough some extra love and attention by covering it with the mixing bowl for 5 minutes after it comes together.
- Kneading for a Smooth Texture: Kneading is crucial for achieving a smooth and elastic dough. Take about 5 minutes to knead the dough until you can form a gluten window, indicating that the gluten is well-developed.
- The Rising Process: Let the dough rise until it doubles in size, typically taking around 1 to 1½ hours. The dough should be light, puffy, and tender to the touch. Patience during this step ensures the perfect texture of the rolls.
- Shaping the Rolls: For cloverleaf rolls, grease two muffin tins. Divide the risen dough into 24 pieces and cut each portion into three pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place three balls in each muffin cup.
- Final Rising and Preheating: Allow the rolls to rise in the muffin tins until they expand above the top of the pan and appear as one roll in each cup. This takes another 1 to 1½ hours. While the rolls rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Baking to Perfection: Once the rolls have risen adequately, place the muffin tins in the preheated oven. Bake the rolls until they turn golden brown, usually around 20 to 25 minutes. A light golden color on the bottom indicates they’re ready.
- Finishing Touch: After removing the pans from the oven, let the rolls rest for 1 to 2 minutes in the pans before transferring them to a cooling rack. For an extra touch of flavor, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter.
With these simple steps and helpful tips, you’re well on your way to baking delicious and fluffy dinner rolls that will be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy the baking process and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as these rolls turn golden brown in the oven. Happy baking!
