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+ servings

Master Dough: Dinner Rolls

thetimelessbaker
A light, fluffy and buttery yeast roll that requires minimal kneading.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 30 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 24 rolls

Equipment

  • large bowl, for mixing and rising
  • pastry brush
  • 8" round baking dish or baking sheets
  • parchment paper or silicone baking mats, if using baking sheets

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/4 oz pkg. dry active yeast
  • 2 tbsp water, warmed to 110°F
  • 1 tsp. + 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 cup milk, warmed to 110°F
  • 1/2 + 1/4 cup unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 1/2 - 5 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling surface

Instructions
 

  • Combine 1 1/4 oz pkg. dry active yeast and 1 tsp. sugar in small bowl. Add warmed water, stir until yeast is dissolved and let it sit until it begins to form bubbles.
  • In large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, combine ½ c. softened butter, remaining sugar and salt.
  • Using stir setting on mixer or using a wooden spoon, add yeast mixture, warmed milk and beaten eggs.
  • Slowly add in 2 cups of flour; stir 2 minutes or until smooth. Add in remaining 2 and ½ cups of flour, 1 cup a time until a soft dough is formed. The dough will be slightly sticky; add additional ½ cup of flour if dough is sticking too much to sides of bowl and spoon/mixer attachment.
  • Sprinkle surface of counter with flour and flour hands. Turn out dough onto floured surface, and knead only slightly (fold dough only 3-4 times), enough to form a ball of dough.
  • Place in a greased bowl, cover and place in a warm (but not hot) area. Allow to rise until double in size, about 1 hour. If risen dough is pressed down, the indentation should hold its shape.
  • Split dough into 3 even portions. Split each portion into 8 even balls of dough. Place in greased round baking dish or on baking sheet *see tips below.
  • Cover and allow rolls to rise to double in size, about 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Brush hot rolls with any remaining butter that has been melted. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For soft dinner rolls, place close together so the rolls bake touching. If you want a crusty dinner roll, place about 1" apart on a baking sheet.
  • To make dough in advance, place in refrigerator prior to 2nd rise. Allow to sit at room temperature minimum of 1 hour before baking. 
  • You can freeze the dough before the 2nd rise (they will keep in freezer up to 4 weeks).
  • To use frozen, allow to thaw in refrigerator and then let sit at room temperature in a warm area until doubled in size. Then bake according to instructions. 
  • Baked, frozen rolls will keep up to 4 months, if sealed. To reheat: thaw completely and then reheat about 10 minutes in a 325 F oven. If reheating from a frozen state, increase baking time by 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Store baked rolls in an airtight container, up to 72 hours. 
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