Description
These Heavenly Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and buttery, making them perfect for any dinner table. The starter creates a tender crumb, while the slow rise ensures a light texture. Ideal for holiday meals or family dinners, these rolls feature a golden crust and a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
Ingredients
Starter
- 4 1/2 tbsp whole milk
- 4 1/2 tbsp water
- 3 tbsp all purpose flour
Dough
- 3 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 3 tbsp powdered milk (dry milk)
- 6 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 tbsp instant yeast
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp whole milk
Finishing
- Butter for brushing
Instructions
- Make the Starter: In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together the whole milk, water, and flour until smooth. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the all purpose flour, powdered milk, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix briefly on low speed to combine.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: Warm the 3/4 cup whole milk in a microwave-safe container until slightly warm but not hot. Whisk in the cooled starter, eggs, and melted butter until well mixed.
- Mix the Dough: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix just until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Attach the dough hook and knead the dough on medium-low speed for 15 to 20 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly buttered bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a turned-off oven preheated to 200°F (93°C) until the dough doubles in size, about 60 to 90 minutes.
- Shape Rolls: Gently deflate the dough by pressing in the center. Divide into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball by pinching the bottom and rolling it on the counter in a C shape for uniformity.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a lightly buttered 9x13-inch or quarter sheet pan. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and return to the warm oven. Let the rolls rise for 40 to 50 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Egg Wash: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tbsp whole milk.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature of the rolls reaches 190°F (88°C).
- Finish and Serve: Remove rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with butter. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make sure not to overheat the milk when warming, as too hot milk can kill the yeast.
- Using a kitchen scale for dividing dough pieces ensures rolls are uniform in size.
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, knead the dough by hand for about 20-25 minutes until smooth.
- Letting the rolls cool slightly before serving helps enhance their texture and flavor.
- Butter brushing after baking adds a rich flavor and keeps the crust soft.
