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30 MINUTE ROLLS

Fresh-Baked Bliss in 30 Minutes: The Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe

30 MINUTE ROLLS

The warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread – it's enough to make anyone's mouth water. But who has hours to spend in the kitchen? This recipe unlocks the secret to homemade dinner rolls in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave soft, fluffy rolls alongside your favorite meals.

Ingredients (makes about 12 rolls):

  • Activating the Yeast (warms and wakes up the yeast for optimal activity):
    • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons warm water (around 105°F to 110°F) – not too hot, or it will kill the yeast
    • 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or canola oil works well)
    • 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
  • Sweetening and Seasoning:
    • ½ cup sugar (adds a touch of sweetness and helps the rolls brown)
    • ½ teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor)
  • Binding and Structure:
    • 1 large egg (binds the ingredients and adds richness)
    • 3 cups all-purpose flour (the base for the roll structure) – bread flour can also be used for a chewier texture, but all-purpose flour works perfectly here


Instructions:

  1. Preheat for Perfection: Before you begin, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the rolls bake evenly and rise properly.
  2. Waking Up the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, oil, and yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This activates the yeast, which is essential for the rolls to rise.
  3. Bringing it Together: Once the yeast is activated, add the sugar, salt, and egg to the bowl. Using a dough hook attachment on your stand mixer (or mixing by hand), combine everything well.
  4. Incorporating the Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. You may not need all of the flour – the amount can vary depending on the humidity in your kitchen. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
  5. Kneading for a Smooth Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Don't overwork the dough, or your rolls may be tough.
  6. Shaping the Rolls: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Gently shape the dough into 12 even balls. Place the balls of dough in the prepared pan, leaving a little space between them for rising.
  7. Letting the Dough Rise: Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 10 minutes. This allows the rolls to puff up before baking.
  8. Baking to Golden Perfection: Bake the rolls in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
  9. Fresh-Baked Bliss: Remove the rolls from the oven and brush them with melted butter for an extra touch of richness (optional). Serve your warm, fluffy homemade dinner rolls immediately and enjoy!

Tips:

  • Warm Water Matters: Ensure the water temperature is lukewarm, not hot. Hot water will kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
  • The Dough Test: If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes manageable. However, be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the rolls dry and tough.
  • Let the Rise Shine: Don't skip the rising step! This allows the yeast to activate further and the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in light and fluffy rolls.

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