enriched dinner rolls
I make these whenever we want some sandwiches and want good buns for them. you can actually half the portions from the buns and make them dinner rolls, if you really wanna just have some tasty bread.
ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 egg, beaten (goes in the dough)
- 3 tbsp butter, softened
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 tsp rapid rise yeast
For the Egg Wash (Optional)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp water
instructions
bread machine method
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Add ingredients: Add all dough ingredients to the bread machine pan in the order listed above.
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Select dough cycle: Choose the “Dough” setting on your bread machine and start the cycle. This typically takes 1.5-2 hours.
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Divide dough: When the cycle completes, turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 8 equal pieces.
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Shape rolls: Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath and rolling on the counter with a cupped hand.
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Arrange on pan: Place shaped rolls on a greased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each roll slightly with your palm.
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Second rise: Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes until nearly doubled in size.
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Apply egg wash (optional): Beat together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water. Gently brush over the tops of the risen rolls for a beautiful golden, shiny finish.
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Bake: Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool and serve: Remove from oven and brush with butter if desired. Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
stand mixer method
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Combine ingredients: Add all dough ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook.
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Initial mix: Mix on low speed (speed 1-2) for 2-3 minutes until all ingredients are combined and a shaggy dough forms.
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Knead: Increase speed to medium-low (speed 2-3) and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and clear the sides of the bowl.
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Check dough: Perform the windowpane test: stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers. It should stretch thin without tearing, forming a translucent “window.”
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First rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Proceed with shaping: Punch down the dough and follow steps 3-9 from the Bread Machine Method above.
notes
- Water temperature is key: 110°F is perfect for activating yeast (warm to the touch, not hot)
- Don't skip the second rise - it creates light, fluffy rolls
- For even-sized rolls, weigh the dough pieces (each should be about 75-80g)
- Without egg wash: You need 1 egg total (in the dough). With egg wash: You need 2 eggs total.
- Refrigerator rise: After shaping, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temp (30 min) before baking.
- Garlic Butter Rolls: Brush baked rolls with garlic butter (melted butter + minced garlic + parsley)
- Bread flour has higher protein content (11-13%) which develops more gluten, creating chewier, more structured rolls.
nutrition information
side dish suggestions
- Holiday dinners (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter)
- Sunday family dinners
- Soup and stew accompaniment
- Slider buns for pulled pork or chicken
- Breakfast with jam and butter
we had a horrible stomach virus a while back, and these buns were excellent just by themselves after eating nothing for 2 days.