Making fluffy dinner rolls is simple with the right approach. Here’s a clear and easy method to create soft, airy rolls every time.
What You Need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1/2 cup of warm milk
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 egg
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm milk (about 110°F) with sugar. Stir in active dry yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes. The yeast should become bubbly and frothy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir the ingredients together until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading helps develop the gluten, which is key to making the rolls fluffy.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This rise gives the rolls their airy texture.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape them into balls. Arrange the balls in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise helps the rolls become light and fluffy.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Step 8: Brush with Butter
Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and brush the tops with melted butter. This adds flavor and keeps the rolls soft.
Tips for Fluffy Rolls:
- Don’t overwork the dough: Knead just enough to form a smooth texture.
- Use fresh yeast: Ensure your yeast is not expired for the best rise.
- Let the dough rise properly: Give it enough time to double in size.
With this simple method, you can make soft, fluffy dinner rolls that will impress everyone at the table. Just follow the steps, and you’ll have perfect rolls every time.
