How To Make Homemade Rolls
There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of fresh homemade rolls wafting through your kitchen. They are the perfect accompaniment to any meal, whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a festive holiday gathering, or just a simple weeknight supper. Making homemade rolls may seem daunting, but with this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to whip up a batch that’s fluffy, buttery, and downright delicious. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into how to make homemade rolls that will impress everyone at your table.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
This homemade rolls recipe is designed to be simple yet effective, yielding soft and fluffy rolls that are perfect for slathering with butter or serving alongside your favorite dishes. The use of honey adds a touch of natural sweetness, while the Butter Flavor Crisco ensures that your rolls have that rich, buttery taste without needing to use actual butter in the dough. This combination sets this recipe apart, making it a go-to for novices and seasoned bakers alike.
Ingredient Notes
- Warm Water: 2 3/4 cups of warm water is ideal for activating the yeast. Use hot water straight from your tap, but ensure it’s not boiling.
- Honey: 1/4 cup of honey not only sweetens the dough but also helps in browning the rolls.
- Salt: 3/4 teaspoon of salt enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.
- Butter Flavor Crisco: 1/4 cup for that buttery flavor and soft texture.
- Yeast: 1 1/2 teaspoons of yeast is essential for leavening the rolls, making them light and airy.
- All-Purpose Flour: 7 cups plus more if needed, to create the right dough consistency.
- Butter: For brushing on top of the rolls after baking, giving them a glossy finish and added flavor.
Before You Start: Equipment
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for mixing and kneading the dough.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success.
- Wooden Spoon or Dough Hook: For mixing the dough.
- Plastic Wrap or Towel: To cover the dough while it rises.
- Baking Sheet: For placing the rolls before baking.
- Oven: To bake your delicious rolls to perfection.
How To Make Homemade Rolls Cooking Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 3/4 cups of warm water with 1 1/2 teaspoons of yeast and 1/4 cup of honey. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Add in the Dry Ingredients
Once your yeast mixture is frothy, add in the 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 cup of Butter Flavor Crisco. Mix until combined. Gradually add the 7 cups of all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. You may need more flour depending on the humidity and temperature of your kitchen.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Once the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12-15 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place the rolls on a greased baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between them.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up nicely.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your rolls will bake evenly and thoroughly.
Step 8: Bake the Rolls
Once the rolls have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
Step 9: Brush with Butter
As soon as you take the rolls out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter for that irresistible shine and added flavor. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
- Honey: Agave syrup or maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey.
- Butter Flavor Crisco: You can use regular shortening or even unsalted butter if you prefer.
- All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier option, but you may need to adjust the liquid.
- Salt: Sea salt or kosher salt can be used in place of regular table salt.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
In our test kitchen, we found that allowing the dough to rise in a slightly warm oven (turned off) can speed up the rising process, especially in cooler months. Make sure to check the rolls in the oven towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning. The rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
If you want to make a big batch of these rolls, they freeze beautifully! Once they have cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, and they’ll taste freshly baked!
Reader Q&A
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. There’s no need to activate it in warm water first; simply mix it directly into the dry ingredients.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a soft, workable consistency. Just be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the rolls dense.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, shape the rolls, and proceed with the second rise.
How can I make these rolls sweeter?
If you prefer sweeter rolls, you can increase the amount of honey in the recipe to 1/3 cup or even add a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking for a sweet crust.
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have all the tips and tricks to successfully make homemade rolls, it’s time to get baking! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps outlined in this guide, and enjoy the satisfaction of serving freshly baked rolls to your family and friends. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of creating something delicious from scratch, and these homemade rolls are sure to be a hit at your next meal. Happy baking!
How To Make Homemade Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture - In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water with yeast and honey. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Step 2: Add in the Dry Ingredients - Once frothy, add salt and Butter Flavor Crisco. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until combined.
- Step 3: Knead the Dough - Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: First Rise - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Shape the Rolls - Punch down the dough, divide into 12-15 pieces, and shape into balls. Place on a greased baking sheet.
- Step 6: Second Rise - Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed up nicely.
- Step 7: Preheat the Oven - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 8: Bake the Rolls - Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Step 9: Brush with Butter - Brush tops with melted butter immediately after baking and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a softer roll, use more honey in the dough.
- Store rolls in an airtight container for freshness.
- These rolls freeze well; reheat in the oven for fresh taste!
