Whole-Grain Dinner Rolls
Bake a batch of soft, fluffy dinner rolls with the nutty, wholesome flavor of whole wheat. They're surprisingly easy to make and perfect for soaking up sauces or serving alongside any meal.
For 12 servings
Activate the yeast.
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and honey. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
TIPIf the yeast doesn't foam, it may be old. It's best to start over with fresh yeast for a good rise.Add wet ingredients and flours.
- Once the yeast is foamy, stir in the warm milk and melted butter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
- Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
Knead the dough until smooth.
Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on low speed. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Let the dough rise.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 60-75 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the dinner rolls.
- Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball, tucking the edges underneath.
- Arrange the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about an inch apart.
Let the rolls rise a second time.
Cover the baking sheet loosely with the cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes. While they rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake until golden brown.
Bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. The internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).
Cool and serve.
Transfer the rolls to a wire rack to cool slightly. They are best served warm.
TIPFor a softer crust, you can brush the tops with a little melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a softer crust, you can use milk instead of water. Warm it just as you would the water.
- 2Don't have a warm spot? Turn your oven on to the lowest setting for 2 minutes, then turn it off. Place the dough bowl inside to rise.
- 3To check if the rolls are done, you can use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).
- 4These rolls freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Use plant-based butter, unsweetened almond or soy milk, and replace the honey with maple syrup.
quickQuick
Use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. You can mix it directly with the dry ingredients and reduce the first rise time to about 30-40 minutes.
healthyHealthy
For added fiber, sprinkle the tops of the rolls with oats or sesame seeds before the second rise.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Shape the dough into fun animal shapes or knots before the second rise to make them more appealing for kids.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Whole wheat flour is a great source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from whole grains provide a steady release of energy, unlike the quick spike from refined grains.
Nutrient Boost
Whole grains contain essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, which are important for overall health and metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, they can be a healthy choice. Whole wheat flour provides more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white flour, which aids in digestion and provides sustained energy.
