Introduction
Dinner rolls are a beloved addition to any meal, offering a comforting and satisfying element to a variety of dishes. While traditional recipes often require hours of rising and preparation, this quick dinner roll recipe is designed for those moments when you need fresh bread in a hurry. Using a few key ingredients and a streamlined process, you can have hot, fluffy rolls ready in under two hours. Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, this recipe ensures delicious results with less waiting time.
Ingredients
To make these quick dinner rolls, you will need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the necessary structure for the rolls.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with browning.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent to help the rolls rise quickly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the rolls.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture. It should be cold and cut into small pieces.
- 1 cup milk: Activates the leavening agents and adds moisture. Use whole milk for a richer flavor.
- 1 large egg: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: For brushing on top of the rolls before baking for a golden finish.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps the rolls rise quickly and develop a golden crust.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents and flavorings are evenly distributed.
3. Cut in the Butter
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients.
- Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The small bits of butter help create a tender, flaky texture in the rolls.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined.
5. Form the Dough
- Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients.
- Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly lumpy.
6. Shape the Rolls
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to bring it together.
- Pat or roll the dough to about 1-inch thickness.
- Using a round cutter (about 2 inches in diameter) or a glass, cut out circles of dough and place them into the prepared baking dish. Alternatively, you can shape the dough into small balls and place them close together in the dish.
7. Bake the Rolls
- Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter for a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly in the baking dish.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Quick Dinner Rolls
- Cold Butter: Using cold butter and cutting it into the flour helps create a flaky texture. Avoid melting the butter for this recipe.
- Do Not Overmix: Overmixing can result in tough rolls. Mix until the dough just comes together.
- High Oven Temperature: The high baking temperature helps the rolls rise quickly and develop a crispy crust.
Nutritional Information
Per roll (based on 12 rolls):
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 3g
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store the rolls in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat frozen rolls, thaw them at room temperature and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. Fresh rolls can be warmed in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
These quick dinner rolls are the ideal solution for when you need a delicious bread accompaniment without the long wait. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can have fluffy, golden rolls ready in less than two hours. Perfect for any meal, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the delightful taste of homemade bread with minimal effort and maximum flavor!