Easy Whole Wheat Rolls
Soft, hearty whole wheat rolls with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast or dinner. Ideal for bread lovers seeking wholesome, homemade bread options.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl.
- Add shortening, eggs, sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Beat together in a mixer or stir well. Gradually stir in enough of both flours to create a soft dough.
- Turn out the dough onto a floured surface.
- Knead until smooth.
- Place in a well-greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Punch the dough down and roll out to the desired thickness.
- Cut the dough with a biscuit cutter.
- Place on a greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
- Brush the tops with melted butter, if desired.
- Serve warm, optionally buttered.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fluffier texture, ensure your water is at the right temperature for activating the yeast—about 110°F (43°C). You can substitute half of the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour if you prefer a lighter roll. If you're out of shortening, melted butter can be used instead. Make sure to knead the dough adequately to develop gluten for better structure.
Serving Suggestions
These whole wheat rolls are perfect served warm with butter or alongside soups and salads. They pair beautifully with Auntie Ann'S Swiss Braided Bread for a delightful bread basket. Try them with a homemade jam or honey for a sweet touch, or enjoy them with savory dishes like roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Whole Wheat Rolls contains roughly 64 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for dry yeast in this recipe. Use the same amount and mix it directly with the dry ingredients instead of dissolving it in water. This will save you a bit of time and still yield delicious rolls.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to the yeast being inactive or the environment being too cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warmer area, such as near a preheated oven or in a sunny spot, to encourage rising.
How can I make these rolls sweeter?
To enhance the sweetness of these rolls, you can increase the sugar by an additional tablespoon or two. Additionally, you could add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the dough for a different flavor profile, making them a delightful treat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).