Forty Percent Bran Rolls
Soft, hearty bran rolls with a nutty flavor and light texture, perfect for breakfast or as a wholesome snack, appealing to bread lovers and health-conscious eaters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add baking powder to the first few cups of flour and set aside.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water and stir.
- Combine the bran flakes with boiling water and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the brown sugar and soft shortening.
- Add the cooled bran mixture and the eggs to the shortening mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a ball and place on greased baking sheets.
- Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven, cool slightly, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also substitute honey for brown sugar for a different sweetness profile. If you're short on time, try using instant yeast instead of active dry yeast; just mix it directly with the dry ingredients. Ensure your water is warm but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
Serving Suggestions
These Forty Percent Bran Rolls are delightful when served warm with butter or honey. They pair well with soups, salads, or as a side for your favorite main dish. For a delicious breakfast option, enjoy them with jam or alongside a slice of Aunt Lucy's Yellow Angel Food Cake for a sweet twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to three months. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Forty Percent Bran Rolls contains roughly 427 calories, with 6g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (82% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 769mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
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 make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight after the first rise. Shape the rolls, let them rise again, and then bake them fresh in the morning for soft, warm rolls.
What can I use instead of bran flakes?
If you don't have bran flakes, you can substitute them with oat bran or wheat bran. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly, but you'll still achieve a wholesome roll.
How can I tell when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a kitchen thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) when fully baked.
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).