Poppy Seed Dinner Rolls

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Fluffy, crescent-shaped dinner rolls with a subtle poppy seed topping, perfect for family dinners, parties, or as a warm accompaniment to any meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cake yeast
  • 1/3 cup warm water
  • 1 cup scalded milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix the cake yeast with warm water until dissolved.
  2. Combine scalded milk and sugar, then add the yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually add the flour, egg, melted butter, and salt to form a soft dough.
  4. Lightly mix the ingredients until well combined.
  5. Roll out the dough into a flat circle and cut into pie-shaped wedges.
  6. Roll each wedge toward the point to form a crescent shape.
  7. Place the rolls on a greased baking sheet and let rise until doubled in size.
  8. Brush the tops with beaten egg white and sprinkle with poppy seed or sesame seed.
  9. Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven until lightly browned, about 12-15 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using buttermilk instead of scalded milk. If you don't have cake yeast, you can substitute with active dry yeast—use about 2 1/4 teaspoons. Make sure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. Kneading the dough for about 10 minutes will ensure a good rise. To add a twist, try adding herbs or cheese to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

These poppy seed dinner rolls are perfect for serving with butter or alongside soups and salads, making them a great addition to any meal. They pair beautifully with Fannie'S Rhubarb Custard Pie for dessert. Consider serving them at gatherings or holiday dinners for a delightful treat that complements various dishes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Poppy Seed Dinner Rolls contains roughly 371 calories, with 9g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.

371 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.3g 19% DV
Total Fat 4.3g 6% DV
Carbs 72.5g 26% DV
Fiber 2.5g 9% DV
Sugar 2.1g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 200.5mg 9% DV
Potassium 157.7mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 29.3mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 3.1mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 50.3mg 4% DV
Iron 4.2mg 23% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and baking.

What if my rolls don't rise?

If your rolls don't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that your warm water isn't too hot. A warm, draft-free environment is ideal for rising dough—try placing it in an oven with just the light on.

Can I add fillings to these rolls?

Absolutely! You can fill the rolls with cheese, herbs, or even a sweet filling like cinnamon and sugar before rolling them up. Just be careful not to overfill, as this can make them difficult to shape.

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).

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