Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
Whole wheat dinner rolls with a tender crumb and slightly sweet flavor, perfect for wholesome meals, family gatherings, or comforting homemade bread experiences.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat water, vegetable oil, and molasses until very warm (120° to 130°).
- In a large bowl, blend the warm liquid mixture, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup whole wheat flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and egg at low speed until moistened.
- Beat the mixture for 4 minutes at medium speed.
- By hand, stir in the remaining whole wheat flour and enough all-purpose flour to form a stiff dough.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a vegetable-sprayed bowl.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45 to 60 minutes.
- Punch down the dough.
- Divide the dough into 20 pieces and shape into balls.
- Place the dough balls on a greased pan.
- Cover and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Heat the oven to 375° F (190° C).
- Bake the rolls for 15 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer roll, consider using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also substitute honey for molasses to give a different flavor. If you want to add a bit of nutrition, try mixing in some seeds like sunflower or flaxseed. Make sure to knead the dough well for the best texture, and don't skip the rising times for a light and fluffy roll.
Serving Suggestions
These whole wheat dinner rolls are perfect alongside soups and stews, or served with butter and jam for breakfast. They also pair beautifully with a hearty salad or your favorite main dish. Consider serving them with the 'Asparagus Egg Casserole' for a delightful brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls contains roughly 127 calories, with 1g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 1g 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 make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after kneading. Just make sure to let it rise in a warm place before shaping the rolls. You can also bake them ahead of time and reheat them when ready to serve.
What if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to the yeast being inactive. Make sure to check the expiration date on your yeast and ensure that the water temperature was correct. It should be warm but not too hot, as that can kill the yeast.
Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can enhance the flavor of your rolls. You can also incorporate spices like garlic powder or onion powder for a savory twist. Just be cautious with the amounts to avoid overpowering the whole wheat flavor.
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).