Whole Wheat Rolls

Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

These whole wheat rolls are soft, flavorful, and perfect for any meal. With a hint of sweetness from sugar and a rich texture from whole wheat flour, they offer a wholesome alternative to traditional bread. Ideal for health-conscious families or anyone looking to enjoy homemade goodness.

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Ingredients

  • 2 pkg. yeast
  • 1/2 c. water
  • 1 3/4 c. milk
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 3 Tbsp. shortening
  • 4 c. whole wheat flour
  • 3 c. all purpose flour
  • 2 eggs

Instructions

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm water.
  2. Combine milk, sugar, and shortening, then cool to lukewarm.
  3. Add 1 cup of each flour and beat well.
  4. Add yeast mixture and eggs, stirring in remaining flour 1 cup at a time until a soft dough forms.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the surface. Cover and place in refrigerator.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your milk is lukewarm before mixing, as overly hot milk can kill the yeast. You can substitute honey for the sugar for a natural sweetness. If you don’t have whole wheat flour, using all-purpose flour works too, but the rolls will be less nutritious. To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs or garlic powder.

Serving Suggestions

These whole wheat rolls are perfect for a hearty meal and pair beautifully with soups or stews. They can also be served as a side with salads or used to make sandwiches. For a delightful treat, serve them warm with honey butter or alongside a slice of Perfect Apple Pie for dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag, and they can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Whole Wheat Rolls contains roughly 574 calories, with 11g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value), calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 631mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).

574 kcal 29% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.6g 21% DV
Total Fat 19.1g 25% DV
Carbs 91.4g 33% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 27.8g 56% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 631.2mg 27% DV
Potassium 646.7mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 93.9mg 31% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 134.9mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 21.5mg 24% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 343.3mg 26% DV
Iron 5.4mg 30% DV
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 these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to develop. Just make sure to let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking the rolls.

What can I do if my dough isn’t rising?

If your dough isn't rising, it may be due to expired yeast or incorrect water temperature. Ensure the water is warm (not hot) and check the yeast's expiration date. You can also place the dough in a warm, draft-free area to help it rise.

Can I add mix-ins to the dough?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to the dough for added flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the flour slightly if adding a lot of extra ingredients to maintain the right dough consistency.

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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