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Easy Homemade Soft Wheat Dinner Rolls
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The Secret to Soft, Bakery-Style Dinner Rolls
There’s something magical about the scent of fresh-baked bread filling the kitchen. It takes me back to Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house, where a warm basket of rolls sat at the center of the table, always disappearing faster than anything else.
Baking bread can seem intimidating, but I promise you—these soft wheat dinner rolls are as easy as they are delicious. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have golden, pillowy rolls perfect for any meal.
The secret? Early Bird Farm & Mill’s Hard White Wheat Flour. This organic flour creates a roll that’s both light and flavorful, with just a hint of sweetness.
It’s a beginner-friendly recipe, meaning no stress—just soft, bakery-style rolls straight from your own oven.
As chef Julia Child once said, “No one is born a great cook, one learns by doing.”
And what better way to start than with a foolproof bread recipe?
Let’s get baking!
Ingredients List
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups Early Bird Farm & Mill’s Hard White Wheat Flour (Shop Here)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
Optional for Extra Flavor
- 1 tbsp honey (adds a touch of natural sweetness and depth)
- Additional melted butter for brushing rolls after baking
The flour choice makes all the difference here—Early Bird Farm & Mill’s Hard White Wheat Flour provides that perfect balance of softness and structure.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of Early Bird Farm & Mill’s Hard White Wheat Flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Warm the milk to about 110°F (lukewarm but not hot). Stir in the melted butter and beaten egg. If using honey, add it now.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms. If it feels too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until combined.
Step 4: Knead Until Smooth
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. (Tip: If the dough sticks to your hands, dust them with a little more flour, but don’t overdo it—too much flour can make the rolls dense!)
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. A warm, draft-free spot is best for this.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and arrange them in a greased baking pan.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the rolls again and let them rise for another 30 minutes until they look soft and puffy.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Step 9: Finishing Touches
Let the rolls cool slightly, then brush them with melted butter for that irresistible soft, glossy finish.
Bringing It All Together: Tips for Perfect Soft Wheat Dinner Rolls
How to Tell If Your Dough is Ready
The dough should be soft but slightly tacky—think of how a marshmallow feels when you press it. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time while kneading. If it’s too dry, a touch of warm milk will bring it back to life.
Why the Second Rise Matters
Skipping the second rise will give you dense, heavy rolls. That extra 30 minutes allows air bubbles to form, making your rolls soft and airy inside with a delicate golden crust.
Storing & Freezing Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Warm them slightly before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
- Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping! Let them thaw and rise before baking for an easy make-ahead option.
Dinner Roll FAQs
The secret to soft rolls is using high-quality flour, warm milk, and butter. Early Bird Farm & Mill’s Hard White Wheat Flour creates a tender crumb, while milk and butter keep the dough rich and moist.
Yes! After shaping the rolls, cover them and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking. You can also freeze shaped dough balls and thaw them before baking.
You can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to dissolve it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar first. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy before adding it to the dough.
The best way to test is with the poke test—gently press a finger into the dough. If it springs back slowly, it’s ready. If it bounces back too quickly, give it more time.
You can, but the rolls will be denser. If you want to add whole wheat, try replacing 1 cup of Hard White Wheat Flour with whole wheat flour and adding an extra tablespoon of milk to maintain softness.
Bake, Share, and Enjoy!
Baking homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated, and these Soft Wheat Dinner Rolls prove just that.
With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create warm, fluffy rolls that feel like they came straight from a bakery.
By using Early Bird Farm & Mill’s Hard White Wheat Flour, you’re not only getting a beautifully light texture but also supporting high-quality, organic ingredients that make a difference.
Now it’s your turn! I’d love to see your baking success—share your photos on Instagram and tag #EarlyBirdFarm. Let’s celebrate the joy of homemade bread together!
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Soft Wheat Dinner Rolls
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Pan
- Kitchen Towel
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups Hard White Wheat Flour Early Bird Farm & Mill
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast 1 packet
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk about 110°F
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 egg beaten
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and beaten egg. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Punch down the dough, divide into 12 portions, and shape into balls. Place in a greased baking pan.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Optionally, brush with melted butter.