Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
Yesterday, I found myself in a rush after a long day. Alex asked if we could have something freshly baked for dinner. In times like these, my go-to recipe is always my whole wheat dinner rolls. They're easy to make, and there's nothing quite like the aroma of fresh bread filling the apartment. We usually enjoy these during our Sunday dinners, sitting around the kitchen table, savoring the softness and warmth of the rolls.
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If you're looking for a delightful bread option that's both nutritious and quick to prepare, these rolls are perfect for you. The best part is, they pair well with almost any meal. (If you love experimenting, check out my Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies as a delightful dessert option.)
Why you’ll love this recipe
These whole wheat dinner rolls are not just tasty but also wholesome, thanks to the whole wheat flour. They’re soft, fluffy, and have a touch of sweetness from the honey. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing Sunday dinner, this recipe is a lifesaver for moms like me, who want to make something from scratch without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- ½ cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- ¼ cup salted butter, melted
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature (or half and half)
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 to 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
Step-by-step instructions
- Line a 9×13” baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Add water, honey, and yeast to the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the dough hook. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Once the yeast is proofed, add the butter, milk, and egg. Stir on low speed until combined.
- Add 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup whole wheat flour, and sea salt. Knead with the dough hook. Gradually add more flour, ½ cup at a time, until you have a slightly sticky dough ball.
- Transfer the sticky dough to a floured surface and knead until it’s no longer sticky.
- Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Once the dough has doubled, flour your hands and squeeze the dough to release gas.
- Form 12 equally-sized dough balls. Roll each one until smooth.
- Place the rolls in the prepared baking pan, spaced evenly in 4 rows of 3. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 30-60 minutes).
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F when the rolls are halfway risen.
- Bake the fully risen rolls for 15-20 minutes, until golden-brown on top and sounding hollow when tapped.
- Remove the rolls from the oven, immediately brush them with melted butter, and sprinkle with sea salt. Serve warm!
Recipe tips & variations
To make these rolls a bit more special, you can add herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough. If you’re running low on whole wheat flour, a mix of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour works just fine. You can also experiment by adding seeds on top for some extra crunch and flavor.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftover rolls in a sealed, airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They can be reheated in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to regain their softness and warmth.
FAQs
Why are my whole wheat dinner rolls not rising properly?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water you’re using is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
Can I make whole wheat dinner rolls ahead and freeze the dough?
Yes! After the first rise, shape the rolls, and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, store them in a freezer bag. Let them rise at room temperature before baking.
How do I keep whole wheat rolls soft and fluffy instead of dense?
Ensure not to overwork the dough, and use enough liquid to form a slightly sticky dough. This keeps the rolls light and fluffy.
What’s the best flour combination for soft whole wheat dinner rolls?
A combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour yields the best texture and flavor balance.
Recipes you may like
- Creamy Mango Banana Smoothie for a Fresh Morning Boost
- Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Pineapple Green Smoothie
Baking these rolls always brings our family together at the dinner table, making even the most hectic days feel special. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing them with your loved ones as much as we do!
Print
Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy whole wheat dinner rolls that are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- ½ cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- ¼ cup salted butter, melted
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature (or half and half)
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 to 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
Instructions
- Line a 9×13” baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Add water, honey, and yeast to the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the dough hook. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Once the yeast is proofed, add the butter, milk, and egg. Stir on low speed until combined.
- Add 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup whole wheat flour, and sea salt. Knead with the dough hook. Gradually add more flour, ½ cup at a time, until you have a slightly sticky dough ball.
- Transfer the sticky dough to a floured surface and knead until it’s no longer sticky.
- Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Once the dough has doubled, flour your hands and squeeze the dough to release gas.
- Form 12 equally-sized dough balls. Roll each one until smooth.
- Place the rolls in the prepared baking pan, spaced evenly in 4 rows of 3. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 30-60 minutes).
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F when the rolls are halfway risen.
- Bake the fully risen rolls for 15-20 minutes, until golden-brown on top and sounding hollow when tapped.
- Remove the rolls from the oven, immediately brush them with melted butter, and sprinkle with sea salt. Serve warm!
Notes
- To make these rolls more special, add herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough.
- A mix of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour works well if you're running low on whole wheat flour.
- You can also add seeds on top for extra crunch and flavor.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container at room temperature for up to two days, and reheat in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
