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dinner rolls overlapping on cooling rack

Lightly Sweetened Dinner Rolls

The perfect dinner roll with a touch of sweetness that pairs well with any sandwich, hamburger, or as a side!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rise Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

  • 5 cups white flour option to replace ¾ cup with wheat flour
  • ⅓ cups + 5 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon white sugar equals ⅓ cup + half of ⅓ cup* see notes
  • 1 ½ tablespoon instant yeast
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 cup warm water
  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter for brushing on rolls

Instructions
 

Make the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl combine all dry ingredients. Combine well with a fork. Add water and oil and combine again using fork and your hands. Knead the dough for at least 3-4 minutes. Form into a ball and cover with a tea towel to let rise for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.

Forming the Rolls and Baking

  • Preheat oven to 350℉. Melt 4 tablespoon butter on stovetop or in microwave (just for a few seconds if choosing this method).
  • Once risen, transfer dough to a clean lightly floured surface and roll out into an evenly portioned log. Using a sharp knife cut the log in half. Cut each half into 5 equal portions to equal 10 total.
  • Form each portion into a ball and using two hands gently roll the dough under slightly to create a smooth top surface (like the motion of folding socks together). Ensure that the bottoms are smooth as well by gently pressing and rocking it into your palm or a flat surface to evenly seal off the bottom.
  • Place rolls on a cookie sheet (lightly sprayed with olive oil or covered in parchment paper). Give about 3” space between each roll. I end up using 1 large cookie sheet and 1 smaller, placing them long ways in the oven on the same rack. You can cook 2 separate batches if needed. Option to use a pizza stone.
  • Baste each roll with melted butter (you should have some left over for after the bake).
  • Bake for 30 minutes at 350℉. If you prefer a bit darker, leaving the rolls in oven at 30 minutes and increase temp to 375℉ to bake for another 5 minutes.
  • Baste rolls again with melted butter after bake if you wish for a smoother texture and golden color.
  • Enjoy with any dinner as a side roll. Or, slice in half to use for any sandwich or hamburger!

Notes

I have decreased the sugar from my original Kraut Burger Recipe, which is where these rolls originated. You can decrease the sugar even more to lower overall sweetness. You can still taste sweetness at ⅓ cup so if you really don’t want them sweet either omit the sugar completely or add a few tbsp-¼ cup max.
Keyword dinner rolls
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