Sweet Molasses Dinner Rolls are a comforting classic that brings warmth to any table. They’re soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for soaking up soup or gravy.
If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in some homemade goodness, these rolls are a must-try. With their golden crust and tender interior, they’ll quickly become a family favorite.
Let’s get baking!
Steps
- Combine warm water, instant yeast, and brown sugar in a bowl, stirring until yeast and sugar dissolve. Allow the mixture to rest for about five minutes until it turns frothy.
- In a large bowl, add whole wheat flour, salt, melted butter, cocoa powder, and molasses without mixing them initially. Once the yeast mixture becomes frothy, pour it into the bowl and stir until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Gradually mix in all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a dough ball forms and it becomes difficult to stir with a spoon. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for five minutes, adding more flour as necessary to prevent sticking.
- Ensure the dough becomes soft and elastic after kneading, no longer clinging to your hands. Place it back in the bowl, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let it rise for an hour or until it doubles in size, depending on the room temperature.
- Once risen, sprinkle a little flour on the dough, punch it down, and move it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into four equal portions, then further divide each into three smaller pieces.
- Shape each piece into a ball and arrange them in a baking dish greased with non-stick spray, oil, or butter. Let the rolls rise again for 45 minutes to an hour until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Whisk an egg with a splash of water, and brush the mixture over the rolls for a glossy finish, though this step is optional.
- Bake the rolls for 25 minutes until they turn deep brown and sound hollow when tapped. Allow them to cool slightly before serving warm.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons instant or rapid rise yeast
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1.5 to 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1863.36kcal | Carbohydrates: 373.68g | Protein: 48.36g | Fat: 23.16g | Sodium: 1386.84mg | Fiber: 23.04g
FAQ
- Are the Sweet Molasses Dinner Rolls overly sweet?
- No, the rolls have a gentle sweetness, slightly less than store-bought Hawaiian rolls. The earthy molasses and a hint of cocoa help balance the sweetness.
- Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. Adjusting the ratio will change the amount of flour needed during kneading and will also alter the texture of the rolls.
- What type of molasses is recommended for this recipe?
- Regular molasses is recommended. Avoid using black strap molasses, as it is less sweet and more bitter, which will impact the final taste of the rolls.
- Will the rolls taste like chocolate due to the cocoa powder?
- No, the unsweetened cocoa powder is primarily for color and adding depth to the flavor. It does not impart a chocolate taste to the rolls.
- How should I adjust the recipe for a larger gathering?
- For larger meals, such as Thanksgiving dinner, you can divide the dough into 16 pieces instead of 12 to create smaller rolls, making them easier to serve as part of a bigger spread.
Tips
- Balance the Flour Types: If you prefer using whole wheat flour, you can mix it with all-purpose flour to add both flavor and texture while keeping the rolls light. Adjust the flour ratio according to your preference, but remember that it will change the amount of flour needed and the final texture.
- Choose the Right Molasses: Ensure you use regular molasses, not blackstrap molasses, as the latter is less sweet and more bitter, which will alter the taste of your rolls significantly.
- Monitor Dough Consistency: As you knead the dough, add small amounts of flour gradually until the dough is soft, buoyant, and no longer sticky. This step is crucial for achieving the right dough consistency and ensuring the rolls rise properly.
- Optional Egg Wash: Brushing an egg wash on the rolls before baking will give them a glossy finish. This step is optional, so if you prefer a more rustic look, you can skip it.
Equipment
- Instant-read thermometer (for checking water temperature)
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry brush (for egg wash)
- Baking dish (specifically a white enamel baking dish as mentioned)
- Plastic wrap (for covering dough during rising)
- Whisk (for beating the egg wash)
