Baking · serves 2

Dinner Rolls

Soft, pull-apart, and they make any meal feel considered.

150 min Some work Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 4 cups maida
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1.25 cups warm milk
  • 1 egg (optional)
  • 60g soft butter
  • Extra butter to brush

Method

  1. Mix everything except the butter, then knead the butter in last. Adding fat early coats the flour and stops gluten forming.
  2. Knead 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Rise 1 hour until doubled.
  4. Divide into equal balls. Roll each on the counter under a cupped palm to build surface tension — that's what makes them rise up instead of spreading.
  5. Pack them touching in a tin. Second rise 45 minutes until pillowy.
  6. 190°C for 20-22 minutes. Butter brushed over the second they come out.

Questions people ask about Dinner Rolls

How long does Dinner Rolls take?

About 150 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a bit of work. A good part of that is unattended, so you can get on with something else once it is going.

What can I use instead of maida in Dinner Rolls?

Use plain atta for a denser, nuttier result, or a 50/50 mix if you want to keep some lift.

Can I make Dinner Rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently. It keeps two days in the fridge, though it is best on the day.

Is Dinner Rolls vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. It is not vegan as written because it contains dairy; swap the dairy for a plant alternative and the rest of the method is unchanged.

Do I need an oven for Dinner Rolls?

Yes, this one needs an oven. If you do not have one, look at the no-oven filter on the baking page: eleven of the bakes here are built for a cooker, a pan or the fridge.

What do you serve with Dinner Rolls?

On its own, warm, with tea or coffee. Baking is chemistry, so scale it by weight rather than by eye: double every quantity, use a tin with roughly double the area, and expect to add ten minutes or so. Judge it by the skewer, not the clock.

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