Introduction
These heavenly soft vanilla dinner rolls offer a delicate sweetness with a hint of vanilla, making them an irresistible addition to any meal. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful everyday treat.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
360 g bread flour
1 egg
28 g sugar
180 ml warm milk
28 g butter (softened)
7 g yeast
2.5 g salt
5 ml vanilla extract
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Directions
1. In a small bowl, activate the yeast by combining it with the warm milk and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes or until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add in the egg, softened butter, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture.
3. Mix the ingredients together to form a dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes or until they’ve doubled in size.
7. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
8. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
9. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the warm, soft, and aromatic vanilla dinner rolls!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes or until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Combine dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, measure out the bread flour and sprinkle in the salt. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture.
Add wet ingredients
Into the well, add the egg, softened butter, vanilla extract, and the frothy yeast mixture.
Form the dough
Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients together until they begin to come together to form a dough.
Knead the dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes, working the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. It should feel soft and pliable to the touch.
First rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean, damp towel and allow it to rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size and has an inviting aroma.
Punch down and divide
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
Shape the rolls
Take each piece, shape it into a smooth ball, and place the balls into a greased baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one.
Second rise
Cover the shaped rolls with a towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up and doubled in size, filling the room with a sweet vanilla aroma.
Preheat the oven
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), ensuring it is ready for baking when the rolls are done rising.
Bake the rolls
Gently place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. They should turn a beautiful golden brown, enticing you with their delightful scent.
Cool and serve
Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, soft, and sweet flavor of these vanilla dinner rolls.
Notes
Ingredient temperature matters
Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
Kneading technique
To knead effectively, fold the dough over itself, push down and away with the heel of your hand, turn the dough, and repeat this process.
Rising environment
Find a warm, draft-free spot for the dough to rise, like an oven with the light on, to help it rise effectively.
Egg wash option
For a richer color, consider brushing the tops of the rolls with an egg wash before baking, made of beaten egg and a splash of milk.
Freezing rolls
You can prepare and shape the rolls ahead of time, freeze them before the second rise, and bake them fresh whenever you want homemade rolls. Just allow extra time for rising before baking.
Cook techniques
Activating Yeast
To properly activate yeast, combine it with warm milk and sugar. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is alive and ready for baking.
Kneading Dough
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it reaches a smooth and elastic texture. This process develops gluten, which is essential for the structure of the rolls.
First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for achieving soft and airy rolls.
Shaping Rolls
After the first rise, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath to create a taut surface.
Second Rise
Cover the shaped rolls with a towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until they double in size. This step contributes to the lightness and fluffiness of the rolls.
Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Proper baking will ensure a lovely color and a soft interior.
Cooling
After baking, remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. This will help maintain their softness and enhance the flavor.
FAQ
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different since bread flour has a higher protein content, which contributes to the rolls’ chewiness.
What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
If the dough isn’t rising, ensure that the yeast was fresh and properly activated. Additionally, check that the environment is warm enough; if it’s too cold, the yeast will be slow to work.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, refrigerate the dough. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before shaping and allowing it to rise again.
How do I store leftover rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; thaw and reheat them when needed.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients?
Absolutely! You can add herbs, garlic, or cheese for savory variations, or opt for chocolate chips or nuts for a sweeter twist. Just ensure not to alter the main structure of the dough.
Conclusion
These perfect soft vanilla dinner rolls are a delightful treat that can elevate any dining experience. Their light sweetness and rich vanilla flavor make them a versatile option for various meals, whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual dinner. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for a comforting addition to your table.
Sweet Cinnamon Rolls
Transform your vanilla dinner rolls into sweet cinnamon rolls by adding a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon before rolling them up. Top with a cream cheese glaze for a delightful breakfast.
Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls
For a savory twist, incorporate minced garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough. These rolls pair perfectly with soups and salads.
Honey Butter Pull-Apart Rolls
Create pull-apart rolls by baking the dough in a round pan. Brush with honey butter before baking for a deliciously sweet and sticky treat.
Stuffed Dinner Rolls
Experiment by stuffing the rolls with cheese, ham, or even fruit preserves before baking. This makes for a fun and tasty surprise in every bite.
Vanilla Roll French Toast
Use leftover rolls to make French toast. Dip sliced rolls into a mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla before cooking them on a skillet for a delicious breakfast option.
Rolls with Jam and Cream
Serve the rolls warm with your favorite jam and whipped cream for a sweet dessert option that is sure to impress your guests.
