Whole Wheat Rolls

It’s funny how sometimes a wonderful meal can consist of everything from soups to starters and delicious main courses, but it’s still the bread rolls that everyone talks  about. Bread is just that comforting and delicious, and that’s what you’ll find with these honey wheat rolls. They are relatively easy to make, and will result in a batch of whole wheat dinner rolls that people will be talking about long after dinner is over.

Whether you’re preparing for dinner party, a holiday gathering or you just want to make a meal your family will truly appreciate, these rolls are hard to beat. Especially fresh out of the oven and served with plenty of butter. Let’s get cooking!

Honey Whole Wheat Rolls Ingredients

• Active dry yeast: You will need a half ounce of active dry yeast in total, which usually consists of two packages of yeast.
• Warm water: Make sure the water is warm but not hot so it activates but does not hurt the yeast. Aim for a temperature between 110° to 115°F.
• Butter: Use 1/4 of a cup of melted butter in the baking process for these rolls. Though as you’ll see, you’ll likely use more butter later.
• Honey: A 1/4 of a cup of honey adds its delicious sweetness and as helps to provide more cohesion for the rolls.
• Egg: The single large egg should be at room temperature when you use it. Get it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you’ll begin baking.
• Whole wheat flour: The whole wheat flour is the namesake of these rolls but it is not acting alone here.
• Old-fashioned oats: A half cup of old-fashioned oats and texture to the rolls, as well as flavor.
• All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour is the true humble hero in this bread.
• Additional melted butter: This additional butter is optional, but is very highly recommended. You can also serve the rolls with whipped butter, or a butter substitute if preferred.

Directions

Step 1: Activate the yeast

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. In a mixer’s large bowl, combine the butter, honey, egg, whole wheat flour, oats, salt, yeast mixture and 1 cup all-purpose flour. Beat this mixture on medium speed until it’s smooth, then stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Step 2: Knead the dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it until it’s smooth and elastic, for about six to eight minutes. Then place the dough in a greased bowl and turn it once to grease the top. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled, which will take about one hour.

Step 3: Form the rolls

Punch down dough and then shape it into 15 balls. Place these in a greased 13×9-inch pan and then cover the pan with a kitchen towel. Let the rolls rise in a warm place until they have doubled, which will take about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 4: Bake the rolls, then enjoy!

Bake the rolls until they are golden brown, which will take about 20 minutes. If desired, brush the rolls with additional butter and serve them warm.

Honey Whole Wheat Rolls Variations

• Skip the whole wheat flour: Ironically, you can make these rolls using just the all-purpose flour and they will come out great. Just don’t call them whole wheat rolls in that case.
• Swap the honey for molasses: The rich and unique taste of molasses works wonderfully in these roles, so try it out instead of the honey sometime.
• Use vegan butter: To make these rolls vegan-friendly, use a butter substitute. They will come out wonderfully.

How to Store Honey Whole Wheat Rolls

You can store rolls at room temperature for up to three days if you keep them in airtight packaging and in a cool, dry and dark place like a pantry or drawer. Storing them in the fridge will extend things by two or three more days.

Can you freeze these rolls?

Yes, you can wrap them tightly in foil and freeze them for up to two months. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes and then bake them for about 15 minutes to reheat them.

Honey Whole Wheat Rolls Tips

What do I use to cover the bowl while the dough rises?

We recommend a layer of airtight wrap. Ideally use a reusable silicone followed by a tea towel that fully covers the opening of the bowl.

What should I serve these dinner rolls with?

Oh, the world is your oyster! You can serve them with almost any meal imaginable and they make a tasty little snack served with butter, honey or jam on their own.

Can I substitute quick oats for the old-fashioned oats?

Yes, if need be you can use quick oats in these rolls and the outcome will be negligibly different. And totally delicious.