Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls Recipe

“`html

If you’ve been craving a bread that’s comforting, a little sweet, and wonderfully wholesome, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls Recipe. These soft, pillowy rolls have just the right touch of molasses sweetness balanced by hearty oats, creating a warm, inviting aroma and flavor that makes any meal feel special. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a holiday feast, these rolls combine simple ingredients but deliver a taste that’s rich, rustic, and simply unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step toward baking your own batch of these irresistible rolls. Each component plays an essential role, from providing moisture and flavor to building a tender crumb and beautiful golden color.

• 1 cup (240g/ml) water, warmed to about 110°F (43°C): This warm water activates the yeast and helps create a perfect dough texture.
• 1/3 cup (80g/ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C): Milk enriches the dough, making it soft and tender with a slight milky sweetness.
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 4 pieces: Butter adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 3 tablespoons (64g) molasses (do not use blackstrap; preferred Grandma’s brand): Molasses is the star ingredient responsible for that warm, deep sweetness and gorgeous color.
• 1 egg white beaten with 1 teaspoon of water (for egg wash): An egg wash paints the rolls with a glossy finish and helps the oats stick on top.
• 1 tablespoon (9g) Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast: Instant yeast gives the dough its rise and airy crumb.
• 3 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar, divided: Brown sugar enhances the molasses flavor and feeds the yeast during rising.
• 1 cup (85g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats, plus more for topping: Oats add a hearty texture and beautiful rustic look to the rolls.
• 3 and 1/2 cups (455g) bread flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed: Bread flour provides the gluten structure for chewy, soft rolls.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.

How to Make Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking the warmed water, milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar in your mixer bowl. Cover and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly—this is your yeast waking up and getting ready to work its magic. If you don’t have a stand mixer, use a large bowl and a wooden spoon to mix thoroughly.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients Together

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, molasses, softened butter, oats, salt, and 1 cup of flour into the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed for 1 minute, then scrape down the bowl. Gradually add the remaining 2 and a half cups of flour and beat on medium speed until the dough starts to form and pulls away from the bowl’s sides. If the dough feels too wet, add small amounts of flour by tablespoon until it feels just right.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Keep kneading the dough on medium speed for 5 to 8 minutes, or do it by hand on a lightly floured surface if you prefer. Your dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but manageable enough to work with. Give it a poke—the dough is ready when it slowly bounces back. This step builds the structure you need for those light, fluffy rolls.

Step 4: First Rise

Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or spray, place your dough inside, and turn it around to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel, then let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1 and a half to 2 hours until it doubles in size. The wait is worth it, as this rest time lets the dough develop flavor and airiness.

Step 5: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13-inch pan or two 9-inch pans, or line them with parchment paper. If you prefer, you can bake the rolls in a cast-iron skillet or on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Having your pans ready beforehand will make the shaping process much smoother.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

Punch down your risen dough gently to release trapped air. Divide it into 15 equal pieces, each about 68 to 70 grams. Take each piece and form a smooth ball by stretching the dough’s top surface and pinching the bottom closed. Arrange these little dough balls snugly in your prepared pans, setting up for that beautiful second rise.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the shaped rolls with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let them rest until they become noticeably puffy, which usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. This final rise ensures your rolls will bake up wonderfully soft and fluffy.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C), adjusting the oven rack to a lower position to prevent the tops from burning. Before baking, brush the rolls with the beaten egg white wash and sprinkle some extra oats on top for that signature rustic charm. Bake for 26 to 27 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure even baking. If the tops brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil. For perfect doneness, the internal temperature should register 190°F (88°C).

Step 9: Cool and Store

Let your freshly baked rolls cool for a few minutes before diving in. These warm, irresistible rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored safely at room temperature, tightly covered, for 2 to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.

How to Serve Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

A light brush of melted butter right after baking adds an incredible sheen and a buttery richness that makes these rolls even more inviting. For a finishing touch, sprinkle a few additional oats on top just before serving to highlight their wholesome texture.

Side Dishes

These oatmeal molasses dinner rolls are incredibly versatile, pairing perfectly with hearty soups, savory stews, and roasted vegetables. Their subtle sweetness contrasts beautifully with spicy chili or a creamy chicken pot pie, making them an all-around crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the rolls in a rustic basket lined with a cozy cloth napkin for a charming homemade touch. You can also slice them in half and serve as sliders filled with your favorite sandwich fixings or simply spread warm cinnamon butter or honey for a sweet snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your oatmeal molasses dinner rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container or tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. This will maintain their softness and flavor, ready whenever you want a quick bite.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these rolls later, freezing is your best friend. Wrap each roll individually or place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. This way, you can always have a batch of fresh-baked goodness on hand without any extra effort.

Reheating

To bring frozen or leftover rolls back to life, thaw them at room temperature and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Wrapping rolls in foil during reheating helps retain moisture, ensuring they stay tender and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use blackstrap molasses instead of the recommended molasses?

Blackstrap molasses has a much stronger, more bitter flavor compared to regular molasses, so it’s best to stick to the recommended Grandma’s brand or similar for that signature mild, sweet depth without overpowering the rolls.

Is it possible to substitute whole wheat flour for the bread flour?

While you can substitute some or all of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and denser texture, keep in mind that it may affect the roll’s rise and softness. You might want to start with replacing just 1 cup of bread flour and see how you like the texture.

Can these rolls be made without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! All the mixing and kneading can be done by hand using a sturdy wooden spoon for mixing and your hands for kneading. It will take a bit more arm work but yields just as tasty a result.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough during the first and second rises?

The dough should double in size during the first rise and become noticeably puffy and soft during the second. If you gently poke it, the dough should slowly spring back rather than deflate completely.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this recipe?

Yes! Adding a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruit like raisins or dried cranberries can add a nice texture and flavor contrast. Fold them in during the mixing phase, but don’t overdo it, or the dough might become tricky to knead.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, there’s nothing quite like the warm comfort of homemade bread, and this Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls Recipe delivers that coziness in every bite. The inviting aroma, the gentle sweetness, and the tender crumb make these rolls an absolute keeper. I can’t wait for you to try baking them and make any meal feel like a special occasion—because trust me, once you taste them, you’ll be baking again and again!

“`

Print