These dinner rolls are much quicker and easier than most dinner roll recipes. Ready in about an hour, these rolls are soft, fluffy, easy, and delicious! They're golden on the outside and pillow soft on the inside.
Preheat oven to 180F. In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whisk together 4 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
In a microwavable bowl, combine the water, milk, and butter. Heat in microwave on high until it reaches 115F and butter is melted, a little over 1 minute. Stir.
Pour butter mixture into the stand mixer bowl. Add lemon juice. Set mixer with hook attachment and mix on low speed 3-4 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.Add a bit more flour as needed to create a dough that is similar to play-dough. For me, 4 cups of flour is perfect. Dough should stick together nicely to form a ball, without being overly sticky nor dry.
Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and rest 5 minutes. Butter a 13x9 baking dish.
Roll dough up into a cylinder and cut into 16 equal sized pieces. Keeping dough covered as you work, shape each piece into balls by tucking edges under, pinching them together, and rolling the ball in your palms. Place rolls into buttered baking dish, smooth side up. Turn oven off.
Lightly brush tops of rolls with olive oil so they keep moist while rising. Cover with plastic wrap. Place rolls in oven and allow to rise for 25 minutes.
Transfer covered rolls to counter and set oven to 375F.Once oven reaches correct temperature, uncover rolls and bake on center rack for 14-16 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
Remove from oven and brush with the melted butter. Serve rolls warm.
Notes
Always make sure your rapid yeast is fresh and not expired. This is crucial for the dough to rise properly and give your dinner rolls the desired fluffy texture.
Aim for a dough texture similar to fresh play-doh. It should be smooth, elastic, and easy to form into a ball, without being overly sticky or dry.
If your dough turns out too sticky, don't panic. Simply add a tablespoon of flour at a time until you achieve the right consistency.
On the other hand, if your dough seems too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it becomes soft and elastic.
Remember to brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil before letting them rise. This helps to keep them moist and prevents them from drying out.
Once the rolls are done, brushing them with warm butter will enhance their flavor and give them a beautiful golden brown finish.
For a fun twist, try sprinkling a bit of garlic powder or parmesan powder on top of the rolls after brushing them with butter. This will add an extra layer of flavor and make your dinner rolls even more delicious.
Don't rush the process. Allow the rolls enough time to rise and bake properly. This patience will be rewarded with perfectly golden, fluffy dinner rolls that go great with some hearty 30-Minute Chili Mac or a delicious Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.
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