Delicious Dinner Rolls with Freshly Milled Flour

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Freshly baked, golden-brown loaf bread cooling on a rack beside a similar loaf still in its baking tin.

There's something truly rewarding about baking your own bread from scratch. The warmth of the oven, the sweet aroma drifting through the kitchen, and the pride you feel when you pull a fresh batch of dinner rolls out of the oven are simply magical. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite recipes for fluffy dinner rolls using freshly milled flour—one with vital wheat gluten for extra strength and one without. Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner, these rolls will surely impress at your next family dinner!

Benefits of Freshly Milled Flour

Before we jump into the recipes, let's explore why freshly milled flour can change your baking game. Milling your own flour offers a product that is loaded with nutrients, flavor, and freshness that store-bought flour just can't match. Freshly milled flour retains more of its natural oils and has a higher level of enzyme activity, which greatly enhances the flavor of your baked goods.

For instance, studies show that freshly milled flour has about 10 times more vitamin E than conventional flour due to its higher oil content. When you use freshly milled flour, you'll notice a significant difference in the texture of your dinner rolls. They will rise better and taste softer, making them a joy to eat. If you're concerned about gluten, you can tailor your recipe to either include or omit vital wheat gluten based on your dietary needs!

Dinner Roll Recipe with Vital Wheat Gluten

This recipe guarantees soft, fluffy rolls, perfect for soaking up gravy or slathering with butter.

Ingredients:

·         4 cups freshly milled bread flour

·         2 tablespoons vital wheat gluten

·         2 tablespoons sugar

·         1 tablespoon salt

·         2 teaspoons instant yeast

·         1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)

·         ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions:

1.      Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the freshly milled bread flour, vital wheat gluten, sugar, salt, and yeast.

2.      Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the warm water and melted butter.

3.      Make Dough: Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.

4.      Knead: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5.      First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

6.      Shape Rolls: Punch down the dough, divide it into 12 equal pieces, and shape each into a ball. Place them in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

7.      Second Rise: Cover the rolls again and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.

8.      Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.

9.      Cool: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Dinner Roll Recipe without Vital Wheat Gluten

If you prefer an easier approach, this recipe skips the vital wheat gluten but still yields delicious dinner rolls.

Ingredients:

·         3 1/2 cups freshly milled whole wheat flour

·         1/4 cup sugar

·         1 teaspoon salt

·         2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

·         1 cups warm water (about 110°F)

·         ¼ cup melted butter

1 large egg

Instructions:

1.      Prepare Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the freshly milled flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

2.      Mix: In another bowl, combine the warm water, egg and melted butter.

3.      Combine: Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until just combined.

4.      Knead: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 8 minutes until smooth.

5.      First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

6.      Shape Rolls: Punch down the dough, divide it into equal pieces, and shape them into balls, placing them into a greased baking dish.

7.      Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

8.      Preheat and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

9.      Cool: Let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy their wonderful softness!

The Joy of Baking

Baking dinner rolls with freshly milled flour is not just about the end product; it’s about the joy of cooking, the love you put into it, and the pleasure of sharing with family. Whether you choose to include vital wheat gluten or not, you will create rolls that will enhance any meal. So, tie on your apron and give these recipes a try. Your family is sure to ask for seconds.

Happy baking!