These Golden Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls, often referred to as “Flower Rolls” due to their beautiful arrangement, are a delightful addition to any meal. Their soft, buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor make them irresistible. The unique pull-apart design allows each guest to easily grab a warm, freshly baked roll, creating a communal and comforting dining experience. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for a touch of homemade warmth. The dough is enriched with milk and butter, resulting in a tender crumb and a golden crust that’s brushed with an egg wash for a beautiful shine. The addition of sesame seeds on top adds a subtle nutty flavor and a touch of elegance.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4-4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- For Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- For Topping (Optional):
- Sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, lightly beaten eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Continue adding flour until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium-low speed for 5-7 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 18-24 equal pieces, depending on the size of your baking dish.
- Form the Rolls: Roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball.
- Arrange the Rolls: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a round baking dish. Arrange the dough balls in the dish, leaving a little space between each roll. They will expand during the second rise and baking.
- Second Rise: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Gently brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash.
- Add Topping (Optional): Sprinkle sesame seeds over the rolls, if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly in the baking dish before serving. Pull apart the rolls and enjoy them warm.
Tips and Notes:
- Milk Temperature: The milk should be warm (105-115°F) to activate the yeast. If it’s too hot, it will kill the yeast; if it’s too cold, it won’t activate.
- Yeast Activity: Ensure the yeast is active by checking for foaminess after 5-10 minutes. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be old or inactive.
- Kneading: Kneading the dough properly is crucial for developing gluten and achieving a soft and tender texture.
- First Rise: The first rise should be in a warm, draft-free place. You can place the bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or in a sunny spot.
- Shaping: Rolling the dough into smooth balls ensures even baking and a beautiful presentation.
- Second Rise: The second rise allows the rolls to become puffy and light. Don’t skip this step!
- Egg Wash: The egg wash gives the rolls a beautiful golden shine. You can also use milk or melted butter for a less glossy finish.
- Topping Variations: You can use other toppings like poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or a sprinkle of coarse salt.
- Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: Reheat the rolls in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked rolls for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
These Golden Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls are a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal. Their soft, buttery texture and beautiful presentation make them a perfect choice for special occasions and everyday dinners alike. Enjoy the warm, homemade goodness!