Indulge in the rich, bakery-style flavor of Dark and Soft Restaurant Dinner Rolls, a perfect addition to any table. These golden, buttery rolls are made extra special with the addition of unsulfured molasses and a touch of cocoa powder, giving them their signature deep color and subtle sweetness. The recipe combines all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a perfectly soft yet hearty texture, while brown sugar enhances their irresistible depth of flavor. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a simple kneading process, these dinner rolls are surprisingly easy to make at home. Serve them warm, brushed with melted butter, for a luxurious complement to soups, stews, or holiday meals. Perfect for those looking to recreate restaurant-quality bread in their own kitchen, these rolls are sure to become a new family favorite.
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, brown sugar, and molasses. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Stir the salt, softened butter, and egg into the yeast mixture until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and cocoa powder.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
Grease a large bowl with a small amount of vegetable oil and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 16 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball.
Place the dough balls onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with vegetable oil or melted butter.
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with butter or your favorite spread.
Calories |
2937 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 92.7 g | 119% | |
| Saturated Fat | 45.7 g | 228% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 394 mg | 132% | |
| Sodium | 4999 mg | 217% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 466.2 g | 170% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.4 g | 112% | |
| Total Sugars | 91.0 g | ||
| Protein | 74.1 g | 148% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.8 mcg | 19% | |
| Calcium | 612 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 27.7 mg | 154% | |
| Potassium | 2622 mg | 56% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.