When it comes to comfort food, few things compare to the warm, fluffy goodness of freshly baked dinner rolls. But sometimes, you don’t need a large batch—maybe it’s just for a small family dinner, a cozy meal for one, or a special breakfast treat. That’s where small batch dinner rolls come in handy. This recipe makes just four rolls, perfect for when you want the satisfaction of homemade bread without the commitment of a full dozen. And to make these rolls even more irresistible, we’ve paired them with a decadent maple butter that adds a touch of sweetness and a burst of flavor to every bite.
The Appeal of Small Batch Dinner Rolls
Baking bread can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re new to it or simply short on time. But these small batch dinner rolls are designed to be both easy and quick, taking only 45 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re using active dry yeast or instant yeast, this recipe ensures that you’ll have soft, fluffy rolls in less than an hour. The small batch size means there’s no overwhelming amount of dough to handle, making it perfect for beginners or those with limited kitchen space.
Another advantage of this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy these rolls fresh out of the oven for dinner, or save them for breakfast and pair them with the rich, creamy maple butter for a sweet start to your day. The maple butter, made with just three ingredients, adds a luxurious touch that elevates these simple rolls into something truly special.
Ingredients Breakdown
Rolls with Active Dry Yeast
- Warm Water (½ cup): Water serves as the base for activating the yeast. It should be warm, around 110-115°F, which is roughly the temperature of a warm bath. This helps the yeast to activate properly without killing it.
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Olive oil adds moisture to the dough, making the rolls soft and tender. It also contributes to the dough’s elasticity, making it easier to handle.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Sugar not only adds a touch of sweetness to the rolls but also feeds the yeast, helping it to activate and rise.
- Active Dry Yeast (1 tablespoon): Yeast is the leavening agent that makes the dough rise. Active dry yeast requires proofing, meaning it needs to be dissolved in warm water and allowed to sit before being mixed into the dough.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Salt enhances the flavor of the rolls and helps to control the fermentation rate of the yeast.
- All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups): Flour provides the structure for the rolls. The amount of flour can vary slightly depending on humidity and other factors, so you may need to add a little more or less to achieve the right dough consistency.
Rolls with Instant Yeast
- All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups, up to 2 cups): As with the active dry yeast version, flour provides the structure for the rolls. The dough should be soft but not sticky, so adjust the flour as needed.
- Granulated Sugar (1 tablespoon): Sugar helps the yeast activate and adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Salt is essential for balancing the flavors and controlling the yeast’s activity.
- Instant (Rapid Rise) Yeast (1 packet, 2¼ teaspoons): Instant yeast is a quicker option that doesn’t require proofing. It can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients, saving time and making the process even easier.
- Warm Water (½ cup, 120-130°F): The slightly higher temperature helps to activate the instant yeast more quickly, allowing the dough to rise faster.
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Olive oil adds moisture and richness to the dough, contributing to the rolls’ soft texture.
Maple Butter
- Salted Butter (¼ cup, very soft): Butter is the base of this spread, providing a rich, creamy texture. Using salted butter enhances the flavor, balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup.
- Pure Maple Syrup (2 tablespoons): Maple syrup adds sweetness and a distinct, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm rolls.
- Maple Extract (⅛ teaspoon, optional): For an extra boost of maple flavor, you can add a small amount of maple extract. This is optional but recommended for those who love a strong maple taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Rolls with Active Dry Yeast
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 6-inch round cake pan or a similar-sized pan by spraying it with cooking spray.
- Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm water, olive oil, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture rest for about 15 minutes. During this time, the yeast will activate, and the mixture will become frothy.
- Mix the Dough: After the yeast has activated, add the salt and flour to the mixture. Start mixing on the lowest speed (“Stir”) until the flour begins to incorporate into the wet ingredients. Then increase the speed to medium (“2” to “3”) and continue mixing until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too wet, add an additional tablespoon or two of flour.
- Shape the Rolls: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them in the prepared pan.
- Let the Dough Rest: Allow the dough balls to rest for 5 minutes. This short resting period helps the dough relax and makes the rolls fluffier when baked.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 11-15 minutes, or until the tops start to turn golden brown. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Rolls with Instant Yeast
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 6-inch round cake pan or a similar-sized pan by spraying it with cooking spray.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together ¾ cup of flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Heat the water to 120-130°F (49-54°C) and add it along with the olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix with the dough hook until combined, then add an additional ¾ cup of flour. Continue mixing until the dough forms a soft, elastic ball. If the dough is too wet, add up to ¼ cup more flour.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes, then shape it into four balls.
- Rise and Bake: Place the dough balls in the prepared pan and let them rise in a warm place for 10-15 minutes. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm.
Making the Maple Butter
- Whisk the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the softened butter, maple syrup, and optional maple extract until smooth and well combined. The butter should be very soft to ensure that it mixes easily with the syrup.
- Serve: Serve the maple butter at room temperature, spreading it generously over the warm rolls. Any leftover maple butter can be stored in the refrigerator and is best served at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- Use the Right Water Temperature: Whether using active dry yeast or instant yeast, it’s important to use water that’s warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot that it kills it. For active dry yeast, aim for 110-115°F; for instant yeast, 120-130°F is ideal.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can make the rolls tough. Mix the dough just until it forms a smooth, elastic ball that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Allow the Dough to Rest: Giving the dough a short rest before baking helps it relax, which leads to fluffier rolls. Don’t skip this step, even if you’re short on time.
- Serve Warm with Maple Butter: These rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven, with a generous dollop of maple butter. The combination of warm, fluffy rolls and sweet, creamy butter is truly irresistible.
Variations and Customizations
- Herb Rolls: Add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist. These herb-infused rolls pair wonderfully with soups and stews.
- Garlic Parmesan Rolls: Mix 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder into the dough for a cheesy, garlicky version of these rolls.
- Sweet Rolls: For a sweeter option, increase the sugar in the dough to 2 tablespoons and add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. These sweet rolls are perfect for breakfast or as a snack with coffee.
- Cinnamon Maple Butter: Enhance the maple butter by adding ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the sweetness of the syrup.
Conclusion
Small batch dinner rolls are the perfect solution when you’re in the mood for homemade bread but don’t need a large quantity. These rolls are quick, easy, and versatile, making them a great addition to any meal. Paired with rich, creamy maple butter, they become an indulgent treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dinner, or a snack.
Whether you’re using active dry yeast or instant yeast, this recipe ensures soft, fluffy rolls every time. The maple butter adds a touch of sweetness that makes
these rolls truly special. With the tips and variations provided, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste and enjoy freshly baked rolls in just 45 minutes. So the next time you’re craving warm, homemade bread, give this small batch dinner roll recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed.