This 100% Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls Recipe makes any meal even more delicious with these soft and hearty dinner rolls. Our healthy dinner rolls recipe is a cut above your average, made with 100% Whole Wheat flour and sweetened with honey and light brown sugar. Make them for holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc., or any day!); they'll be a delightful change to your dinner table and likely to become an instant family favorite! 😋😍
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Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
For the Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls dough:
- Instant dry yeast: Used as a leavening agent to make the rolls rise.
- Warm whole milk: This helps activate the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
- Avocado oil or unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly: Adds fat to the dough for flavor and texture.
- Light brown sugar, brown sugar, or granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the rolls.
- Honey: Adds flavor and helps feed the yeast.
- Eggs, room temperature: Adds richness and structure to the dough.
- Warm water: This helps activate the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
- Whole wheat or white whole wheat flour, spooned, leveled & sifted: Used as the leading flour for the dough, which makes the rolls whole grain.
- Kosher salt: Adds flavor and regulates the yeast's activity.
- Vital wheat gluten (optional): Helps make the dough more elastic and improves its texture.
- Unsalted butter, melted (for brushing): Adds flavor and a golden brown color to the rolls.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Lined with parchment paper or grease with butter (2) 13x18x1 inch baking sheets; set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the milk, water, honey, and yeast and let stand until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in the avocado oil, butter, sugar, salt, and egg with a fork. Add the flour and then the vital wheat with the mixer on low. Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 5 to 10 minutes. Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray.
Next, lightly oil your hand and transfer the dough to the prepared bowl, turning it to coat all sides in the oil. Cover with a cling wrap and allow the dough to rest in a relatively warm environment until doubled in size for about 1 hour, depending on the temperature of your house. Remove cling wrap and punch dough to deflate. Transfer the dough to a work surface and cut it into 48 pieces. Roll each piece into a tight ball. Transfer the dough balls to the prepared pan, spacing them evenly (rolls will touch once they have risen). Cover and set in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Very gently brush the rolls with melted butter. Bake the Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls until golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Brush with more melted butter and serve warm. Enjoy our Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls!
Substitutions
- Instant dry yeast: You can use active dry yeast instead, but you'll need to proof it in warm water for a few minutes before using it in the recipe.
- Whole milk: You can use any milk you prefer, such as skim, 1%, or 2% milk. You can also use non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat.
- Avocado oil or unsalted butter: You can use any oil you prefer, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil. You can also use vegan butter or margarine to make the recipe vegan.
- Brown sugar: You can use granulated sugar, honey, or maple syrup instead.
- Vital wheat gluten: You can omit the vital wheat gluten if you don't have it, but the rolls may not be as chewy and elastic.
- Unsalted butter for brushing: You can use vegan butter or margarine to make the recipe vegan.
Variations
- Add herbs: Add dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil to the dough for added flavor.
- Add cheese: Add shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese to the dough for a savory twist.
- Add seeds: Add seeds such as poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Make them sweeter: Add more honey or sugar to the dough for a sweeter roll that pairs well with jam or honey butter.
- Make them spicier: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the dough for a spicier roll that pairs well with savory dishes.
- Make them into sliders: Shape the dough into smaller balls and bake them in a muffin tin to make mini rolls perfect for sliders.
- Make them into knots: Instead of shaping the dough into balls, tie them into knots and bake them for a fun and decorative twist.
How to Serve
Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls are a versatile addition to any meal. They pair well with soups, stews, and chili and are also great for making sandwiches. Serve them warm with a pat of butter, or use them to make mini sliders with your favorite fillings. You can also use them to make garlic bread by slicing them in half, brushing them with garlic butter, and toasting them in the oven. For a sweet treat, serve them with honey butter or jam. The possibilities are endless! These rolls can be made and reheated in the oven, making them perfect for meal prepping or bringing to potlucks and gatherings.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls, allow them to cool completely, and then place them in a tightly sealed container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and brush them with melted butter. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil and bake for 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through. If you prefer crispier rolls, remove the foil and bake for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, you can reheat the rolls in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds on high power, which may make them slightly softer.
Make-Ahead
Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls are a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or special occasions. You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days or freeze it for up to a month. To prepare the dough ahead of time, follow the recipe to the point where you shape the rolls. Then, instead of letting them rise, cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake the rolls, take them out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about an hour before baking.
If you're freezing the dough, shape it into rolls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag, and store them in the freezer.
To bake the frozen rolls, place them on a greased baking sheet, let them thaw, and rise for about 2-3 hours before baking. With these make-ahead options, you can have fresh and delicious Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls on hand whenever needed.
How to Freeze
Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls are a great item to freeze and have on hand for future meals. To freeze the rolls, let them cool to room temperature before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap. Next, place the wrapped rolls in a resealable plastic freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Label the bag with the date to track how long they have been frozen.
The rolls can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw the rolls, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave, as described earlier. Freezing Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls is a convenient way to always have fresh rolls on hand, and they can be easily reheated for a quick and easy addition to any meal.
Tips for Making The Best Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
- Use warm liquid: Using warm water, milk, or other liquids in the recipe helps activate the yeast and makes the dough rise faster. Ensure the liquid is warm but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
- Proof the yeast: Proofing the yeast before adding it to the dough ensures that it's active and ready to help it rise. To proof the yeast, mix it with warm liquid and a little sugar and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Use fresh yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and hasn't expired, as expired yeast won't work correctly.
- Measure accurately: Accurate measuring of ingredients is crucial for the success of this recipe. Use a kitchen scale to weigh the flour and other dry ingredients for the best results.
- Let the dough rise properly: The dough needs to rise until it has doubled in size before shaping it into rolls. Letting it rise in a warm, draft-free place helps it increase faster and gives it a better texture.
- Brush with butter: Brushing the rolls with melted butter before baking gives them a golden brown color and a buttery flavor. Use a pastry brush or a silicone brush to apply the butter evenly.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking the rolls can make them dry and tough. Watch them closely and remove them from the oven when they're golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Store and reheat properly: Store the rolls in an airtight container or plastic bag and reheat them in the oven or microwave for the best results. Don't overheat them, as this can make them tough and dry.
FAQ
Could I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
You could use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour, but the rolls will be less healthy and have less fiber than the complete wheat version.
Could I make the rolls ahead of time and freeze them?
You can make the rolls ahead of time and freeze them for up to three months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a resealable plastic freezer bag.
Can I make the rolls without a stand mixer?
You can mix the dough by hand instead of using a stand mixer. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
Can I use honey instead of sugar in the recipe?
You could use honey instead of sugar in the recipe. It adds flavor and helps feed the yeast.
Can I make the rolls without eggs?
You can make the rolls without eggs. You can use a flax or chia egg as a substitute or omit the eggs and add more liquid to the recipe.
Could I use vegetable oil instead of avocado oil or butter?
You can use any oil, such as vegetables or canola.
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Recipe
Easy Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
For the Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls dough:
- 17 g instant dry instant yeast
- 100 ml warm whole milk (120 °F to 130 °F)
- 118 ml avocado oil or 113g unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly , plus more for the bowl and baking pan
- 95 g light brown sugar , brown sugar, or granulated sugar
- 30 ml honey
- 3 eggs , room temperature
- 400 ml warm water (120 °F to 130 °F)
- 1000 g whole wheat or white whole wheat flour spooned , leveled & sifted
- 15 g kosher salt
- 2 Tablespoons vital wheat gluten , optional
For Brushing:
- 1 stick unsalted butter , melted
Instructions
- Lined with parchment paper or grease with butter (2) 13x18x1 inch baking sheets; set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the milk, water, honey, and yeast and let stand until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- With a fork, stir in the avocado oil or butter, sugar, salt, and egg. With the mixer on low, add the flour and then the vital wheat. Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Next, lightly oil your hand and transfer the dough to the prepared bowl, turning it to coat all sides in the oil. Cover with a cling wrap and allow the dough to rest in a relatively warm environment until doubled in size for about 1 hour, depending on the temperature of your house.
- Remove cling wrap and punch dough to deflate. Transfer the dough to a work surface and cut it into 48 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a tight ball. Transfer the dough balls to the prepared pan, spacing them evenly (rolls will touch once they have risen). Cover and set in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
To Bake the Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Very gently brush the rolls with some melted butter. Bake the Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls until golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Brush with more melted butter and serve warm. Enjoy our Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls!
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.