Looking for a delicious and healthy bread recipe? These Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds are perfect for your next meal. Packed with nutty sunflower seeds and sweetened with honey and brown sugar, these rolls are made with whole wheat flour for a nutritious and flavorful twist on traditional dinner rolls. Perfect for enjoying with a pat of butter and your morning coffee or alongside a warm bowl of soup.
What are Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds?
Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds are bread rolls made with whole wheat flour, sunflower seeds, honey, and light brown sugar. These rolls are sweet, nutty, and flavorful, making them a great addition to any meal. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed warmly from the oven with a pat of butter or used to make sandwiches for a quick and satisfying meal. With their healthy whole wheat base and delicious sunflower seed filling, these dinner rolls will surely become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Instant dry yeast: This type of yeast is dried and granulated, making it easy to use in baking without needing to be activated first.
- Whole milk: This has not had its fat content removed, giving it a rich and creamy taste.
- Avocado oil or unsalted butter: These fats add moisture and richness to the rolls. Avocado oil is a healthier option than butter, but either can be used.
- Light brown sugar: This type of sugar is made with molasses, giving it a light caramel color and a slightly richer flavor than regular granulated sugar.
- Honey: This is a natural sweetener that also adds moisture to the rolls.
- Eggs: These are used to add richness and texture to the rolls.
- Whole wheat flour: This is made from the entire wheat kernel, giving it more nutrients and fiber than white flour.
- Kosher salt: This type of salt is free of additives and has a larger grain size than table salt.
- Vital wheat gluten: This protein is added to the dough to help it rise and become more elastic.
- Raw sunflower seeds: These are seeds from the sunflower plant that is high in healthy fats and protein and add a nutty flavor to the rolls.
For Brushing:
- Unsalted butter: It is melted and brushed on the rolls before and after baking to add flavor and moisture.
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, vital wheat, and sunflower seeds 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 Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds 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. Gently brush the Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds with melted butter. Bake until golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Brush with melted butter and warmly serve the Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Instant dry yeast: Active dry yeast can be used instead, but it needs to be activated first in warm water before adding to the dough.
- Whole milk: Non-dairy milk, such as almond or soy, can be used as a substitute.
- Avocado oil or unsalted butter: Coconut or vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for avocado oil, while margarine or shortening can be used instead of butter.
- Light brown sugar: Granulated or coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for light brown sugar.
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute for honey.
- Eggs: Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) can be used as an egg substitute.
- Whole wheat flour: All-purpose flour or bread flour can be used as a substitute for whole wheat flour, but this will result in a less healthy and flavorful roll.
Variations
- Cinnamon Raisin: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ cup of raisins to the dough to create a sweet and spicy cinnamon raisin roll.
- Garlic Herb: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of dried herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the dough to create a savory garlic herb roll.
- Cheese: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dough to create a cheesy roll.
- Jalapeno Cheddar: Add 1 cup of shredded cheese and 2-3 diced jalapenos to the dough to create a spicy jalapeno cheddar roll.
- Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough to create a sweet chocolate chip roll.
How to Serve
- As a side to a meal: These Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds are perfect for serving alongside a main dish, such as soup, stew, or chili.
- With butter and jam: These Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds are delicious when spread with butter and jam for a quick and easy breakfast or snack.
- As a sandwich: Use these Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds as a base for a delicious sandwich, such as turkey and cheese or grilled vegetables.
- Toasted: These Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds can be sliced and toasted for a crunchy and flavorful breakfast or snack.
- With dips: These Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds are perfect for dipping into sauces or spreads, such as hummus or spinach artichoke dip.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Let them cool completely to room temperature and then store them in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
To reheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the rolls in aluminum foil and place them in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave the rolls for 15-20 seconds until warm.
Make-Ahead
To make this Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds recipe ahead of time, follow the instructions up to the point where you've shaped the dough into 48 equal pieces and placed them on the baking sheets. Cover the pans with plastic wrap or foil instead of letting them rise for the final hour and refrigerate overnight. The next day, take the rolls out of the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Then, proceed with brushing them with melted butter and baking as directed in the recipe. This allows you to have freshly baked rolls without extensive last-minute preparation. Enjoy!
How to Freeze
To freeze Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds, let them cool completely to room temperature. Once completely cool, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air is inside. Then, place the wrapped rolls in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. To thaw the Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds, remove them from the freezer bag or container and let them thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Once completely thawed, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated.
Tips for Making The Best Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds
- Use fresh ingredients: Make sure your yeast, flour, and other ingredients are fresh and within expiration dates. This will help ensure that your rolls rise properly and taste their best.
- Don't overwork the dough: Knead it until it's smooth and elastic, but be careful not to overwork it. Overworking the dough can result in tough rolls.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place: The dough needs a warm environment to rise properly, so choose a warm spot in your kitchen to let it rest.
- Use parchment paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper can help prevent the rolls from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
- Brush with melted butter before and after baking: Brushing the Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds with melted butter helps give them a golden crust, while brushing them after baking adds flavor and moisture.
- Use a digital thermometer to check the temperature: Make sure the milk, water, and dough are at the right temperature by using a digital thermometer. This will help ensure the yeast is activated and the rolls rise properly.
- Don't skip the resting time: Letting the dough rest in the bowl and raising the Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds before baking are crucial to creating soft, fluffy rolls.
FAQ
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
You can use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour, resulting in a less healthy and flavorful roll.
Can I use a different type of oil or butter?
You can use a different type of oil or butter, but remember that this may affect the flavor and texture of the Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds.
Can I make the dough by hand instead of using a stand mixer?
You can make the dough by hand, but using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment makes the process easier and faster.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast, but you will need to activate it first in warm water before adding it to the dough.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature with a digital thermometer, which should read 190-200°F (88-93°C).
Can I use a different type of seed?
You can use a different type of seed, such as pumpkin or sesame seeds, instead of sunflower seeds.
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Recipe
Easy Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls with Sunflower Seeds
Ingredients
- 33 g instant dry instant yeast
- 100 ml (½ cups) warm whole milk (120 °F to 130 °F)
- 118 ml avocado oil (½ cup) or 113g unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly, plus more for the bowl and baking pan
- 95 g (½ cup) light brown sugar or granulated sugar
- 30 ml ( 2 tablespoons) honey
- 3 eggs , room temperature
- 400 ml (1-¾) warm water (120 °F to 130 °F)
- 1 kg whole wheat or white whole wheat flour spooned, leveled & sifted
- 15 g (1 tablespoon) kosher salt
- 2 Tablespoons vital wheat gluten , optional
- 133 g (1 cup) raw sunflower seeds (unsalted)
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, butter, sugar, salt, and egg. With the mixer on low, add the flour, vital wheat, and then sunflower seeds. 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.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Very gently brush the rolls with some melted butter. Bake until golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Brush with more melted butter and serve warm. Enjoy!
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.