Cloverleaf Dinner Rolls

Prep: 1

Cook: 15

Total Time: 1 15

Yield: 36 rolls

Course: Bread

Cuisine: American

Calories: 122kcal

Author: Jessica Gavin

The soft and fluffy texture of these cloverleaf rolls, along with their beautifully golden crust, will definitely impress your dinner guests.

Ingredients

▢ 8 cups (1.14 kg) white whole wheat flour, divided
▢ ½ cup (99 g) granulated sugar
▢ 4 teaspoons (24 g) kosher salt
▢ 2 envelopes (28 g) rapid rise yeast
▢ 3 large eggs, divided
▢ 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
▢ 1 ½ cups (360 ml) water
▢ ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
▢ 2 tablespoons (18 g) poppy seeds, or sesame seeds

Instructions

Make a Proofing Box - Heat the oven to 200°F (93ºC). Lightly grease 3 muffin tins to make 36 rolls. Set aside.
Mix the Dry Ingredients and Eggs - In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together 3 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and undissolved yeast. Add 2 eggs and whisk until just combined. Set aside.
Warm the Milk Mixture - In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, water, and butter. Heat over medium heat until the mixture reaches 120 to 130°F (48 to 54ºC). It should feel very warm but not hot.
Add the Wet Ingredients - Add the milk mixture to the flour and egg mixture. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
Make the Dough - Add 2 cups flour and beat at high speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Change to a dough hook and add flour ½ cup at a time on low speed to make a soft dough; about 2 ½ cups additional (7 ½ cups total).
Continue to knead on low for 6 minutes. If needed, add up to ½ cup of additional flour (⅛ cup at a time) until the dough is no longer sticky. You want it to be elastic and smooth.
Rest the Dough - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and rest for 10 minutes.
Portion and Shape - Divide dough into 3 equal pieces. Working with one-third at a time, covering the unused dough, divide each third into 36 pieces. Shape each piece into a 1-inch ball. Place 3 balls in each greased muffin tin.
Let the Dough Rise - Turn OFF the oven; this is very important! Lightly cover rolls with foil; let rise in warmed oven until doubled in size, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Add Egg Wash - In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg. Brush the egg wash on the rolls. Sprinkle with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or both!
Bake - Set the oven rack to the center position. Heat the oven to 375°F (190ºC). Bake one tray at a time for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. If using dark nonstick muffin pans, rolls will cook quickly. Check for doneness at minimum bake time.
To Serve - Immediately remove the rolls from the muffin tins. Serve warm or cool on a wire rack.

Notes

Flour Substitutes: All-purpose flour or whole wheat flour can be used.
Storing: Store in an air-tight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Heat in the oven at 350ºF (177ºF) until warm, adding more time if frozen. Wrap in foil if desired to prevent browning. Alternatively, microwave in 15-second increments until warm.

Nutrition

Recipe Link