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Sweet Molasses Dinner Rolls (100% Whole Wheat!)

These soft and chewy Sweet Molasses Dinner Rolls are made with 100% whole wheat flour and lightly sweetened with molasses and cocoa powder. Slather with homemade herb butter and enjoy!
Prep Time35 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Rising Time2 hours
Total Time3 hours
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: molasses dinner rolls, whole wheat
Servings: 9 Rolls

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoon dry active yeast (1 standard sachet)
  • 2 1/2 cup (280g) whole wheat flour
  • 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 Tablespoons molasses
  • 1 large egg + 1 tsp water
  • herb butter: 2 Tbsp softened butter mixed with 2 Tbsp chopped parsley + 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  • Bloom the yeast: In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the warm water, sugar and yeast. Allow to sit 10 minutes or until frothy.
  • Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder and salt. Add the olive oil, molasses and yeast mixture and stir until a rough ball forms. Turn dough onto a clean well-floured countertop and knead, adding more flour as needed until smooth and no longer sticky (about 3-4 minutes).
  • 1st Rise: Lightly grease a mixing bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place the dough in the bowl and cover with a tea towel or plastic wrap. Place in a relatively warm spot and let rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
  • Grease an 8 or 9 inch square or round baking pan.
  • Shape the rolls: When ready, punch down the dough to release the air. Divide into nine pieces of approximately the same size. Roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball and arrange in the greased baking pan.
  • 2nd Rise: Cover the prepared rolls and allow to rise for 1 hour.
  • Near the end of the second rise time, preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare the egg wash by whisking the egg with 1 tsp of water.
  • Bake the rolls: Gently brush the tops of the rolls with egg wash and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 25 minutes or until nicely golden brown. Remove from the oven and brush with herb butter. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Storage: Cover rolls tightly and store at room temperature for 2-3 days. Leftover rolls will also freeze well up to 3 months. Reheat frozen rolls in the oven or microwave.
Serving Suggestion: If preparing rolls in advance do not top with butter after baking. Re-warm baked rolls in the oven for 10 minutes and brush with butter right before serving.