Name: Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 57 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C); 1/3 cup whole milk (also warmed to 110°F/43°C); 1 tablespoon Platinum Yeast from Red Star (9g); 3 tablespoons brown sugar, divided; 3 tablespoons molasses; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats (85g); 3 and 1/2 cups bread flour (455g), plus more as needed; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 egg white beaten with 1 teaspoon of water (egg wash)

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There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home—warm, inviting, and utterly irresistible. Imagine pulling a tray of golden-brown rolls out of the oven, the steam rising, and that first bite being a soft, pillowy experience that melts on your tongue. That’s exactly what you can expect with these Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls. Each roll is tender and packed with a delicate sweetness from the molasses, balanced perfectly with the hearty texture of oats.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls

I remember the first time I made these rolls; they reminded me of evenings spent at my grandmother’s kitchen table, where fresh bread was a staple, accompanied by laughter and stories. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, these rolls add a delightful touch to any occasion—especially during the cooler seasons when comfort food truly shines. Let me tell you, after trying these Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls, you’ll wonder how you ever did without them. Ready to warm up your kitchen with these delicious rolls? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: These delightful rolls come together relatively easily in about 3 hours and 25 minutes, including rising time, making them perfect for any evening.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite delivers a gentle sweetness and the wholesome goodness of oats, making them utterly delectable with butter or jam.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their rustic appearance is delightful, boasting a light golden hue and a sprinkle of oats on top that make them stand out at any table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner alongside soups, as breakfast with a hint of honey, or even as snacks; these rolls are incredibly versatile!
Diet-Friendly Options: Want to make them vegan? Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of the egg wash.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Water: 1 cup, warmed to about 110°F (43°C) – This gentle warmth activates the yeast without killing it, helping your rolls to rise beautifully.
Whole Milk: 1/3 cup, also warmed to 110°F (43°C) – Adds richness and contributes to a tender crumb. If you prefer a dairy-free option, almond or soy milk works fine.
Platinum Yeast from Red Star: 1 tablespoon (9g) – This instant yeast is my go-to for reliable rising. Other instant yeasts may work, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Brown Sugar: 3 tablespoons, divided – This sweetener enhances flavor and aids in caramelization during baking; dark brown sugar gives it a deeper taste.
Molasses: 3 tablespoons – Adds a distinct, cozy sweetness and a beautiful color. For a lighter flavor, you can substitute with honey or agave syrup.
Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons, softened – This ingredient provides moisture and richness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, coconut oil is a fantastic alternative.
Old-Fashioned Whole Rolled Oats: 1 cup (85g) – These oats bring a hearty texture and nuttiness to the rolls. Avoid instant oats, to keep the rolls’ integrity.
Bread Flour: 3 and 1/2 cups (455g), plus more as needed – Higher in protein than all-purpose flour, this creates a nice structure. If in a pinch, you can use all-purpose flour, but the result may be slightly different.
Salt: 1 teaspoon – Essential for flavor and enhancing the dough’s development.
Egg Wash: 1 egg white beaten with 1 teaspoon of water – Gives the rolls a glossy finish. If avoiding eggs, a little milk can achieve a similar effect.

How to Make Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls

Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the warm water, warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Cover it and let it rest for 5–10 minutes until fluffy and frothy. You want to see those bubbles! Don’t have a stand mixer? No worries, use a large bowl and mix by hand with a sturdy spoon.

Mix the Dough Ingredients: After the yeast is frothy, mix in the remaining brown sugar, molasses, butter, oats, salt, and one cup of bread flour. With your machine on low speed, blend for about a minute. Stop, scraping down the sides, then add the remaining flour. Beat on medium speed until the dough clumps together and pulls away from the bowl, typically around 2 minutes. If it’s too wet, add extra flour a tablespoon at a time until it feels manageable.

Knead the Dough: Now it’s time to knead! Either keep it in the mixer for another 5-8 minutes or transfer it to a floured surface. If kneading by hand, work until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky—it should spring back when poked. Remember, avoid adding excessive flour; you want that lovely softness!

Let It Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl and place your kneaded dough inside, turning it to coat. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel, letting it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—this typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. You can also use the oven (turned off) to create a cozy environment for rising.

Prepare the Pan: While your dough is rising, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round pans. If you like, using parchment paper is also an excellent method for easy removal post-baking.

Punch Down & Shape: Once risen, gently punch the dough down to deflate it. Divide into about 15 equal pieces, roughly 68-70 grams each. Shape these pieces into neat balls and arrange them in the prepared pan, ensuring they are touching for soft, fluffy sides.

Second Rise: Cover your shaped rolls again with plastic wrap or a towel and allow them to rise until puffy, typically around 30 to 60 minutes. This step is crucial for generating that light texture we love.

Preheat the Oven: With the rolls nearly ready to go, adjust your oven rack to a lower position and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure even cooking without burnt tops.

Egg Wash & Bake: Brush the tops of your rolls with the egg wash and sprinkle with oats for an extra touch. Bake for about 26-27 minutes or until they’re deep golden brown. If they’re browning too fast, cover them loosely with aluminum foil. You can check for doneness using a thermometer; they should hit about 190°F (88°C) internally.

Cool & Serve: Let your rolls rest for just a few minutes before serving warm. If you have leftovers, store them airtight at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you prefer longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. Do note that while refrigeration may slightly alter the texture, reheating restores their warmth and charm.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Kneading is crucial! Ensuring adequate kneading develops the gluten necessary for structure and chewiness, so don’t skip this step.
Use slightly warm ingredients, especially the liquids, as they help activate the yeast more effectively, leading to a better rise.
Don’t rush the rising times, as they are essential for flavor and texture.
For variety, try adding herbs or cheese to the dough. Garlic powder or shredded cheddar can create a savory twist.
Prepare the dough ahead of time; it can rise in the fridge overnight for more complex flavors—the next day, just shape and bake!

There’s something so satisfying about making these Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls from scratch. The delightful aroma, the tender texture, and the sweet, homestyle flavor come together beautifully, offering the perfect complement to your meals. Whether you add your favorite spreads or simply enjoy them warm as they are, these rolls beckon to be shared. So why not gather your ingredients and create these wholesome bites today? You won’t regret it!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape it into rolls and place them in the pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking to enjoy freshly baked rolls with minimal effort!

Why did my rolls not rise?

If your rolls didn’t rise, it could be due to the yeast being inactive. Always check that your yeast is fresh and that the water and milk are at the correct temperature (around 110°F). If they’re too hot, it can kill the yeast; if too cold, it won’t activate.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

It’s best to use old-fashioned whole rolled oats here; quick oats will change the texture and may not hold up well in the dough. However, if you’re in a crunch, you can use them, but expect a slightly different end result.

How do I know when my rolls are fully baked?

The best way to check doneness is with an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C). Additionally, they should be a beautiful golden color and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.