why make this recipe
These rolls are soft, warm, and lightly sweet. The oats and molasses give a nice flavor. They stay good for days and go well with soups, stews, or breakfast. The dough is easy to handle and the chill time makes shaping simple.
introduction
This recipe makes 12 hearty dinner rolls. The dough mixes oats, molasses, and butter for a rich taste. You make the dough, chill it, shape the rolls, let them rise, and bake until golden. The result is tender rolls with a deep, homey flavor.
how to make Heavenly Oatmeal-Molasses Rolls
Follow the steps below. Read all steps before you start. Keep things simple and work at a calm pace.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup lukewarm water
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup butter, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 egg
- 2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose or bread flour (up to 3 cups)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing tops of rolls (up to 3 tablespoons)
Directions
- Dissolve yeast in the lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it stand until bubbly.
- Scald the milk (heat until it steams). Add the milk to the butter so the butter melts.
- Mix in the brown sugar, rolled oats, molasses, and salt. Stir until combined.
- When the milk mixture cools to lukewarm, add the egg and the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Add 2 1/2 cups of flour. Mix in more flour if needed until the dough loses its sheen and is slightly firm.
- Let the dough rest for 10 minutes. Then place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- After chilling, knead the dough briefly. Cut it into 12 pieces and shape each into a ball.
- Place the balls close together in a buttered baking pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, until puffy.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the rolls are browned on top.
- Brush the hot rolls with melted butter. Let them cool a little before serving.
how to serve Heavenly Oatmeal-Molasses Rolls
Serve warm. They pair well with butter, jam, honey, soups, or roasted meats. Cut and toast leftover rolls for breakfast or use them for small sandwiches.
how to store Heavenly Oatmeal-Molasses Rolls
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store up to 5 days in a sealed container. Warm slightly before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap rolls well in foil or plastic and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and warm in the oven.
tips to make Heavenly Oatmeal-Molasses Rolls
- Use lukewarm water and lukewarm milk so yeast stays active.
- If dough is sticky, add flour a little at a time until it firms.
- Chill helps flavor and makes shaping easy. Don’t skip the chill if you can avoid it.
- Let rolls rise in a warm, draft-free place for a good, even rise.
- Brush with melted butter right after baking for a soft, shiny top.
variation
- Add 1/2 cup raisins or chopped nuts to the dough for texture.
- Swap molasses for maple syrup for a milder sweet note (use the same amount).
- Sprinkle oats or coarse sugar on top before baking for a rustic finish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes. Use the same amount of instant yeast and mix it with the dry ingredients. You may need less time for the dough to rise.
Q: Can I skip chilling the dough?
A: You can skip it, but chilling helps flavor and makes the dough easier to handle. If you skip, shape and let rise sooner, then bake.
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes, quick oats work, but rolled oats give a bit more texture. Either will be fine.
Q: How do I reheat frozen rolls?
A: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes or until heated through.
Q: Will these rolls stay soft if I store them?
A: Yes, if you store them in an airtight container and brush with a little butter or wrap well. Freezing preserves softness best.
Conclusion
Find more versions and tips from trusted recipe pages: Heavenly Oatmeal-Molasses Rolls on Food52 (recipe), a helpful guide with notes at Oatmeal Rolls with Molasses at The Wimpy Vegetarian, another Food52 discussion and notes at Food52 hotline about Heavenly Oatmeal-Molasses Rolls, an alternate take and comments at Oatmeal Molasses Rolls on Zestuous, and a similar version with baking tips at Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls at Sally’s Baking Addiction.