Baking from scratch can be daunting for the uninitiated, but these biscuit-like dinner rolls are beginner-friendly. Plus, pulling apart warm homemade dinner rolls is totally worth it—we promise! Serve these with vegan butter, or for something extra decadent, with our savory Mushroom Gravy (page 231).
Yield: 15 rolls
Prep time: 30 minutes + 1 hour for rising | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
You’ll need: an electric stand mixer with a dough hook (if using the mixer option)
4½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 tablespoons active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon vegan butter
1½ cups unsweetened, plain soy milk
1 tablespoon melted vegan butter
Directions if using a stand mixer:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook, combine 3 cups of the flour and the yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave the vegan butter and soy milk for 1 minute. Stir until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is combined. The mixture should be lukewarm. If you have a food thermometer, it should register 105 to 110 degrees F. Pour the butter mixture into the stand mixer bowl.
3. Turn the mixer on the lowest speed and mix for 2 minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl and add the remaining 1½ cups of flour. Continue mixing (kneading) on low for 2 more minutes. Increase to medium speed and mix for 1 more minute. If you notice that the bowl still has loose, dry ingredients, hand-knead them into the dough ball, then continue with the dough hook.
4. Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the ball of dough in the bowl, cover with a damp towel, and allow to rise for 30 minutes at room temperature.
5. Lightly oil a 9 × 13-inch baking pan. Pinch off 15 equal-sized balls of dough and place them on the pan. Cover the dough balls with a damp towel and allow them to rise for 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bake the rolls for 18 to 20 minutes, until they turn light brown.
7. Brush the melted vegan butter over the tops of the dinner rolls.
Directions if mixing by hand:
1. In a large bowl, mix together 3 cups of the flour and the yeast, sugar, and salt until combined.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave the vegan butter and soy milk for 1 minute. Stir until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is combined. The mixture should be lukewarm. If you have a food thermometer, it should register 105 to 110 degrees F. Pour the butter mixture into the large bowl of dry ingredients and mix with a fork until combined.
3. Slowly add the remaining 1½ cups of flour while kneading with your hands for 5 minutes or until all the flour is incorporated and the dough is smooth.
4. Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the ball of dough in the bowl, cover with a damp towel, and allow to rise for 30 minutes at room temperature.
5. Lightly oil a 9 × 13-inch baking pan. Pinch off 15 equal-sized balls of dough and place them on the pan. Cover the dough balls with a damp towel and allow them to rise for 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bake the rolls for 18 to 20 minutes, until they turn light brown.
7. Brush the melted vegan butter over the dinner rolls.
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