Rolls can be a delightful addition to a family meal or special occasion. These single size servings make it easy to serve bread without worrying about crumbs from cutting. They can be created from any favorite bread recipe or frozen dough from the local store. All it takes is a little extra time than creating a full size loaf.
Once the dough has defrosted or is at the point in the recipe where the loaf shape is made switch to one of the following shapes. Each one is designed to be created from the dough for one loaf of bread, so if the recipe makes two loafs divide the dough into two parts before beginning. The steps for each shape will create one dozen rolls instead of one loaf.
Creating Cloverleaf Dinner Rolls
There are two different ways to create a cloverleaf shape. The first requires the use of twelve muffin cups, preferably in a muffin pan, but small custard cups can also be used.
- Divide the dough into 36 equal sized pieces.
- Shape each piece into a small ball.
- Place 3 balls in each of the muffin cups.
The alternate directions also require the use of kitchen scissors. Make sure these are clean before using.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal sized pieces.
- Shape each piece into a ball.
- Place each ball into a muffin cup.
- Using the kitchen scissors, cut each ball in half and then quarters, creating an X or cross shape that is cut almost down to the bottom of each ball.
Tying Bread Dough in Knots to Make Rosettes
Creating a rosette involves one extra step from tying a knot in the dough.
- Divide the dough into 12 pieces.
- Roll each piece between hands to create a 12 inch long rope.
- Tie a knot in each rope.
- To create the rosette, tuck the ends under the knot.
- Place the knot or rosette 2” apart on a greased baking sheet.
Snail Shaped Dinner Rolls
Snail rolls are a fun way to create spiral shapes with the bread dough. With a small piece of dried fruit they can become a special addition to kids' dinners, too.
- Divide the dough into 12 pieces.
- Roll each piece between hands to create a 12 inch long rope.
- Coil each rope into a spiral shape.
- To create a snail, leave a small piece uncoiled to form the head. Add a currant or small piece of snipped dry fruit to make an eye.
- Place the spiral or snails 2” apart on a greased baking sheet.
Baking the Dinner Rolls
Follow these steps after shaping the dinner rolls.
- Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until double in size.
- Bake in a preheated 375 F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Immediately remove from the baking pan.
- If desired, brush with melted butter or shortening to soften the crust.
- Serve warm.
For more easy to make bread shapes, read How to Shape Dinner Rolls and Shaping Bread Loafs.
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