Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe – All Purpose & Chapati Flour

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe – All Purpose & Chapati Flour

Hey everyone! There’s just something so comforting about a warm, soft dinner roll, isn’t there? I remember making these for the first time when my sister was visiting, and the whole house smelled amazing. They’re perfect with a simple spread of butter, alongside a hearty Indian meal, or even just for a cozy weekend breakfast. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for incredibly soft dinner rolls, made with a delightful blend of all-purpose flour and atta (chapati flour).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average dinner rolls. The combination of all-purpose and chapati flour gives them a unique, slightly chewy texture that’s just heavenly. They’re soft, fluffy, and incredibly flavorful. Plus, the recipe is straightforward, even for beginner bakers! They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, they disappear pretty quickly in my house.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful rolls:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (approx. 375g)
• ¾ cup atta or chapati flour (approx. 90g)
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (approx. 7g)
• 1 cup milk (240ml)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt (approx. 6g)
• 1 tbsp sugar (approx. 12g)
• 3 tbsp butter (approx. 42g), plus 2 tsp melted butter for brushing
• ¼ cup warm water (60ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Using both all-purpose flour and atta is the secret to these rolls’ amazing texture. The all-purpose flour provides structure, while the atta adds a lovely softness and subtle nutty flavor.

I love using instant yeast because it doesn’t require proofing beforehand (though I’ve included instructions for proofing if you prefer!). Make sure your milk isn’t too hot – you want it warm, not scalding, or it could kill the yeast. And don’t skimp on the butter! It adds richness and helps keep the rolls soft.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, let’s activate the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the top and let it sit for about 15 minutes, until it gets nice and frothy. This shows the yeast is alive and kicking!
2. In a saucepan, gently warm the milk. You don’t want it boiling, just comfortably warm. Add the butter and egg to the warm milk and stir until the butter is melted and everything is well combined. Stir in the salt and then the yeast mixture.
3. Now for the flour! Gradually add the all-purpose flour and atta to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough starts to form.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. The dough will be slightly sticky, and that’s okay! Don’t add too much extra flour, or the rolls will be tough.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 10-12 equal pieces.
7. Shape each piece into a ball and place them close together on a greased baking tray.
8. Cover the rolls again and let them rise for another 30-60 minutes. While they’re rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
9. Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Rotate the baking tray halfway through for even browning.
10. Once out of the oven, you can brush them with a little extra melted butter if you like!

Expert Tips

Want to make sure your rolls turn out perfectly? Here are a few tips:

• The Rise is Key: Don’t rush the rising process! A good rise is essential for light and fluffy rolls.
• Kneading Matters: Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure. Don’t be afraid to put some elbow grease into it!
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked rolls will be dry. Keep a close eye on them and take them out when they’re golden brown.
• Sticky Dough is Okay: A slightly sticky dough is better than a dry dough. Resist the urge to add too much flour.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the milk with plant-based milk (like almond or soy) and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water).
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
• Spice Level: Mix minced garlic and chopped herbs (like rosemary or thyme) into the melted butter for a delicious garlic herb butter. Or, add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick! My friend, Priya, loves adding a little garam masala to the butter for a unique flavor.
• Festival Adaptations: These rolls are perfect for any celebration! Serve them with a festive curry during Diwali, alongside a Christmas roast, or with a flavorful biryani during Eid.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are incredibly versatile. They’re fantastic with:

• A hearty Indian curry
• Soup or stew
• Roasted chicken or vegetables
• Simply with butter and jam for breakfast

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: These rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What is the best way to proof yeast? If you’re using active dry yeast (not instant), you’ll need to proof it. Combine the yeast with warm water and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
• Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Let it come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.
• Can I freeze these dinner rolls? Absolutely! See storage instructions above.
• What is the difference between all-purpose flour and chapati flour and why use both? All-purpose flour has a higher protein content, providing structure. Chapati flour (atta) is a whole wheat flour that adds softness and a subtle nutty flavor. Using both creates the perfect texture.
• How do I adjust baking time for different oven types? Every oven is different! Start checking the rolls at 20 minutes. If they’re browning too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly.

Enjoy baking these soft and delicious dinner rolls! I hope they bring as much joy to your table as they do to mine. Happy baking!