Dark and Soft Restaurant Dinner Rolls

Indulge in the rich, bakery-style flavor of Dark and Soft Restaurant Dinner Rolls, a perfect addition to any table. These golden, buttery rolls are made extra special with the addition of unsulfured molasses and a touch of cocoa powder, giving them their signature deep color and subtle sweetness. The recipe combines all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a perfectly soft yet hearty texture, while brown sugar enhances their irresistible depth of flavor. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a simple kneading process, these dinner rolls are surprisingly easy to make at home. Serve them warm, brushed with melted butter, for a luxurious complement to soups, stews, or holiday meals. Perfect for those looking to recreate restaurant-quality bread in their own kitchen, these rolls are sure to become a new family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 1 cup Warm water
• 1 cup Warm milk
• 0.25 cup Brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons Unsulfured molasses
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 5 tablespoons Unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Whole wheat flour
• 3 tablespoons Cocoa powder
• 1 large Egg
• 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil or melted butter (for brushing)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, brown sugar, and molasses. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2

Stir the salt, softened butter, and egg into the yeast mixture until combined.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and cocoa powder.

Step 4

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Step 5

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.

Step 6

Grease a large bowl with a small amount of vegetable oil and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 7

Punch down the dough and divide it into 16 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball.

Step 8

Place the dough balls onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.

Step 9

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 10

Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with vegetable oil or melted butter.

Step 11

Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 12

Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with butter or your favorite spread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1235.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2936.9

Total Fat 92.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 45.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 394.5mg	0%
Sodium 4999.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 466.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.4g	0%
Total Sugars 91.0g
Protein 74.1g	0%

Vitamin D 151.8IU	0%
Calcium 612.0mg	0%
Iron 27.7mg	0%
Potassium 2621.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.9%

Protein: 9.9%

Carbs: 62.3%