Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls
These oatmeal molasses dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and warmly sweet with a hearty, old-fashioned flavor. Made with rolled oats and rich molasses, they stay tender for days and pair beautifully with soups, roasts, and holiday meals. Perfect for make-ahead baking and special dinners.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats old-fashioned
- 1 cup warm water or milk
- 4 cups all-purpose flour plus more as needed
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- Flavor Base
- ⅓ cup molasses
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 1 large egg
- Pantry Staples
- 1 tsp salt
- Oil or extra butter for greasing
- Melted butter for brushing tops
Instructions
- Soak oats: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats and warm water or milk. Let sit 10 minutes to soften.
- Mix wet ingredients: Stir in molasses, brown sugar, melted butter, salt, and yeast.
- Add egg: Mix in the egg until fully incorporated.
- Form dough: Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead: Knead by hand or mixer for 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours, until doubled.
- Shape rolls: Punch down dough, divide into equal portions, and shape into rolls.
- Second rise: Place rolls in a greased baking dish or on a sheet pan. Cover and rise 30–45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls 18–22 minutes, until golden brown.
- Finish: Brush warm rolls with melted butter and cool 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- The oat soak is essential for soft, moist rolls.
- Dough should feel slightly tacky—avoid adding too much flour.
- Rolls will sound lightly hollow when tapped on the bottom.