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Sourdough Rolls Recipe: How to Make Soft Sourdough Rolls

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Nov 25, 2024 • 3 min read

Sourdough rolls are soft dinner rolls made with sourdough starter or sourdough discard. These flavorful rolls have a crunchy exterior and soft interior.

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What Are Sourdough Rolls?

Sourdough rolls are dinner rolls made with sourdough starter and commercial yeast. The natural yeast imparts a slightly sour taste to the rolls. The inclusion of commercial yeast in sourdough roll recipes means bakers can use sourdough discard instead of an active sourdough starter.Sourdough rolls are crusty with a soft and chewy crumb.

4 Tips for Making Sourdough Rolls

When making sourdough rolls, consider the following tips:

  1. 1. Use warm milk. Warm milk activates the yeast instead of warm water. Be diligent about checking the temperature, which should remain between 100 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit; milk that's too hot can kill the yeast. If you don't have a thermometer, aim for milk that's warm but not hot to the touch.
  2. 2. Measure the flour appropriately. To make pillowy soft dinner rolls, measuring correctly with the scoop-and-sweep method is key. First, use a spoon to fluff the flour in its package. Then use the spoon to lightly scoop the flour into your measuring cup. Finally, level the flour with the back of a knife so it's flush with the top edge of the cup.
  3. 3. Check for doneness. The best indicator of doneness is a nice, golden brown color. However, you can always taste-test a roll from the center. If the rolls are not cooked through but getting too brown, tent them with foil and continue baking.
  4. 4. Add a butter wash. Brush your rolls with butter while baking to give your rolls more flavor and a beautiful bakery-like sheen. If you don't have a pastry brush, substitute a clean paintbrush, wadded-up paper towel, or coffee filter to dab and spread the butter on top. Alternatively, you can brush your rolls with an egg wash to brown the tops.

Homemade Sourdough Rolls Recipe

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4 Ratings | Rate Now

makes

20 rolls

prep time

35 min

total time

50 min

cook time

15 min

Ingredients

Note: This recipe also includes 2 hrs and 15 mins of inactive time.

  1. 1

    In a microwave-safe glass measuring cup or bowl, heat the milk for 1 minute. Stir and continue heating for 15-second intervals until the milk reaches 100–110 degrees Fahrenheit when measured by a digital thermometer.

  2. 2

    Pour the warmed milk into the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the yeast, sourdough starter, sugar, salt, egg, 2 tablespoons of softened butter, and flour.

  3. 3

    Attach the dough hook to the mixer. Mix the ingredients on low speed until you've incorporated all the flour.

  4. 4

    Turn up the mixer to medium speed and mix for 10 minutes. The dough should still be slightly sticky, but you should be able to pull it away cleanly from the side of the bowl. If it’s too wet, add 1 tablespoon of flour and then mix. (If you want to knead the dough by hand, combine the ingredients in a large bowl until a shaggy dough forms, then turn it onto a floured work surface. Knead by hand for 10 to 20 minutes.)

  5. 5

    When the dough is smooth and elastic, cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and let it rest until it’s doubled in size. The rising time can take at least 30 minutes and up to 90, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.

  6. 6

    Uncover the bowl and give the dough a gentle punch with your fist to deflate it. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a ball. Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes.

  7. 7

    Divide the dough into 20 equal pieces.

  8. 8

    On your work surface, roll each piece of dough into a ball. Use your thumbs to stretch the top of the dough ball smooth and pinch any seams to the bottom. Place the rolls smooth-side up in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking pan. (For added ease, line the baking sheet with parchment paper.)

  9. 9

    Cover the rolls with plastic wrap or a dish towel for a second rise. Let them rest for 30 minutes until almost double in size. While you wait for the rolls to rest, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

  10. 10

    Bake the rolls for 12–15 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown on top.

  11. 11

    In a microwave safe glass measuring cup or bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.

  12. 12

    Remove your rolls from the oven and brush the top of the rolls with the melted butter while they're still hot.

  13. 13

    Serve the baked rolls immediately to enjoy them warm.

  14. 14

    You may also cool the rolls on a wire rack and store them in a plastic bag for up to three days or frozen in an airtight container to reheat later.