Light and Airy Whole Wheat Rolls
These Light and Airy Whole Wheat Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional whole wheat buns, which can often be dense and unpalatable. This recipe, adapted from my cherished 'Mom's Air Buns,' offers a perfect balance of health and flavor, ensuring that you never have to settle for tough, flavorless rolls again. The secret ingredient, vinegar, works wonders in softening the dough and creating a tender crumb, while the whole wheat flour provides a nutty, wholesome taste. Perfect for any meal, these rolls can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted for breakfast. If you're interested in making whole wheat loaves, try my other recipes linked within! For tips on shaping rolls, check out these helpful links: [RecipeTips](http://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--1121/shaping-rolls.asp), [Fine Cooking](http://www.finecooking.com/articles/shaping-dinner-rolls.aspx).
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Warm water
1 1/2 cups (Warm to about 110°F)
Shortening or soft butter
1/4 cup (Softened)
Sugar or honey
1/4 cup or 4 tablespoons (Choose based on preference)
Table salt
1 teaspoon
Vinegar
1 tablespoon (White vinegar or apple cider vinegar preferred)
Gluten
2 tablespoons
Whole wheat flour
4 1/2 cups minus 2 tablespoons (Sifted)
Bread machine yeast
2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
In your bread machine, combine warm water, shortening (or soft butter), honey (or sugar), table salt, and vinegar.
2
In a separate bowl, measure out 2 tablespoons of gluten and then fill a cup with whole wheat flour. Add this mixture to the bread machine.
3
Top the liquid ingredients with an additional 3 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour.
4
Sprinkle the bread machine yeast over the surface of the flour mixture.
5
Set the bread machine to the 'dough' cycle and start. The machine will mix, knead, and allow the dough to rise.
6
Once the dough has completed its cycle, divide it into 18 equal pieces and shape them into rolls.
7
Place the rolls in two greased 9-inch pans, with 9 rolls in each pan.
8
Cover the pans and let the rolls rise until they double in size, about 30-45 minutes.
9
Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 325°F if using convection).
10
Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rolls are deeply golden and have a delightful aroma.
11
Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Light and Airy Whole Wheat Rolls?
These are a delightful twist on traditional whole wheat buns designed to be light and tender rather than dense and unpalatable.
What makes these rolls different from traditional whole wheat buns?
They use a secret ingredient, vinegar, and added gluten to create a soft, tender crumb and nutty flavor.
What is the secret ingredient in this recipe?
The secret ingredient is vinegar, which helps soften the dough.
What does vinegar do for the dough?
Vinegar works to soften the dough and ensure the rolls have a tender crumb.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe uses 4 1/2 cups (minus 2 tablespoons) of whole wheat flour.
Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of soft butter as a substitute for shortening.
What sweeteners can be used in this recipe?
You can use either 1/4 cup of honey or 4 tablespoons of sugar.
Why is gluten added to the recipe?
Gluten is added to help the whole wheat rolls rise better and avoid becoming tough or dense.
How much gluten is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of gluten.
What should the temperature of the water be?
The water should be warm, ideally around 110°F.
In what order should I add ingredients to the bread machine?
Combine liquids first (water, fat, sweetener, salt, vinegar), then the flour and gluten mixture, and top with yeast.
Which bread machine setting should I use?
Set your bread machine to the 'dough' cycle.
How many rolls does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 18 equal-sized rolls.
What size pans are needed for baking?
You will need two greased 9-inch pans.
How many rolls go in each pan?
You should place 9 rolls in each 9-inch pan.
How long do the rolls need to rise after shaping?
Let the rolls rise for about 30 to 45 minutes.
How do I know the rolls are ready to bake?
The rolls are ready once they have doubled in size.
What is the standard oven temperature for these rolls?
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
What temperature should I use for a convection oven?
If using a convection oven, bake at 325°F.
How long do the rolls bake?
Bake for approximately 20 minutes.
How can I tell when the rolls are finished baking?
They should be deeply golden and have a delightful aroma.
Can these rolls be eaten for breakfast?
Yes, they are excellent when toasted for breakfast.
What kind of vinegar is preferred?
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar are the preferred choices.
Where can I find tips for shaping rolls?
Helpful tips can be found on sites like RecipeTips and Fine Cooking.
What type of yeast is required?
You should use 2 teaspoons of bread machine yeast.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is adapted from a family favorite called 'Mom's Air Buns'.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
It can be vegan-friendly if you use shortening and sugar instead of butter and honey.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the whole wheat flour should be sifted for the best results.
How should the rolls be served?
They should be allowed to cool slightly and then served warm.
Can I make loaves with this dough?
While this specific guide is for rolls, the description mentions that whole wheat loaf versions are also available.