Pudding Dinner Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Pudding Dinner Rolls are the epitome of comfort food. The unique twist of adding instant pudding to the dough creates an incredibly soft and moist texture that will melt in your mouth. The gentle sweetness adds an extra layer of flavor without overpowering the dish, making these rolls the perfect complement to any savory meal. They’re easy to make and bake, and they come out of the oven golden-brown and smelling irresistible. If you’re looking for a dinner roll that’s a little more special than the usual, this is the recipe for you!

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, the pudding mix, sugar, and salt. Stir to combine.

2. In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

3. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs to the flour mixture. Stir until the dough comes together.

4. Gradually add the remaining flour, ¼ cup at a time, until the dough is soft but not too sticky. You may not need all of the remaining flour, or you may need a little more, depending on humidity and flour type.

5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.

2. Let the Dough Rise:

1. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

2. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.

3. Shape the Rolls:

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles.

2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal portions.

3. Shape each portion into a ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them in a 3×4 grid pattern.

4. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and touching each other.

4. Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.

5. Bake the Rolls:

1. Once the rolls have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.

2. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

6. (Optional) Add a Glaze:

1. For extra sweetness, you can brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter or a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk once they come out of the oven.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls

• Prep time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)

• Cook time: 18-22 minutes

• Total time: 2 hours (including rising time)

Variations

• Cinnamon Pudding Rolls: Add a tablespoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients to create a spiced version of these rolls. You can also swirl in cinnamon sugar before baking.

• Garlic Butter Rolls: Omit the pudding mix and sugar, and instead, brush the rolls with garlic butter before baking for a savory twist.

• Cheese Stuffed Rolls: Add shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) in the center of each roll before shaping them to create cheesy dinner rolls.

• Herb Infused Rolls: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a fragrant variation.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have a large batch, they can also be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: These rolls freeze wonderfully! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

• Reheating: Reheat individual rolls by placing them in a microwave-safe container with a damp paper towel on top. Heat for 15-20 seconds, or until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the day before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, shape the rolls, let them rise, and bake as usual.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version of these rolls. Keep in mind that the texture will be slightly denser.

3. Can I use a bread machine to make these rolls?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to mix and knead the dough. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your machine, and use the dough cycle. Afterward, shape, rise, and bake as directed.

4. Can I make mini rolls instead of full-sized ones?

Yes, you can divide the dough into smaller portions to make mini rolls. Adjust the baking time, as smaller rolls will bake in about 12-15 minutes.

5. Can I make this dough without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand. Just be sure to knead it for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

6. What can I serve these rolls with?

These rolls go wonderfully with soups, stews, pasta dishes, or roasted meats. You can also serve them with a spread of butter or as a sandwich base.

7. How can I make these rolls sweeter?

To make these rolls sweeter, you can add a tablespoon of honey or increase the sugar amount in the dough. You can also drizzle a glaze over the warm rolls for added sweetness.

8. Can I add cheese to the dough?

Yes, adding shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) to the dough will give it an extra savory kick. You can also sprinkle cheese on top before baking for a cheesy crust.

9. How do I prevent the rolls from becoming too dense?

Be sure not to overwork the dough when kneading and allow the dough to rise sufficiently during the proofing stages. Using a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature of the liquid will also ensure the yeast is activated correctly.

10. Can I make this dough without sugar?

If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce or omit the sugar. However, some sugar is necessary for activating the yeast and creating a slightly sweet dough.

Conclusion

Pudding Dinner Rolls are a delightful and unique twist on traditional dinner rolls. With their soft, pillowy texture and subtly sweet flavor from the instant pudding, these rolls are a perfect addition to any meal. They’re easy to make and perfect for customizing with your favorite additions like cheese, herbs, or spices. Whether you serve them at a holiday dinner, alongside a comforting soup, or as a simple snack, these rolls will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. Enjoy warm from the oven with a pat of butter, and savor the soft, sweet goodness in every bite

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