Pudding Dinner Rolls

These soft, fluffy Pudding Dinner Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional bread rolls. Made with vanilla pudding, they stay soft and tender, making them the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re enjoying them alongside a cozy comfort dish or as a standalone treat, these rolls are sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Pudding Dinner Rolls are incredibly soft and flavorful thanks to the addition of vanilla pudding. The pudding helps retain moisture in the dough, ensuring the rolls stay tender even the next day. Not only are they easy to make, but they also require no eggs, making them perfect for those who may have egg allergies or prefer egg-free recipes. These rolls are versatile too; they pair perfectly with soups, stews, or even just a pat of butter.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup warm water (110-115º Fahrenheit)

• 1 package instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)

• 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding powder (1 box, not sugar-free)

• 1 1/4 cups 2% milk (warmed to 100ºF)

• 1/2 cup salted butter (softened)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 4 1/4 cups bread flour

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

Directions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water. Make sure the water is at the correct temperature (110-115ºF) to avoid killing the yeast. Set the bowl aside.

2. Mix pudding and milk: In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding powder and milk until smooth. Add in the softened butter and mix until combined.

3. Add the yeast mixture: Pour in the yeast/water mixture and stir well.

4. Combine flour and salt: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the milk mixture, stirring until fully combined.

5. Knead the dough: Knead the dough for 4-5 minutes by hand, or use a stand mixer if preferred. The dough should be smooth and elastic, and you should be able to pull a section of it out 3-4 inches without it breaking.

6. Let the dough rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 25-30 minutes, or until it nearly doubles in size.

7. Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 even pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch pan.

8. Second rise: Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 20 minutes, while preheating the oven to 350ºF.

9. Bake the rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.

10. Serve and enjoy: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Rise Time: 50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: Customize your rolls by adding herbs, garlic powder, or shredded cheese for extra flavor.

• Egg wash: For a shiny golden finish, brush the rolls with a mixture of 1 beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of water just before baking.

• Sweet rolls: For a sweeter version, you can sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top of the dough before rolling it into balls.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and heat them in a 350ºF oven for 10 minutes, or microwave them for about 20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand. It will take about 4-5 minutes to achieve the right consistency.

2. What kind of pudding should I use?

Use instant vanilla pudding (not sugar-free) for the best results. This gives the rolls their soft, tender texture.

3. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Shape the rolls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise for 1-2 hours before baking.

4. How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top. You can also tap the top of a roll, and it should sound hollow.

5. Can I use whole milk instead of 2%?

Yes, you can use whole milk if you prefer. It may make the rolls slightly richer, but the recipe will still work.

6. Why are my rolls not rising?

Make sure the yeast is fresh and that the water is warm enough (110-115ºF). If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.

7. Can I add butter on top before baking for a softer finish?

Yes, brushing the tops of the rolls with softened butter before baking will give them a softer, richer finish.

8. How can I make these rolls more savory?

You can add finely chopped garlic, rosemary, or other herbs to the dough for a savory version of these dinner rolls.

9. What is the best way to serve these rolls?

These rolls are perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, or any comfort food. They can also be enjoyed with butter as a snack.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make 24 rolls. Simply adjust the size of the pan and baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

These Pudding Dinner Rolls are a fantastic addition to any meal. Soft, fluffy, and packed with flavor, they are easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just as a treat to enjoy with dinner, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.