The aroma of freshly baked bread wafts through the kitchen as these soft, golden Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls rise in the oven. Their delightful scent envelops the room, making it hard to resist the warmth and comfort they promise. When you take that first bite, the tender, chewy texture and subtle hint of sweetness from the molasses wrap around your taste buds, making every meal feel special. Picture yourself enjoying these rolls with dinner on a chilly evening, the kind where you gather with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter over warm food—it’s truly a heartwarming experience.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls

I remember the first time I made these Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls. I was trying to recreate my grandmother’s recipe from her old, tattered cookbook. Her rolls were always fluffy and slightly sweet, made for family gatherings where everyone would linger at the dinner table a bit longer than usual. Making these rolls has become a cherished tradition in my own home, especially during the holidays or whenever I want a touch of nostalgia. Trust me; after making these rolls, you’ll want to share them with everyone you love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: From start to finish, these rolls take just about 3 hours and 25 minutes, making them manageable for even the busiest days.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of oats and molasses creates a rich, wholesome flavor that’s both slightly sweet and deeply satisfying.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their charming, rustic look and a sprinkle of oats on top, they’re as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the palate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect alongside stews, soups, or even as a delightful breakfast toast, these rolls fit into any meal occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Want to adapt this recipe? You can even explore gluten-free flour blends to make them suitable for your dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Warm Water (1 cup, about 110°F/43°C): Use warm, but not hot water, to activate the yeast effectively. If you’re in a cooler climate, ensure it’s warm enough.
Whole Milk (1/3 cup, about 110°F/43°C): The fat in whole milk contributes creaminess and depth. You can substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a non-dairy version.
Platinum Yeast (1 Tablespoon): This instant yeast helps to achieve that lovely rise without needing proofing. If you can’t find this brand, use any active dry yeast instead.
Brown Sugar (3 Tablespoons, divided): This sweetener adds a hint of caramel flavor. Dark brown sugar will give your rolls a richer taste while light brown sugar works just as well.
Molasses (3 Tablespoons): A must-have for that earthy sweetness; it helps keep the rolls moist. You can use blackstrap molasses for a more robust flavor.
Unsalted Butter (4 Tablespoons): Softened to room temperature, this enriches the dough. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or vegetable shortening.
Old-Fashioned Whole Rolled Oats (1 cup): They provide texture and a nutty flavor. Avoid quick oats as they might yield a different texture.
Bread Flour (3 and 1/2 cups): High gluten content in bread flour gives the rolls their chewy structure. All-purpose flour works too, but they may not be as fluffy.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; don’t skip this step!
Egg Wash (1 egg white beaten with 1 teaspoon water): This gives the rolls a beautiful golden sheen as they bake. Milk can be used as a substitute if you prefer.

How to Make Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls

Mix the Yeast and Warm Liquids: Start by whisking the warm water, milk, yeast, and 1 Tablespoon of brown sugar together in your stand mixer’s bowl. After covering it, let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy and frothy. This is the magic moment when your yeast wakes up!

Add Ingredients: Once foamy, mix in the remaining brown sugar, molasses, butter, oats, salt, and 1 cup of bread flour. Beat this mixture on low speed for about a minute. Then, scrape the sides of the bowl and incorporate the remaining flour. You want a dough that pulls away from the sides but remains soft and slightly sticky.

Knead the Dough: Keep mixing the dough in the mixer on medium speed for 5-8 minutes or knead it on a lightly floured surface by hand for the same amount of time. If it’s sticky, sprinkle flour little by little until you achieve a soft, slightly tacky consistency. A well-kneaded dough will bounce back when poked!

First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough in, turning it to coat all sides. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm area for 1.5-2 hours until it doubles in size. Creating a warm environment helps the yeast do its job quickly!

Prep the Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or prepare two 9-inch baking pans. You could also use a cast-iron skillet or a lined baking sheet if you’re feeling adventurous. This ensures the rolls release easily after baking.

Shape the Rolls: Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into 15 equal pieces, round each piece into a smooth ball, and arrange them neatly in your prepared pan. This step is where you can let your creativity shine in shaping them!

Second Rise: Cover the formed rolls with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow them to rise again until they’re puffy, which typically takes about 30-60 minutes depending on your kitchen’s warmth. Patience is key as this rise affects the fluffiness of the rolls.

Preheat and Bake: As the rolls puff up, adjust your oven rack to the lower position and preheat to 350°F (177°C). Brush the tops of the risen rolls with the egg wash and lightly sprinkle them with oats for a rustic touch. Bake for 26-27 minutes until the tops are golden brown and feel slightly firm when touched.

Cool and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’re best enjoyed warm, but you can store any leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To freeze, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warm. Be aware that freezing may change their texture slightly, but reheating will restore some of their original softness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Remember to always check the temperature of your liquids before adding the yeast; if they’re too hot, they’ll kill the yeast!
If your dough seems overly sticky while kneading, it’s better to add just a teaspoon of flour at a time until you reach the right consistency. Too much flour will create dense rolls.
For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of cinnamon or spices like nutmeg to the dough.
Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
If time is tight, you can prepare the dough ahead and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Just allow it to come to room temperature before the shaping step.

The beauty of Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls lies not just in their flavor but in the warmth they bring to any table. Whether it’s a cozy dinner with family or a festive holiday feast, these rolls are bound to impress. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and make this recipe your own. Enjoy each bite knowing they are a delicious piece of your homemade journey!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the rolls will have a different texture—denser and a bit more nutty. If using all whole wheat flour, consider adding a tablespoon of vital wheat gluten to help the rise.

How can I make these rolls dairy-free?

To make dairy-free Oatmeal Molasses Dinner Rolls, simply replace milk with almond, oat, or soy milk and use coconut oil or dairy-free butter in place of the unsalted butter. The flavors will still shine through beautifully!

What’s the best way to shape the rolls?

For perfectly shaped rolls, start with a piece of dough, flatten it slightly, pull the edges toward the center, then pinch to seal. Flip it seam-side down and roll it gently on your work surface to form a smooth ball.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?

Absolutely! Feel free to stir in nuts like walnuts or pecans, or dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries, during the initial mixing phase. They’ll add delightful flavors and texture to your rolls.