Recipe –  Light And Fluffy Einkorn Dinner Rolls

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There is nothing quite like pulling a tray of soft, golden dinner rolls out of the oven. The smell fills the kitchen, the tops are brushed with melted butter, and suddenly even the simplest meal feels homemade and special. 🧈

These Light And Fluffy Einkorn Dinner Rolls are soft, tender, slightly sweet, and perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, soups, stews, or just eating warm with butter.

Einkorn flour gives these rolls an old-fashioned, wholesome flavour that feels a little more rustic than regular white flour, but still soft enough for a proper fluffy dinner roll. The trick is not to treat einkorn dough exactly like modern wheat dough. It is naturally stickier, softer, and more delicate, so a gentle hand makes all the difference.

If you love simple homemade bread recipes, you may also like this easy homemade loaf:
Artisan Bread: The Easiest Bread You Will Ever Make
https://www.livinggreenandfrugally.com/artisan-bread-the-easiest-bread-you-will-ever-make/

Why You’ll Love These Einkorn Dinner Rolls

These rolls are perfect when you want homemade bread without anything too complicated.

They are:

• Soft and fluffy inside
• Golden and buttery on top
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Great for dinner, holidays, leftovers, and sandwiches
• A lovely way to use einkorn flour
• Freezer-friendly

They are also a brilliant recipe for anyone who enjoys old-fashioned baking. Einkorn has a lovely mild, slightly nutty flavour that makes these rolls taste more homemade than shop-bought bread.

What Is Einkorn Flour?

Einkorn is an ancient grain and one of the oldest forms of wheat. It has a slightly golden colour and a mild, rich flavour. Many people like using it because it feels more traditional and less processed than modern flour.

It is important to know that einkorn is not gluten-free. If you need to avoid gluten for medical reasons, this recipe is not suitable.

Einkorn dough can feel stickier than regular bread dough. Do not panic and do not keep adding handfuls of extra flour. A slightly sticky dough is what helps keep these rolls soft and light.

For another old-fashioned bread recipe, you might enjoy:
Homemade Rye Bread
https://www.livinggreenandfrugally.com/homemade-rye-bread-extremely-simple-and-delicious/

Light And Fluffy Einkorn Dinner Rolls Recipe

Prep Time

20 minutes

Rise Time

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

Bake Time

18 to 22 minutes

Total Time

About 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk, not hot
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast
• 3 tablespoons honey or sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 4 tablespoons melted butter, cooled slightly
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose einkorn flour, plus a little extra if needed
• 1 tablespoon melted butter, for brushing the tops after baking

Optional Additions

• 1 extra tablespoon honey for a sweeter roll
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for savoury dinner rolls
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs for herby rolls
• A sprinkle of flaky salt on top after brushing with butter

How To Make Einkorn Dinner Rolls

1. Warm the milk

Warm the milk until it feels lukewarm, not hot. If the milk is too hot, it can stop the yeast from working properly.

A good test is to dip a clean finger in the milk. It should feel warm and comfortable, not hot.

2. Activate the yeast

Add the warm milk, yeast, and honey or sugar to a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes.

The mixture should look slightly foamy on top. This means the yeast is active and ready to use.

If nothing happens after 10 minutes, your yeast may be old or the milk may have been too hot.

3. Add the wet ingredients

Stir in the egg and melted butter. Mix until everything is combined.

The butter should be melted but not piping hot. If it is too hot, let it cool for a few minutes before adding it.

4. Add the flour and salt

Add the salt and most of the einkorn flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.

The dough should look slightly sticky and soft. This is normal for einkorn.

Let the dough rest for 10 minutes before kneading or shaping. This little rest gives the einkorn flour time to absorb the liquid, which makes the dough easier to handle.

5. Gently knead the dough

Lightly flour your hands and work surface. Turn the dough out and gently knead it for 1 to 2 minutes.

Do not knead einkorn dough for ages like regular bread dough. It does not need heavy kneading. You are just helping it come together.

If the dough is very wet, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time. Try not to add too much, or the rolls may turn out dense.

6. First rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean tea towel or cling film and leave it somewhere warm for about 60 to 90 minutes.

The dough should look puffy and risen. It may not double as dramatically as regular white bread dough, and that is okay.

7. Shape the rolls

Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish or line it with baking paper.

Gently press the dough down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them in the dish with a little space between each one.

A simple way to shape each roll is to tuck the edges underneath until the top looks smooth.

8. Second rise

Cover the rolls again and let them rise for 30 to 45 minutes, or until they look puffy and soft.

Do not rush this step. The second rise is what gives the rolls that lovely light texture.

9. Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F or 175°C.

Bake the rolls for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the rolls are cooked through.

If the tops are browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the last few minutes.

10. Brush with butter

As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter.

Let them cool for 10 minutes before serving. They are best warm, soft, and slightly buttery.

What To Serve With Einkorn Dinner Rolls

These rolls go with almost anything, but they are especially good with cosy, filling meals.

Try them with:

• Sausage casserole
• Homemade soup
• Roast chicken
• Stew
• Chilli
• Holiday dinners
• Scrambled eggs
• Leftover turkey or ham

They would be lovely served alongside this hearty family meal:
Cheap And Easy Sausage Casserole
https://www.livinggreenandfrugally.com/cheap-easy-sausage-casserole/

For more simple, old-fashioned meal ideas, have a look at:
82 Depression Era Recipes You Should Try
https://www.livinggreenandfrugally.com/82-depression-era-recipes-you-should-try/

Tips For Soft And Fluffy Einkorn Rolls

Do not add too much flour

This is the biggest mistake with einkorn. The dough can feel sticky, but adding too much flour will make the rolls heavy.

A soft, slightly sticky dough gives you a softer roll.

Let the dough rest before kneading

That 10 minute rest after mixing really helps. Einkorn flour absorbs liquid a little differently, so giving it time makes the dough easier to handle.

Do not over-knead

Einkorn does not need long kneading. Gentle mixing and light handling are better.

Use warm, not hot, liquid

Hot milk can damage the yeast. Warm milk helps the dough rise nicely.

Bake until just golden

Overbaking can dry out soft rolls. Once the tops are golden and the rolls are cooked through, take them out and brush them with butter.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Using too much flour

It is tempting to keep adding flour when the dough feels sticky, but this can make the rolls dry and dense.

Skipping the second rise

The second rise makes the rolls lighter and softer. If you bake them too soon, they may be tighter inside.

Using old yeast

Old yeast may not rise properly. If your yeast does not foam after sitting in warm milk and sugar, it is best to start again.

Kneading like regular bread dough

Einkorn dough is more delicate. Gentle handling works better than heavy kneading.

Cutting the rolls while piping hot

Let them rest for a few minutes first. This helps the texture settle and keeps them soft.

Recipe Variations

Honey Butter Einkorn Rolls

Add an extra tablespoon of honey to the dough and brush the baked rolls with honey butter.

Garlic Herb Einkorn Rolls

Add garlic powder and chopped parsley to the dough. Brush the tops with garlic butter after baking.

Whole Wheat Einkorn Rolls

You can use whole wheat einkorn flour, but the rolls will be heartier and slightly denser. You may need to add a little extra milk, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Mini Einkorn Rolls

Divide the dough into 18 smaller pieces instead of 12. Reduce the baking time slightly and watch closely.

Sandwich Style Rolls

Shape the dough into 8 larger rolls instead of 12. These are lovely for leftover meat, egg salad, or lunchbox sandwiches.

For another roll-style recipe, see:
Papo Secos Portuguese Bread Rolls Recipe
https://www.livinggreenandfrugally.com/papo-secos-portuguese-bread-rolls-recipe/

How To Store Einkorn Dinner Rolls

Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.

To keep them soft, make sure they are fully cooled before storing. If you seal warm rolls in a container, moisture can build up and make them soggy.

Can You Freeze Einkorn Rolls?

Yes, these rolls freeze well.

Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature, then warm in the oven for a few minutes. You can also wrap them in foil before warming to keep them soft.

How To Reheat Dinner Rolls

For the best texture, warm the rolls in the oven at 300°F or 150°C for 8 to 10 minutes.

You can also microwave one roll for 10 to 15 seconds, but the oven gives a better result.

Brush with a little butter after warming if you want them to taste freshly baked again.

FAQs About Einkorn Dinner Rolls

Can I use regular flour instead of einkorn flour?

Yes, but the recipe may behave differently. Regular flour usually handles more kneading and may need a slightly different amount of liquid. If using regular all-purpose flour, add it gradually until you get a soft dough.

Is einkorn flour gluten-free?

No. Einkorn is a type of wheat, so it does contain gluten. It is not suitable for people with coeliac disease or anyone who must avoid gluten completely.

Why is my einkorn dough so sticky?

Einkorn dough is naturally stickier than modern wheat dough. Let it rest before handling and avoid adding too much extra flour.

Why did my rolls turn out dense?

The most common causes are too much flour, old yeast, not enough rising time, or overworking the dough.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes. You can shape the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come closer to room temperature and rise until puffy before baking.

Can I use water instead of milk?

You can, but milk gives a softer, richer roll. Water will still work, but the rolls may be slightly less tender.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes. Use a dairy-free milk and replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Double all ingredients and bake in two pans. Make sure the rolls have enough space to rise.

Final Thoughts

These Light And Fluffy Einkorn Dinner Rolls are the kind of homemade recipe that makes an ordinary meal feel special. They are soft, golden, buttery, and full of that simple old-fashioned comfort people love.

The key is to treat the einkorn dough gently. Do not over-flour it, do not over-knead it, and give it enough time to rise. Once you get used to the softer dough, these rolls are very easy to make and lovely to serve with soups, casseroles, Sunday dinners, or holiday meals.

If you enjoy soft homemade bread, you may also like this comforting loaf recipe:
Honey Buttermilk Bread Recipe
https://www.livinggreenandfrugally.com/honey-buttermilk-bread-recipe/