Fluffy Cloverleaf Rolls Recipe: Golden Treasures for Your Table

Warm, buttery dinner rolls with a cloverleaf rolls recipe can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

These soft, golden treasures promise comfort in every bite.

Bakers love how simple ingredients create such delightful results.

Each tender roll breaks apart with a gentle pull, releasing a heavenly aroma that draws everyone to the table.

The three-part cluster shape adds whimsy and charm to your bread basket.

Kneading the dough becomes a delicious meditation, connecting you to generations of home cooks.

You’ll find these rolls irresistible and perfect for Sunday dinners or special gatherings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 13

What You’ll Use In Cloverleaf Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and creates soft, tender rolls with light crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast fermentation for balanced taste.

• Active Dry Yeast: Crucial for bread rising, creates airy texture and signature roll lift.
• Warm Water: Awakens and activates yeast for perfect dough development.
• Warm Milk: Adds richness, moisture, and helps develop soft roll texture.

• Large Egg: Binds ingredients, provides structure, and contributes to golden color.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds luxurious flavor, moisture, and creates tender crumb.

Baking Gear For Cloverleaf Rolls Success

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients and kneading dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Muffin tin: Provides the classic cloverleaf roll shape.
• Kitchen towel: Helps cover dough during rising periods.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients smoothly.
• Pastry brush: Used for applying melted butter after baking.
• Large wooden spoon or spatula: Helpful for initial dough mixing.
• Baking sheet or cooling rack: For resting rolls after baking.

Steps To Shape Cloverleaf Rolls Neatly

• Wake Up the Yeast

Grab some warm water and sprinkle yeast with a touch of sugar. Let it bubble and come alive for about 10 minutes.

• Create the Dough

Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a big bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture along with milk, butter, and an egg. Knead the dough until it feels smooth and soft like a pillow.

• Let the Dough Rest and Rise

Tuck the dough into a cozy, greased bowl and cover it. Let it hang out in a warm spot for an hour until it puffs up like a proud balloon.

• Craft the Cloverleaf Clusters

Grab a muffin tin and give it a light grease. Gently deflate the dough and divide it into tiny balls. Nestle three little dough balls into each muffin cup, creating adorable cloverleaf clusters.

• Final Rise and Bake

Allow the rolls to rise again for about 30 minutes. Heat the oven to 375F and bake until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Drizzle with melted butter and serve these fluffy treasures warm and inviting.

Tips For Light And Fluffy Cloverleaf Rolls

• Yeast Activation Pro: Always check yeast freshness by ensuring it foams quickly, which guarantees perfect roll rise and soft texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough a day ahead, refrigerate after first rise, then shape and let rise before baking for convenient meal planning.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain roll structure and prevent crumbling.
• Herbed Flavor Boost: Incorporate dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning into dough for gourmet flavor variation that elevates classic rolls.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace milk with almond or oat milk, using same temperature and measurement to maintain roll's tender crumb and authentic texture.

Serve Cloverleaf Rolls Fresh And Warm

• Dinner Party Delight: Serve these soft, golden cloverleaf rolls alongside a hearty roast chicken or holiday turkey for an elegant touch that'll impress your guests.
• Breakfast Buddy: Split these warm rolls and slather with strawberry jam or honey butter for a delightful morning treat that turns a simple breakfast into something special.
• Soup's Best Friend: Pair these rolls with creamy tomato soup or hearty beef stew, using them to soak up every last delicious drop of broth and adding extra comfort to your meal.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack these rolls in a basket for outdoor gatherings, letting their portable size and soft texture make them an ideal companion to sandwiches and salads.

Storage Help For Cloverleaf Rolls

• Advance Batch Prep: Make dough up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate overnight, allowing slow fermentation for enhanced flavor and easier morning baking.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap cooled rolls individually in foil, store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in oven before serving.
• Refrigeration Technique: Store leftover rolls in airtight container for 3-4 days. Refresh by warming in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and fresh-baked texture.
• Portion Control Hack: Separate rolls into smaller groups before freezing, enabling quick defrosting of exact quantities needed for meals or snacks without thawing entire batch.

Fluffy Cloverleaf Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade cloverleaf rolls bring warmth and comfort to dinner tables with their classic three-part design. Bread enthusiasts appreciate these tender, buttery rolls that pair perfectly with soups, stews, and holiday meals.

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Ingredients

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• 3 ½ cups (875 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk (about 110°F)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water (about 110°F)
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: In a vessel, blend tepid water, yeast, and sugar, allowing the mixture to bloom and become frothy for 7-8 minutes.
2. Dry Ingredient Preparation: Sift dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, creating a soft foundation for the dough.
3. Dough Formation: Merge activated yeast, warm milk, melted butter, and whisked egg into the dry mixture, stirring until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough develops.
4. Kneading and Rising: Transfer dough to a lightly dusted surface, knead rhythmically for 6-9 minutes until smooth and elastic. Nestle in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise until doubled in volume (45-60 minutes).
5. Shaping and Proofing: Deflate dough and divide into 36 uniform segments. Roll into spheres and place three balls in each oiled muffin tin cup, creating cloverleaf clusters. Allow a final proofing of 25-35 minutes.
6. Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F with the rack in the center. Bake rolls until golden brown (13-16 minutes).
7. Finishing Touch: Immediately brush warm rolls with melted butter and serve, inviting guests to pull apart the soft, interconnected segments.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to guarantee proper yeast activation without killing the delicate microorganisms.
• Knead with Precision: Use the windowpane test by stretching a small piece of dough – if it becomes thin and translucent without tearing, your kneading is complete.
• Proofing Environment Matters: Keep dough in a warm, draft-free area around 80-85°F for optimal rising, using a slightly warmed oven or covered with a damp cloth.
• Butter Brush Technique: Apply melted butter immediately after baking while rolls are hot to create a glossy, soft exterior that adds rich flavor and appealing sheen.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg