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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: In a vessel, blend tepid water, yeast, and sugar, allowing the mixture to bloom and become frothy for 7-8 minutes.
- Dry Ingredient Preparation: Sift dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, creating a soft foundation for the dough.
- Dough Formation: Merge activated yeast, warm milk, melted butter, and whisked egg into the dry mixture, stirring until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough develops.
- 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).
- 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.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F with the rack in the center. Bake rolls until golden brown (13-16 minutes).
- 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