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Cloverleaf Rolls Recipe

Cloverleaf Rolls Recipe


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4.9 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Warm, pillowy cloverleaf rolls dance with buttery elegance, inviting comfort to your dinner table. Homemade goodness wraps you in a comforting embrace, promising delightful moments of shared joy and delectable memories.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 ½ cups (875 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk (about 110°F)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water (about 110°F)

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar

Fats:

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. In a cozy vessel, combine tepid water with yeast and a hint of sugar, allowing the mixture to bloom and become frothy for approximately 7-8 minutes.
  2. Sift together dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a soft foundation for the dough.
  3. Gradually incorporate the activated yeast, warm milk, melted butter, and a whisked egg into the dry mixture, stirring until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough emerges.
  4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly dusted surface and knead rhythmically for 6-9 minutes, developing a smooth, elastic texture that springs back when gently pressed.
  5. Nestle the dough into a generously oiled bowl, draping a clean kitchen towel over the top to create a nurturing environment for rising, and allow it to double in volume within 45-60 minutes.
  6. Gently deflate the risen dough and divide it into 36 uniform segments, rolling each piece into delicate spheres.
  7. Prepare a muffin tin with a light coating of oil, then strategically place three miniature dough balls within each cup, forming charming cloverleaf clusters.
  8. Allow the shaped rolls to undergo a final proofing phase, becoming puffy and interconnected for approximately 25-35 minutes.
  9. Preheat the oven to 375°F, positioning the rack in the center for even baking.
  10. Slide the muffin tin into the heated oven and bake until the rolls transform into a golden, lustrous brown, typically 13-16 minutes.
  11. Immediately upon removal, brush the warm rolls with a generous layer of melted butter, enhancing their rich, glossy appearance.
  12. Serve these delectable rolls warm, inviting guests to pull apart the soft, interconnected segments.

Notes

  • Ensure water temperature is between 105-110°F for perfect yeast activation, avoiding killing the yeast with heat.
  • Use bread flour for higher protein content, creating more structure and fluffier rolls with better rise.
  • For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.
  • Make ahead by refrigerating shaped rolls overnight, allowing slow rise for deeper flavor development before baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg