Table of Contents

Dinner Rolls With Flax Seed (Bread Machine)

The aroma of freshly baked bread has always been a comforting presence in my life. I remember being a young child, perched on a stool in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her expertly knead dough for what seemed like hours. The warmth radiating from the oven, combined with the yeasty scent, created an atmosphere of pure love and anticipation. While I love the tradition of kneading, sometimes a shortcut is needed. These flaxseed dinner rolls, made easy with a bread machine, bring back those memories with a touch of added health benefits, all while fitting perfectly into a busy modern lifestyle.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes proofing time)
Servings: 15 rolls
Yield: 15 rolls
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup water (75-85°F)
2 tablespoons water (75-85°F)
1 tablespoon butter, softened, or 1 tablespoon margarine
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon powdered milk
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 3/4 cups bread flour
1/4 cup ground flax seeds
2 1/2 teaspoons bread machine yeast

Equipment Needed

Bread machine
9×13 inch baking pan
Pizza cutter or knife
Damp towel

Instructions

Add all ingredients to your bread machine pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer’s directions for your specific bread machine model. This is crucial for proper mixing and rising. Generally, it’s best to add the liquids first, followed by the dry ingredients, with the yeast added last and kept separate from the liquids and salt until the mixing begins.
Select the dough setting on your bread machine and press start. This setting will mix and knead the dough and allow it to rise for the first time. The cycle usually takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, but refer to your machine’s manual for exact timing.
While the bread machine is running, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the rolls from sticking and ensure even browning. You can use cooking spray, butter, or oil to grease the pan.
Once the bread machine cycle is complete, carefully remove the dough from the pan and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. This prevents the dough from sticking and makes it easier to handle.
Gently pat the dough into a roughly square shape, about 10×10 inches. Try to avoid overworking the dough at this stage, as it can make the rolls tough.
Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into 15 equal pieces. Aim for even slices to ensure the rolls bake uniformly.
Arrange the cut rolls in the prepared 9×13 inch pan, spacing them evenly. They will expand during the second proofing.
Cover the pan with a damp towel. This will prevent the dough from drying out and help it rise properly. Make sure the towel is clean and only slightly damp, not soaking wet.
Place the covered pan in a warm, draft-free area to proof (rise). This is a critical step for achieving light and fluffy rolls. A good place is in an oven that has been warmed slightly and then turned off, or near a warm stovetop. Allow the rolls to proof until they have doubled in size, which usually takes about an hour. The exact time will depend on the temperature of your environment.
Close to the end of the proofing time, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking the rolls for even cooking.
Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from burning. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a roll; it should come out clean.
Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Temperature is key: The water temperature is crucial for activating the yeast. Too cold and the yeast won’t activate; too hot and it will kill the yeast. Aim for 75-85°F (24-29°C).
Flour power: Using bread flour is important for creating the right texture. Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which results in a chewier and more elastic dough.
Proofing perfection: Don’t rush the proofing process. Allowing the dough to fully double in size is essential for light and airy rolls.
Shiny finish: For a glossy crust, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter or an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) before baking.
Even baking: If you notice the rolls browning unevenly during baking, rotate the pan halfway through.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these flaxseed dinner rolls warm, straight from the oven. They are a delicious accompaniment to soups, salads, stews, or any main course. They are also perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoyed with butter and jam.

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a few seconds, but be careful not to overheat them, as they can become tough.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	111.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	17%
Total Fat	2 g	3%
Saturated Fat	0.7 g	3%
Cholesterol	2.5 mg	0%
Sodium	243.2 mg	10%
Total Carbohydrate	20.2 g	6%
Dietary Fiber	1.3 g	5%
Sugars	2 g	N/A
Protein	3.1 g	6%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Sweet Rolls: Add an extra 2 tablespoons of sugar to the dough for sweeter rolls. You can also sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar before baking.
Herb Rolls: Add 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley, to the dough for a flavorful twist.
Cheese Rolls: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan, to the dough.
Whole Wheat Rolls: Substitute half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Note that this may result in a denser roll.
Dairy-Free Rolls: Use a dairy-free margarine or oil instead of butter, and substitute the powdered milk with a dairy-free powdered milk alternative or omit it entirely (you may need to adjust the amount of water slightly).

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A: While you can use all-purpose flour, the rolls will be less chewy and may not rise as high. Bread flour is recommended for the best texture.

Q: My rolls didn’t rise properly. What could be the reason?
A: Possible reasons include using expired yeast, water that was too hot or too cold, or not proofing the dough in a warm enough environment.

Q: Can I freeze the dough before baking?
A: Yes, you can freeze the shaped rolls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then proof as directed in the recipe.

Q: How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?
A: Covering the pan with a damp towel during proofing and storing the baked rolls in an airtight container will help prevent them from drying out.

Q: Can I make these rolls without a bread machine?
A: Yes, you can make them by hand or using a stand mixer. Simply combine the ingredients, knead the dough until smooth and elastic, and then follow the rest of the recipe instructions.

Final Thoughts

Baking these flaxseed dinner rolls is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home. The simple act of transforming humble ingredients into something delicious and nourishing is incredibly rewarding. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of baking homemade bread. Feel free to experiment with different variations and share your feedback. These rolls are perfect alongside a hearty bowl of chili or a comforting roasted chicken. Enjoy!

Dinner Rolls With Flax Seed (Bread Machine) Recipe