Pull-Apart Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls Recipe (Fluffy and Tender)

I am excited to share my latest recipe for whole wheat: whole wheat dinner rolls. Now, I know what you might be thinking—whole wheat sounds good, but does it compromise on taste? Well, let me assure you, these fluffy, golden-brown rolls made with white wheat flour will completely change your perception of whole wheat bread.

If you are new to working with whole wheat flour, this is a great recipe to start. This uses a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, making it so easy to work with. The combination of flour and the method I will teach you also ensure your rolls will have that smooth texture you are looking for when serving your friends and family.

Get ready to indulge in the perfect combination of wholesome goodness and mouthwatering flavor. These whole wheat dinner rolls made with white wheat flour are a game-changer. With their super soft texture and delectable taste, they'll have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). So, join me as we dive into the world of these delightful rolls and discover how whole wheat can be just as satisfying and delicious as its refined flour counterparts. Let's get baking!

If you are new to baking, be sure to follow the steps carefully and read all the notes as well! 

What Is white wheat flour?

White wheat flour is derived from a variety of wheat called white wheat. It has a lighter color and milder flavor compared to red wheat. When milled into flour, it becomes white whole wheat flour, retaining the same benefits as traditional whole wheat flour. It offers a lighter taste option for baking.

White wheat flour may have a lighter appearance, but it's just as good as traditional whole wheat flour. It's made from a different wheat variety without the reddish bran color, yet it retains all the nutrients.

Ingredients:

• White whole wheat flour- You can also use red whole wheat flour, spelt, rye, or kamut in this recipe. 
• Active dry yeast
• Milk- If you are going for a vegan dinner roll,  you can also use warm water in place of milk. 
• Honey- These are honey wheat rolls, but you could also use maple syrup for a sweetener, brown sugar, or granulated sugar. 
• Salt- Salt is used in making bread and rolls to enhance the flavor and help regulate yeast activity. I prefer to use kosher salt, but you can use what you like. 
• Eggs- for a vegan recipe, use flax eggs. 
• Butter or oil- I like to use softened butter, but you could also use canola oil or olive oil. 

How to make

Start by activating your yeast. This is done by combining lukewarm milk, yeast, and honey. Mix it gently and let it sit for 3-10 minutes. It will get a little bubbly and maybe even look frothy. 

Next, add all ingredients and the yeast mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer. These can also be kneaded by hand, simply add all the ingredients to a large bowl. I use my Bosch mixer, and if you are in the market, let me say I LOVE mine!!

Mix on low speed with the dough hook attachment for about 1-2 minutes. This keeps all your ingredients from flying out of the bowl. Once it is mixed in, switch to medium speed and mix it for 6-8 minutes. 

​The soft dough forms together and should be nice and smooth. 

Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the dough rise until it has doubled. This is the first rise. I like to put this into a warm place as it will rise more quickly. 

I formed these rolls in a simple way, and I will show you how. Start by rolling your dough into a 12x18-inch rectangle. Cut into 3x4-inch rectangles. Fold it in thirds and place it on your baking sheet. Don't worry, these don't have to be perfect!

Place them in your baking dish or baking sheet. It will either need to be sprayed with cooking spray or butter. Or you can line it with parchment paper. 

Cover again and let them rise for the second time. Preheat the oven at the end of the rising time. 

I like to brush mine with an egg wash before baking. This isn't necessary, but it gives them such a pretty shine! 

Place them in the preheated oven and bake until they are golden brown on the top. 

Remove and serve. I love these hot and fresh out of the oven served with butter or preserves. 

Why is my dinner rolls not light and fluffy?

If your whole wheat dinner rolls aren't as light and fluffy as you'd like, a couple of factors could be at play. Whole wheat flour contains more bran and germ, which can weigh down the dough and result in denser rolls. To help counter this, make sure to knead the dough thoroughly and give it sufficient time to rise, allowing the gluten to develop and the dough to become airy.

Insufficient rising time is another potential culprit. The whole wheat dough needs more time to rise compared to dough made with refined flour. Ensure you give it ample time to double in size, as this allows the yeast to properly ferment and create those desirable air pockets.

By being patient and allowing the dough to rise adequately while kneading it well, you can increase your chances of achieving lighter and fluffier whole-wheat dinner rolls. Remember, baking is all about experimentation and practice, so don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to achieve the perfect texture. Enjoy the process and savor the deliciousness that homemade whole-wheat rolls bring to the table!

Tips and suggestions

• If you prefer, you can also use a blend of whole wheat and white flour. This could be either all-purpose flour or bread flour. 50/50 is a great start!
• The rise time will really be determined by the room temperature. If your house is cooler, just know it will take longer to rise. Or if your house is warm, it will rise quickly. 
• Be sure you give the dough time to rise, this will help create perfect fluffy whole wheat dinner rolls. 
• This recipe can be done in a stand mixer or kneaded by hand. It will take a little longer to knead by hand. I generally plan on 8-12 minutes. 
• You can change up this recipe to make it vegan, or I already have a delicious vegan dinner roll recipe I think you will really love!
• There are many ways to top these rolls- you can brush with an egg wash then sprinkle with sesame seeds, flour, or nuts. You can also just brush them with melted butter too.
• You can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. There is no need to activate it, just add it right in with all the ingredients and mix.  

​How to use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast

When using instant yeast instead of active dry yeast in your whole wheat dinner rolls, keep in mind they are different. 

First, there is no need to activate the yeast. It is instant, which means it is ready to go as soon as you mix it in. Instant yeast is very simple to use. 

Many sources claim you need to reduce the amount of instant yeast as compared to active dry yeast. That is not the case in this recipe. Swap out equal amounts of instant yeast for active dry. 

Other bread and roll recipes

We are a carb-loving family, so let me share a few of my favorite recipes with you!

• Yeasted Breads
• Baked
• White Whole Wheat Flour