The Best Soft & Fluffy Fresh Milled Flour Dinner Rolls
These fresh milled flour dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and truly melt-in-your-mouth, the kind of homemade rolls that disappear the moment they hit the table. Made with freshly milled wheat for the richest flavor and the perfect tender crumb, these rolls come together easily and rise beautifully every time.
Mill Your Grain: Begin by milling your wheat berries on the finest setting. Fresh milled flour is key to that nutty flavor and wholesome structure.
Proof the Yeast: In a large bowl add the warm milk, sugar, and then whisk in your yeast. Let it sit until foamy (about 5–10 minutes).
Mix the Dough: Add your milled flour and salt into the bowl. Stir until the dough begins to come together and there are no dry clumps of flour. (Should only take about 1 minute of mixing.) This is a VERY wet dough. With this recipe we break a lot of the rules when it comes to bread making. Even though it may be tempting do not add more flour. Cover the dough and allow to rest 30 minutes.
Add the Oil: Pour the oil over the dough and begin kneading the oil into the dough while the dough is still inside the bowl. It should take just a minute or two. Cover the bowl and allow to rest for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 9-10 equal-sized balls. Shape them into rolls by gently rolling them into balls using your hands, then place them into a greased baking dish.
Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again until puffy (about 30-45 minutes).
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls until golden brown on top (about 20-25 minutes, depending on size and your oven).
Brush & Serve: Optional but delicious, brush the tops with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. Allow them to cool 10 minutes minimum before serving. (The rolls are still cooking on the inside even after being removed from the oven. If you do not allow them to cool off they can become dense.)
Notes
Tips for Fluffy, Perfect Rolls
Check dough consistency: Fresh milled flour absorbs liquid differently than store-bought. You may need to adjust your water or milk slightly.
Don’t skip the rise: Two risings help develop a light, airy texture.
Egg wash vs. butter: Brushing with an egg wash gives a shiny roll; butter gives a soft, tender crust.
Make ahead: You can shape the rolls, let them rise, then refrigerate overnight. Bake them first thing in the morning for fresh rolls without the morning rush.
Storage & Reheating
Store: Keep cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days.
Freeze: Place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm gently in a 325°F oven for 5–8 minutes or microwave a roll wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 10–15 seconds.