Sweet Molasses Brown Bread Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich flavor from molasses and whole wheat flour
• Perfectly soft and fluffy rolls with a hint of sweetness
• A great side dish for any meal—from holiday dinners to casual soups
• Easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients
• Ideal for meal prep or freezing
• They rise beautifully and bake to a golden brown perfection
• Kid-friendly and lunchbox approved
• Delicious served warm with butter or honey
• Impressive yet easy enough for beginner bakers
• Great alternative to traditional white dinner rolls

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Warm water
• Active dry yeast
• Molasses
• Brown sugar
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Salt
• Whole wheat flour
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for darker color and depth of flavor)
• Oats (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in molasses, brown sugar, softened butter, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Add whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and cocoa powder (if using). Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes with a mixer until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape into rolls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased baking dish.
7. Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with oats.
9. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 rolls.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake time: 20 minutes
Total time: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegan: Use plant-based butter or oil instead of dairy butter.
• Darker Flavor: Add more cocoa powder or use blackstrap molasses for a bolder taste.
• Oat Topping: Sprinkle oats or seeds on top for texture and appearance.
• Raisin Rolls: Fold in a handful of raisins for a sweet variation.
• Mini Loaves: Shape dough into small loaves instead of rolls.
• Herbed Version: Add dried rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend, but note that texture will differ.
• Molasses Butter Glaze: Mix butter and molasses and brush over warm rolls for added flavor.
• Stuffed Rolls: Add a cube of cheese or nut butter inside each roll before baking.
• Nutty Crunch: Top with chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To refrigerate, place in a sealed bag or container for up to 1 week.
To freeze, wrap individually or as a batch and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

What kind of molasses should I use?

Use mild or light molasses for a sweeter, milder flavor. Blackstrap molasses can be used for a stronger, more robust taste.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking.

Why add cocoa powder to bread dough?

Cocoa powder adds a richer color and enhances the depth of flavor without making the bread taste like chocolate.

Can I use only whole wheat flour?

You can, but the rolls will be denser. A mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour gives the best texture.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

They should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute equal amounts. Skip the proofing step and mix directly with dry ingredients.

Can I make this recipe in a bread machine?

Yes, use the dough setting for mixing and rising, then shape and bake the rolls in your oven.

How do I keep the rolls soft?

Store them in an airtight container and don’t overbake. A light brush of butter after baking also helps.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Double all ingredients and divide the dough into two batches for easier handling.

What should I serve with these rolls?

They’re great with soups, stews, roasted meats, or just served warm with butter or jam.

Conclusion

Sweet molasses brown bread rolls bring together the comforting warmth of homemade bread with a subtle, natural sweetness that makes them stand out. Perfect for any occasion, these rolls are a cozy and flavorful addition to your table. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or reheated with a touch of butter, they’re sure to become a favorite in your bread-baking lineup.

Sweet Molasses Brown Bread Rolls

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Sweet molasses brown bread rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet with a rich flavor from molasses and whole wheat flour. These rolls are perfect as a side dish, for sandwiches, or enjoyed warm with butter or jam.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
• ¼ cup molasses
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp salt
• 1½ cups whole wheat flour
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
• Oats for topping (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in molasses, brown sugar, softened butter, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Add whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and cocoa powder (if using). Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes with a mixer until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into rolls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or greased baking dish.
7. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with oats.
9. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use blackstrap molasses for a more robust flavor.
• Cocoa powder deepens color without making it taste like chocolate.
• Brushing with butter after baking keeps rolls soft and shiny.
• Store in an airtight container to retain softness.
• Reheat gently in oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 5mg