There is nothing in the world like freshly baked yeasty rolls. The smell of them baking, the first soft bite of a warm roll, the feeling of accomplishment in having made them. I am by no means an expert at the vagaries of yeast and baking, so I am always intrigued by simple recipes for breads and rolls, like this one. This process is pretty simple and foolproof, with no kneading or multiple risings required. The addition of just a hint of cheese and the spicy butter glaze makes these seem like a complicated and sophisticated achievement.

I like to grate cheese on the fine holes of a box grater for this, because the cheese then sort of melts into the rolls. These are not gooey, melty cheesy rolls, they just have a lovely taste of cheese flavor in the light, tender center. I like a just a little heat in the honey butter, but use as much as you like.

Hot Honey Dinner Rolls

2017-05-05 14:57:39

Yields 13

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For the Rolls

1. 1 (.25 ounce) packet active dry yeast
2. ¾ cups warm water (about 120)
3. 2 – 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
4. 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
5. ½ teaspoon salt
6. pinch of cayenne pepper
7. 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
8. ¾ cups finely grated sharp cheddar cheese

For the Honey Cayenne Butter

1. 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
2. 2 teaspoons honey
3. 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Rolls

1. Measure the warm water in a measuring cup and stir in the yeast. Set aside for 5 minutes until bubbly.
2. Put 1 ½ cups of the flour, sugar, salt and cayenne pepper in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and mix to combine. Add the yeasty water and the melted butter and beat until smooth, about 3 minutes. Beat in the cheese until combined. Add the remaining flour ¼ cup at a time and beat on medium until the dough is smooth and comes together, clinging to the beater, about 3 minutes. You may not use all the flour.
3. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Divide the dough into 13 pieces and roll into balls. Place each ball in the prepared pan, not touching each other, then cover and place in a warm place for about an hour, until doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375.
4. When the rolls have risen, bake for 12 – 14 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

For the Honey Cayenne Butter

1. While the rolls are cooking melt the butter, honey and cayenne together in a small pan or in a bowl in the microwave. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, stir the honey butter to combine and brush over the top of the rolls.

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