Cloverleaf Rolls

These Cloverleaf Rolls are soft, buttery, and perfectly fluffy dinner rolls shaped into their signature three-leaf design. Made with simple ingredients, these rolls are a fantastic addition to holiday feasts, family dinners, or any meal that calls for warm, homemade bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and fluffy texture – Light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Fun and unique shape – The cloverleaf design is beautiful and easy to pull apart.
• Perfect for any occasion – Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or everyday meals.
• Make-ahead friendly – The dough can be prepared in advance for convenience.
• Easy to customize – Add herbs, garlic butter, or cheese for extra flavor.

Ingredients

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

• Warm milk
• Active dry yeast
• Sugar
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Eggs
• Salt
• All-purpose flour

Directions

1. Activate the yeast – In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough – Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead and rise – Knead for about 8 minutes, then place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
4. Shape the rolls – Punch down the dough and divide it into small balls. Place three balls into each greased muffin cup.
5. Second rise – Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
6. Bake – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
7. Brush with butter – Immediately brush with melted butter for a soft, glossy finish.
8. Cool and serve – Let the rolls cool slightly before serving warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 2 hours

Variations

• Garlic Herb Rolls – Add minced garlic and dried herbs to the butter before brushing.
• Cheese Cloverleaf Rolls – Mix shredded cheese into the dough or sprinkle on top.
• Whole Wheat Version – Substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour.
• Sweet Honey Rolls – Add extra sugar and brush with honey butter for a slightly sweet touch.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for longer freshness.
• Freezer: Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough overnight and bake fresh the next day.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour.

Why did my rolls turn out dense?

Dense rolls are usually caused by too much flour or under-kneading the dough.

Can I make these without a muffin tin?

Yes! You can arrange the rolls on a baking sheet in clusters instead.

How do I make sure my dough rises properly?

Make sure your milk is warm (not too hot) and your yeast is fresh.

Can I use plant-based milk?

Yes! Almond, oat, or soy milk can replace regular milk.

Do I need to brush them with butter?

Brushing with butter adds flavor and a soft texture, but it’s optional.

Can I add an egg wash for a shinier crust?

Yes! Brush with a beaten egg before baking for a glossy finish.

How do I make mini cloverleaf rolls?

Use smaller dough balls and bake in mini muffin tins for bite-sized rolls.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in batches as needed.

Conclusion

These Cloverleaf Rolls are a delightful, pull-apart bread that’s soft, buttery, and perfect for any occasion. Whether served fresh for dinner or saved for leftovers, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try them today and enjoy warm, homemade rolls with every meal!

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