Are you craving a comforting treat that's both sweet and savory? Look no further than these irresistible peanut butter rolls! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a fun dessert. They're incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort, making them ideal for busy weeknights or a fun weekend baking project. Get ready to experience the delightful combination of fluffy rolls and creamy peanut butter – a flavor sensation your taste buds will thank you for!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3-3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, creating those light and airy rolls.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Stir in the melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture. The melted butter adds richness and moisture to the dough, resulting in softer rolls.
Step 3: Add the Flour
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Don't add all the flour at once; the amount needed may vary slightly depending on the humidity and type of flour.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, giving the rolls their soft texture.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens; the yeast is working hard, creating air pockets for those wonderfully fluffy rolls.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
Step 7: Fill with Peanut Butter
Flatten each ball slightly. Spread a spoonful of peanut butter (and honey/maple syrup, if using) onto the center. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pinching the edges to seal.
Step 8: Second Rise
Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes. This final rise gives the rolls a chance to puff up beautifully before baking.
Step 9: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Let the rolls cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. These peanut butter rolls are delicious warm, but they're also great at room temperature.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
- If you don't have creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanut butter works just as well.
- To make mini rolls, simply divide the dough into more pieces.
Variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Rolls: Add mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter filling.
- Cinnamon Peanut Butter Rolls: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
- Sweet and Salty Rolls: Add a pinch of sea salt to the peanut butter filling for a sweet and salty kick.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250 Protein: 5g Fat: 12g Carbohydrates: 35g
Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make peanut butter rolls! They're the perfect addition to any meal or snack time, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Homemade cooking doesn't get much easier or tastier than this!