Milk Kefir Dinner Rolls

I have a continuous supply of milk kefir in my kitchen. A few days ago, I had a thought about baking with kefir. Milk kefir is similar to buttermilk and would add a wonderful texture and flavor to baked goods. I decided to try milk kefir dinner rolls and they turned out amazing! So delicious, soft, and fluffy!

In all honesty, I don’t know why I don’t make dinner rolls more often. They are easy to make and are so delicious!

*This post contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission on sales at no cost to you*

I prefer a lofty, soft dinner roll that isn’t too sweet. This roll recipe fits that bill to a T.

Milk kefir is a fermented milk drink that is a little fizzy and is quite tangy. We make smoothies every day with it and love to have it with frozen fruit and honey.

It is also a gut healthy drink that is super healthy for the digestive system.

I’ve been using milk kefir in different recipes for a while now, like muffins and biscuits, but never tried a dinner roll until now.

My husband said these were his favorite dinner rolls I’d ever made and I have to agree.

They are soft, fluffy, and melt in your mouth delicious!

For this recipe you will need:

1. Flour
2. Milk kefir (buttermilk will work well also)
3. Egg
4. Instant yeast
5. Salt
6. Honey
7. Olive oil (may also use any oil of your choice)

I use freshly milled hard white wheat for these rolls, however, you can use any flour you want. Just make note that you need to add the flour slowly until a soft dough forms.

This is the grain mill I use: https://collabs.shop/rxide2

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add 1 cup of warmed milk kefir. You do not need to get it hot, just lukewarm.

This is the stand mixer I use: https://collabs.shop/xmipvy

Add the oil, honey, egg, and salt. Mix well.

Add 2 cups of flour and mix until combined.

Sprinkle the yeast on top and add remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time until a soft dough forms.

Knead for 10 minutes.

Note: The dough may be a little sticky but with kneading and developing the gluten it will come together. Do not add enough flour to make a dough that is not sticky before kneading.

After kneading, place dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a damp tea towel.

Allow to rise until doubled in a warm place.

Punch down the dough. Divide into 8 equal portions and roll into balls.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Place rolls on a greased sheet pan and sit on top of the oven while it is preheating.

Bake for 15 minutes.

Place on a cooling rack to cool completely before storing in a plastic bag on the counter for up to a week. These also freeze very well.