Homemade Rolls for Novice Bakers

Need a holiday hand? We've got you covered with two straight weeks of Holiday Survival Recipes -- the ones you can rely on to keep your guests (and you) feeling festive.

Today: Homemade Rolls for Novice Bakers

Just imagine it: your family is home for the holidays -- grown children, perhaps, or beloved in-laws. They wander into the kitchen in the morning, lured not just by coffee but also by the smell of rolls fresh from the oven. That just-baked scent fills the house, fostering holiday cheer and promising a day of warm, comforting meals.

You don't have to be a serious baker to make this happen. With a great recipe -- Heavenly Oatmeal-Molasses Rolls from monkeymom, to be exact -- anyone can have rolls hot out of the oven, ready for guests to devour. They're slightly sweet and perfect for breakfast, but mild enough to accompany a roast at dinner. 

Don't let yeast scare you (if it does, we've got a primer to ease your nerves). This recipe is accessible and sure to deliver delicious, soft rolls. It doesn't require any kneading, and the second rise is flexible (to accommodate unpredictable holiday schedules) -- so it's a great one for novice bakers and experts alike. And, of course, the rolls are beautiful -- a handsome addition to any holiday spread.

Heavenly Oatmeal-Molasses Rolls by monkeymom

Serves 8 to 12

2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1/4 cup lukewarm water
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup butter cut into cubes
2 tablespoon molasses
2 teaspoons salt
1 egg
2 1/2 to 3 cups flour (unbleached all-purpose or bread flour)
2 to 3 tablespoons of melted butter for brushing tops of rolls

See the full recipe (and save and print it) here.