Fluffy Whole Wheat Rolls

Original recipe from our favorite bread recipe.

We make 1 dozen delicious whole wheat rolls with just a couple tweaks to our favorite bread recipe.  If you'd like to read through a step-by-step tutorial on bread baking, here it is. 

Ingredients:

• 1/4 c sugar or honey
• 1 T yeast
• 1 1/2 c very warm water (think cozy bath temp)
• 1/4 c butter, melted
• 3 c whole wheat, milled (about 3-4 cup wheat flour)
• 1/2 T salt 

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, sprinkle sugar (or honey) and yeast. Slowly pour warm water over all (try to wet every grain). 
2. Let yeast bubble 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, if needed, mill the wheat into flour (I use the WonderMill on its finest setting). 
3. Pour butter into water mixture. Add 1 1/2 cups wheat flour and whisk to combine. Let sit for 15 minutes (I use my timer so I don't forget it). It will rise to double in size (but it doesn't have to--this step is just to start the wheat flour softening). 
4. Add salt and more flour one cup at a time, mixing to combine each addition. Add and mix or knead flour until dough pulls together but still feels slightly sticky, like a sticky note. If I run out of wheat flour (which is rare) I'll add a few tablespoons of white flour at this point. Knead dough 5-10 minutes. 
5. Place into large bowl and cover. Let rise 40-50 minutes (using timer again), or until double. I'll often warm up my oven just a little bit, turn it off, and let the dough rise in there to keep it cozy. 
6. Grease one 9x13 pan. Sprinkle counter with a few tablespoons of white flour (I prefer white flour for the finished crust, but wheat would work). Knead dough and punch out all air bubbles. Cut into 12 pieces (for large rolls) or 20 pieces (for smaller) and work each piece until the dough will stretch over itself without ripping (1-2 minutes). Fold dough under itself into the shape of a bun, placing each seam side down in the pan. 
7. Let rise 20 minutes (using timer), then preheat the oven to 375 (loaves should be risen to about the top of pans). Once oven is preheated, loaves should be risen past the pan tops. 
8. Bake 18-22 minutes, to desired doneness. Savor that spongy goodness.
9. If it's Eastertime, try making Hot Cross Buns!