Oh So Simple Sourdough Rolls (Beginner-Friendly + KitchenAid Method)

Ingredients

1. 1

   Step 1

   Warm the butter and milk

   • Ingredients:
     • 4 tablespoons butter
     • 1 cup milk (or kefir)
   • Action: Melt or soften butter gently, stir in milk until warm (not hot) to keep the starter happy.
2. 2

   Step 2

   Sweeten and season

   • Ingredients:
     • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
     • 1 teaspoon salt
   • Action: Stir maple syrup and salt into the warm milk mixture.
3. 3

   Step 3

   Mix in starter

   • Ingredients:
     • 3/4 cups active sourdough starter
   • Action: Whisk starter into the milk mixture until combined.
4. 4

   Step 4

   Add flour and mix

   • Ingredients:
     • 3 1/3 cups bread flour
   • Action: Add flour and mix on low in the KitchenAid (or by hand) until a soft dough forms. Bread flour gives the best rise; all-purpose also works.
5. 5

   Step 5

   Knead

   • Action: Knead 8–10 minutes in the mixer or by hand until smooth and elastic.
6. 6

   Step 6

   First rise

   • Action: Cover and let rise until doubled, 4–8 hours depending on room temp. A warm spot speeds it up.
7. 7

   Step 7

   Shape rolls

   • Action: Divide into 10–12 pieces. Gently roll each into a ball with a bench scraper or your hands.
8. 8

   Step 8

   Second rise

   • Action: Let the rolls puff for 1–2 hours until noticeably lighter. Rustic shapes are fine.
9. 9

   Step 9

   Bake

   • Action: Bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
10. 10

    Step 10

    Brush

    • Ingredients:
      • 2 tablespoons melted butter
    • Action: Brush hot rolls with melted butter for extra softness.

Step insights

• A long first rise builds flavor and digestibility; don’t rush the ferment.

Equipment

• KitchenAid stand mixer with dough hook (or a bowl + hands)

• Bench scraper

• Large bowl with lid or cover

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Pastry brush

• Kitchen scale

• Digital thermometer (optional for dough warmth)