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Veena Azmanov

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Homemade Cloverleaf Rolls

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Old-Fashion Cloverleaf Rolls

Classic old-fashion cloverleaf rolls are an absolute treat and very versatile. These simple cloverleaf shaped dinner rolls pair well with any food, sweet or savory and are perfect for any meal from breakfast to dinner. Serve it for breakfast with butter and jam or for dinner alongside your favorite roast or gravy.

Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress pictures
Homemade Dinner Rolls, Cloverleaf Bread Rolls

One of my fond memories as a little girl is sitting on the kitchen top corner and helping mom with her work. She'd give me a small piece of dough and I'd happily leave her alone to do her work while I would knead the hell out of that little piece of dough.

Now I often have the same scene in my kitchen with my kids. It's usually Rhea more than Aadi. She loves to help me when I'm working. And like me, she's especially attracted to bread dough. She loves the soft silky smoothness of the bread dough when it's all ready to be baked.

My mom would say - you know good bread when it just comes out of the oven. The true test is when you see someone take a small bite and then immediately want to take another. That happens, when you have the right balance - the perfect texture on the outside and softness on the inside.

What is cloverleaf rolls?

These cloverleaf rolls are an American bread like a ball made of three sections; more like a pull-apart bun. They are named after the leaf of a clover plant which has three lobes.

Did you know that cloverleaf is actually referred to a particular shape, not the recipe? So technically you could take any of your favorite bread recipes and shape it into a cloverleaf roll. Usually, we prefer to use an enriched dough that's not so bready (if that is even a word) but tastes more soft buttery and just melts in the mouth.

Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress pictures
Homemade Dinner Rolls, Cloverleaf Bread Rolls

How do you shape the cloverleaf rolls?

Often people wonder how do you get that cloverleaf shape, but really it's so easy!! It's basically three small balls of dough into one muffin case which when baked infuses and becomes one bread with that distinct shape of the cloverleaf. Cool eh?

Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress pictures
Homemade Dinner Rolls, Cloverleaf Bread Rolls

Ingredients and substitutes (Save/Pin)

  • All-Purpose flour - You can use bread flour if you prefer. And yet, it's not necessary and this dough is very forgiving and works just fine with all-purpose flour.
  • Egg - I love the stability the egg adds to the dough and enriches it.
  • Milk - I prefer to use milk instead of water. It not just adds taste but also makes a nice soft crumb bread.
  • Sugar - It's not much so it won't sweeten the bread. It helps the yeast. Also, it absorbs some of the liquid, slowing the formation of the gluten strand. As a result, it makes the enriched dough just perfect.
Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress pictures
Homemade Dinner Rolls, Cloverleaf Bread Rolls

Useful Tips and Tools

  • Use a small mixing bowl or measuring cup to activate the yeast. I prefer to use glass over metal. If the metal is cold, it can lower the temperature of the liquid ingredients. Not a big deal. And yet, it's nice to get the yeast activated quickly and move on with the recipe.
  • I like mixing bread dough by hand. It's quite therapeutic. But, bread dough can be difficult to handle. Not just because it needs more kneading, but also because it's often a soft, sticky mess. And yet, keeping the dough soft and sticky is important for good bread baking. So, I highly recommend using a stand mixer such as Kenwood, or kitchen-aid. Personally, I also have a hand mixer. And yet, I don't use it for baking bread. Because bread dough is dense compared to cakes. So, it might harm my hand mixer. (recommended read - which stand-mixer is good for home bakers)
  • Baking bread is a science. So, measuring ingredients correctly is important. Also, do not wing the measurements. Use a measuring cup for liquid ingredients and measuring spoons for dry ingredients.
  • And, a good baking tray is as important to bread baking as it is to other baking. Therefore, buy a good quality baking tray that's not too thin. The thick ones will prevent the bread from burning on the bottom. Sometimes you can even add a second tray on the bottom to prevent it from getting burnt.
  • Every oven works differently. So, the baking times are just guidelines. In the case of bread, a hollow sound on the bottom of the bread is a great indication. If the bread bakes too quick or too slow, compared to the time given, it might be a good idea to check if your oven needs calibration.
  • Also, an oven thermometer is a great little gadget to help keep the oven temperature in check. All you need to do is adjust the temperature accordingly.
Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress pictures
Homemade Dinner Rolls, Cloverleaf Bread Rolls

How to Make Homemade Cloverleaf Rolls (Save/Pin)

Activate yeast

  • Ensure milk is warm, not hot (about 110 F).
  • Combine milk, yeast, sugar, oil, and egg
  • Stir and set aside to foam for 3 mins.
Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress picturesCloverleaf Rolls Step By Step1
Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress picturesCloverleaf Rolls Step By Step3
Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress picturesCloverleaf Rolls Step By Step2
Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress picturesCloverleaf Rolls Step By Step4

Knead the dough

  • Measure the flour and salt in a bowl (you can use an electric mixer).
  • Mix in the yeast mixture – stir to combine.
  • Transfer to a well-dusted worktop and knead for 2 minutes until soft and elastic. (if using electric mixer knead with the dough hook for 2 minutes on medium speed).
  • Then, add the butter and knead again for 2 minutes more
  • (the dough will again be soft and sticky with the butter but will come together as you knead). Use as little flour as necessary.
  • The dough should be soft, a little sticky but smooth and shiny (see video).
Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress picturesCloverleaf Rolls Step By Step5
Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress picturesCloverleaf Rolls Step By Step7
Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress picturesCloverleaf Rolls Step By Step6
Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress picturesCloverleaf Rolls Step By Step8

First rise

  • Form the dough into a smooth ball and place in an oiled bowl, seam side down, and coat the surface with oil to prevent drying.
  • Cover with a clean kitchen cloth and leave in a warm place for about an hour, until double in size.
Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress pictures
Homemade Dinner Rolls, Cloverleaf Bread Rolls

Divide and roll

  • When the dough is double in volume.
  • Transfer to a well-dusted floured surface.
  • Divide the dough into 12 equal portions (see video).
  • Then divide each portion into 3 small portions (3 balls make one roll)
  • Roll each portion into a ball.
  • Spray a muffin pan with oil
  • Place 3 balls in each muffin cup.

Proof the rolls - 2nd rise

  • Cover with a clean kitchen cloth, and
  • Let rest in a warm place for about 45 minutes until almost double in size.
Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress picturesCloverleaf Rolls Step By Step3-2
Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress picturesCloverleaf Rolls Step By Step5-2
Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress picturesCloverleaf Rolls Step By Step4-2
Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress picturesCloverleaf Rolls Step By Step6-2

Egg wash and bake

  • Preheat the oven to 190 C /375 F.
  • Brush the rolls with egg wash ( one beaten egg)
  • Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes, until lightly golden on top.
  • When baked, brush with melted butter (optional).
  • Take them out of the pan and cover with a clean kitchen cloth to keep them soft
  • Enjoy!
Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress pictures
Homemade Dinner Rolls, Cloverleaf Bread Rolls

Frequently asked question

How long with this cloverleaf rolls last?

If stored properly these cloverleaf dinner rolls will stay for 4 to 5 days at room temperature. It can be frozen for a month or more too. Never store bread in the fridge as it dries out.

What is the best way to store these cloverleaf dinner rolls for a longer time?

I place dinner rolls in a plastic storage bag, then wrap them in clean kitchen cloth at room temperature. This prevents them from drying out and increases their shelf life. If you want to store them longer place them in a freezer bag and into the freezer.

Can I make the cloverleaf dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prove the dough in the fridge for a longer time instead of room temperature. It will take longer to rise but will still rise. Make sure to bring the dough to room temperature. Form the rolls and prove them again before baking.

Can I refrigerate these cloverleaf rolls before baking?

yes, you can also do the first rise at room temperature, form the cloverleaf shaped rolls and let them rise in the fridge before baking. Cover the shaped rolls tightly with cling wrap leaving enough space for them to rise. You can leave them overnight in the fridge but make sure to thaw them at room temperature before baking.

How can I make the dough rise faster? Shorter rising time?

Ideally, it is best to let the dough rise in a warm place in the kitchen but there are always those days when you’re short on time. 
The best way to make the dough rise faster is to let the dough or bread rolls prove in a warm oven. I heat the oven at 30C for 5 minutes and then turn it off. The warmth in there is all it needs to rise quickly. 
If your oven does not have a low temperature just switch the oven light on and that works just as well.

What do you server cloverleaf rolls with?

These are just like dinner rolls. They are great with any soup, stew, chili, or slow-cooked meat.
Soup, salad and dinner rolls are a complete meal in our home.
They are perfect to soak up the gravy in slow-cooked lamb, beef or chicken dishes.
My kids love lamb stew or chili with bread.

Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress pictures
Homemade Dinner Rolls, Cloverleaf Bread Rolls

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Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress pictures
Homemade Dinner Rolls, Cloverleaf Bread Rolls
Homemade Bread, white bread recipe, cloverleaf shaped rolls - with progress pictures

Homemade Cloverleaf Rolls

Author: Veena Azmanov
5 from 21 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Resting Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs
Calories: 225kcal
Adjust Servings Here: 12 Rolls

Description

Classic old-fashion cloverleaf rolls are an absolute treat and very versatile. These simple cloverleaf shaped dinner rolls pair well with any food, sweet or savory and are perfect for any meal from breakfast to dinner. Serve it for breakfast with butter and jam or for dinner alongside your favorite roast or gravy.
ADJUST SERVINGS HERE - 12 Rolls

Ingredients

Instructions

Activate yeast

  • Ensure milk is warm, not hot (about 110 F).
  • Combine milk, yeast, sugar, oil, and egg
  • Stir and set aside to foam for 3 mins.

Knead the dough

  • Measure the flour and salt in a bowl (you can use an electric mixer).
  • Mix in the yeast mixture – stir to combine.
  • Transfer to a well-dusted worktop and knead for 2 minutes until soft and elastic. (if using electric mixer knead with the dough hook for 2 minutes on medium speed).
  • Then, add the butter and knead again for 2 minutes more
  • (the dough will again be soft and sticky with the butter but will come together as you knead). Use as little flour as necessary.
  • The dough should be soft, a little sticky but smooth and shiny (see video).

First rise

  • Form the dough into a smooth ball and place in an oiled bowl, seam side down, and coat the surface with oil to prevent drying.
  • Cover with a clean kitchen cloth and leave in a warm place for about an hour, until double in size.

Divide and roll

  • When the dough is double in volume.
  • Transfer to a well-dusted floured surface.
  • Divide the dough into 12 equal portions (see video).
  • Then divide each portion into 3 small portions. (3 balls make one roll)
  • Roll each portion into a ball.
  • Spray a muffin pan with oil
  • Place three balls in each muffin cup.

Proof the rolls

  • Cover with a clean kitchen cloth, and
  • Let rest in a warm place for about 45 minutes until almost double in size.

Egg wash and bake

  • Preheat the oven to 190 C /375 F.
  • Brush the rolls with egg wash ( one beaten egg)
  • Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes, until lightly golden on top.
  • When baked, brush with melted butter (optional).
  • Take them out of the pan and cover with a clean kitchen cloth to keep them soft
  • Enjoy!

Equipment

Stand Mixer
M. Cups & Spoons
Muffin Pan
Nutrition Information
Serving: 43gCalories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 7gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 227mgPotassium: 102mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 113IUCalcium: 32mgIron: 2mg

The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you

Did you make this recipe? I'd love to hear about itMention @veenaazmanov or #tag on Instagram #veenaazmanov

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Author - Veena Azmanov

Veena Azmanov

Veena is the author of three blogs - Veena Azmanov, Cake Decorating Tutorials, and East Indian Recipes.
She writes about cooking, baking, desserts, and cake decorating. Being a professional cake decorator and food blogger for over ten years she has been featured in many online magazines and publications around the world. On her blogs, you will find delicious, easy and practical recipes often with instructional videos and tutorials for the home cook.

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  1. Khampy

    Your recipes are simple and best. I tired today with cheese inside n brushed it with minced garlic butter. Heavens it tastes so good. If possible can i skip eggs?? If no then what's the subsitiute ??
    Do you bake low carbs breads or pastries or desserts? For keto fellows?
    Thanks

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Hey Khampy, So happy you enjoyed this recipe and enjoyed it.
      You can omit the eggs, you will need less than the flour required in the recipe - perhaps 1/2 cup less.
      I sometimes try to make low carb or gluten-free but I do not specialize in them. I do not do keto baking at all.
      Thanks

      Reply

  2. Srinivas

    Love these rolls. Tried them last week - so easy to make and the kids had fun making the balls. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Srinivas. So happy to hear that you have great success with this recipe. Appreciate you coming back to write this feedback. Always love to read feedback.

      Reply

  3. Britt @ A Lil' Sweet, Spice, & Advice

    Rolls are my weakness and those glossy tops are killing me! I want to make these and top them with some whipped cinnamon honey butter. *drools* Will come back to let you know how well they turn out.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely Britt. You will love these with honey butter too. They are very versatile.

      Reply

  4. Kristina

    There's nothing like warm, fresh from the oven pull-apart rolls.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Kristina. These are not pull apart rolls. These are made individually!!

      Reply

  5. Rezel Kealoha

    Clover leaf rolls are such an easy indulgence. I love it all buttery and hot with nothing else! A good bread needs nothing but butter and salt! Great recipe!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely Rezel. We buy regular salted butter for bread makes a huge difference. Thanks

      Reply

  6. Lynn | The Road to Honey

    Such a cute thought of you helping mom prepare the bread. An you are so lucky to have such great kitchen helpers. I wish you could send them my way as I could always use some extra hands in the kitchen. Love the shape of this bread. It is such a fun change.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Lynn. I love my kitchen helps both of them are very fond of messing around in the kitchen. Thanks.

      Reply

  7. Karyl | Karyl's Kulinary Krusade

    These rolls look amazing! There's nothing quite like warm rolls fresh out of the oven...I have to stop myself from slathering them with butter and eating them all!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Karyl. SO true aint' nothing like warm fresh bread out of the oven.

      Reply

  8. Anne Murphy

    I love making rolls - they're so easy, and everyone is so impressed! Your directions are clear, and everyone who wants will be able to make this classic!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Anne. Glad you find my directions clear.

      Reply

  9. Amy

    I love the cloverleaf approach to rolls! Bread is my ultimate weakness and I would take a soft, buttery roll with jam over dessert almost any day!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks Amy. Just like my son. He loves his buttery rolls with butter and jam.

      Reply

  10. Sara

    Veena, these rolls look incredible! I haven't had a cloverleaf roll in years ... but now I HAVE to make these at home! I love the video, too!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks Sara. I love these very much so we make it often.

      Reply

  11. Amanda

    The texture of these rolls looks fantastic! I love those glossy tops. These would be so perfect added to a bread basket for a spring brunch. Beautiful!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely Amanda. These would make a perfect addition to a spring brunch fruit basket.

      Reply

  12. Jenni

    What lovely rolls! I have always thought cloverleaf rolls were special and so fun to eat!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      They do look lovely and are so delicious.

      Reply

  13. Jen

    These look lovely. I love the sheen on top of each roll - just beautiful!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Jen.

      Reply

  14. Dominique | Perchance to Cook

    How glossy are these rolls?! They look just delicious. I'd love one with some melted butter on top!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Dominique - These are definitely delicious.

      Reply

  15. Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen

    I've never seen these before, but they look so pretty and rich! Thanks for sharing, will be giving them a go!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you so much Carrie. They sure are pretty and rich.

      Reply

  16. Tanya

    I saw this Cloverleaf rolls on instagram and I want to try it. Thanks for the info!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Tanya. Let me know what you think - I make them a lot because my kids love them.

      Reply

  17. Natasha Rusia

    I have never made bread ever before in my life until today. The pictures you post look so tempting and you make everything look so easy.
    I am amazing at how talented you are.. I just saw your cake blog. I'm absoulutely amazed at your creations.
    I wish you all the success. Keep posting more recipes.. Will definitely try and let you know.
    Natasha

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you so much Natasha. So happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe and had great success with baking bread for the first time. Thank you for coming back to write this feedback. Always wonderful to hear back from those who have tried my recipe. Thank you !

      Reply

  18. Karen

    Made this a few times and it came out soooooooo good. Then I made a variation and added sun dried raisins. It was gone before the morning. Next time I will try with chocolate chips. Thing is I don't make small rolls but two breads, one nice large one that lasts the week and one smaller one for the weekend. The best recipe on the net. Thank you Veena

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you so much Karen. This bread recipe is so versatile ! So happy to hear that you are having fun exploring and creating different variations of this. Appreciate you coming back to write this feedback - always makes my day when I here such positive feedback.

      Reply