Homemade Cloverleaf Rolls

Name: Homemade Cloverleaf Rolls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 120 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Milk (warm 110F); 2 1/4 tsp Instant dry yeast ((1 packet)); 1 tbsp Sugar; 1 tbsp Oil; 1 Egg large; 2 tbsp Butter; 2 cups All-purpose flour; 1/2 cup All-purpose flour (for kneading); 1 tsp Salt

Recipe Video Print

Table of Contents

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.

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?

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.

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.
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. So, I highly recommend using a stand mixer such as Kenwood, or kitchen-aid. (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.

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.

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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).

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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 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.

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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!

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.

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