Site Overlay

SOFT THYME-SCENTED ROLLS — FLUFFY INSIDE WITH A DELICATE HERB AROMA

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
SOFT THYME-SCENTED ROLLS — FLUFFY INSIDE WITH A DELICATE HERB AROMA

SOFT THYME-SCENTED ROLLS — FLUFFY INSIDE WITH A DELICATE HERB AROMA

These soft, fluffy rolls infused with fragrant thyme offer a perfect balance of tender crumb and lightly crispy crust. They make a delightful addition to any meal or a flavorful snack on their own.

🕒 Prep Time: 20 min

⏲️ Rising Time: 1.5 hours + 1 hour
⏲️ Baking Time: 20 min
🍽️ Yields: 6 rolls

Ingredients

  • 500 g all-purpose flour (type 550 / BL55)
  • 175 ml milk
  • 175 ml warm water
  • 1 packet dry yeast (7 g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 60 g unsalted butter, softened
  • Dried thyme, crushed (amount as desired)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

  • Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Cover and let sit in a warm place for 10 minutes until foamy.

2. Prepare the Dough

  • Mix flour and salt in a large bowl.
  • Add the yeast mixture and milk.
  • Knead the dough by hand for 15 minutes, or with a mixer for 5 minutes, or in a bread machine for one kneading cycle until elastic and non-sticky.
  • Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1.5 hours in a warm place.

3. Shape the Rolls

  • Turn dough onto a floured surface and divide into 6 equal pieces.
  • Shape each piece into a smooth ball by pulling the edges underneath and rolling gently in your palms.
  • Place rolls on a parchment-lined baking tray dusted lightly with flour.
  • Place a small piece (~10 g) of softened butter on top of each roll.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 15 minutes.

4. Add Thyme Layers

  • For each roll, gently stretch the dough from the center outward with your fingers, spreading the butter on top evenly.
  • Sprinkle crushed dried thyme evenly over the surface.
  • Roll the dough sheet up and pinch the ends to seal, then gently stretch the roll to thin it out.
  • Coil the roll into a snail shape.
  • Place the coils back on the baking tray, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for another hour.

5. Bake

  • Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F).
  • If your oven has a steam function, use it; if not, place a small pan of hot water on the lowest rack.
  • Bake the rolls for about 20 minutes until golden brown and crusty.

6. Finish and Serve

  • Remove rolls from oven and cool on a rack.
  • For extra shine, rub the tops with a little softened butter. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top.
  • Store rolls in a zipper bag to keep soft longer, but note the crust will soften.

💡 Tips

  • The steam bath helps develop a crusty exterior while keeping the inside soft.
  • Crushed dried thyme adds a lovely herbal aroma—adjust quantity to taste.
  • Gentle shaping and coiling create a beautiful layered texture.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Breakfast or brunch breads
  • Sandwich bases or side rolls
  • Accompanying soups and salads

📝 Final Thoughts

These soft thyme rolls feature a crisp crust and airy, buttery crumb infused with fragrant herbs. Their beautiful shape and flavor make them a standout homemade bread option for any meal.