Cozy Oatmeal Molasses Rolls – Better Than Takeout

oatmeal molasses rolls

These Cozy Oatmeal Molasses Rolls are the best way to start your day. After making them dozens of times, I’ve perfected the recipe for soft, golden rolls that are better than takeout. The warm, comforting aroma will fill your home and make everyone happy. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Try these Irresistibly Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe Tonight and Craving comfort? Try this Crockpot Cajun Butter Chicken.

Golden oatmeal molasses rolls fresh from the oven
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Why This Cozy Oatmeal Molasses Rolls – Better Than Takeout Is Pure Comfort

  • Soft and tender crumb
  • Golden, crispy crust
  • Rich, molasses flavor
  • Easy to make ahead

What You'll Need for Cozy Oatmeal Molasses Rolls – Better Than Takeout

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • Optional: Melted butter, for serving
  • Optional: Honey or maple syrup, for serving
Raw ingredients for oatmeal molasses rolls: oats, molasses, flour, yeast, milk, eggs, butter

📝 Ingredient Notes

  • Oats: Quick-cooking oats can be substituted, but the texture will be slightly different.
  • Molasses: Blackstrap molasses is the most robust in flavor, but any type will work.

🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend

  • KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer — Makes kneading dough a breeze → See on Amazon
  • OXO Good Grips 11-Piece Measuring Cup and Spoon Set — Accurate measurements for perfect results → See on Amazon
Plated oatmeal molasses roll with melted butter

How to Make Cozy Oatmeal Molasses Rolls – Better Than Takeout

  1. Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, molasses, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
  3. Make the dough: Add the oat mixture to the yeast mixture. Stir in milk, eggs, and melted butter until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour; if it's too dry, add more water.
  5. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  7. Second rise: Cover the baking dish with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
  8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter and serve warm.
🎩

Cook's Tips for Perfect Cozy Oatmeal Molasses Rolls – Better Than Takeout

  • Common mistake and fix: If your rolls don't rise, make sure your yeast is fresh and your milk isn't too hot. Warm milk should be around 110°F (43°C).
  • Pro tip: For extra flavor, brush the rolls with a mixture of melted butter and a pinch of salt before serving.
  • Pro tip: To make ahead, shape the rolls and place them in the baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let them rise at room temperature for 1 hour before baking.

Storing & Reheating Cozy Oatmeal Molasses Rolls – Better Than Takeout

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: You can make the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, shape the rolls and let them rise at room temperature before baking.

Freezing Cozy Oatmeal Molasses Rolls – Better Than Takeout

Freeze shaped, uncooked rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Microwave: Reheat rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the rolls tough.

Recipe Notes

  • Chef tip: For a softer crumb, let the rolls cool completely before serving.
  • Best substitution: You can substitute the molasses with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will be slightly different.
  • Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit your needs.
  • Troubleshooting: If your rolls are browning too quickly, tent them with aluminum foil.

Want to level up this recipe?

Cuisinart Precision Master 10-Speed Hand Mixer — Makes mixing ingredients a breeze, saving you time and energy → Check price on Amazon

Cozy Oatmeal Molasses Rolls – Better Than Takeout

Plated oatmeal molasses roll with melted butter
Prep
15 mins
🍳
Cook
30 mins
Total
1 hr 45 mins
🍽
Serves
12 rolls
🥗
Diet
Vegetarian

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Optional Toppings

  • Melted butter, for serving
  • Honey or maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, molasses, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
  3. Make the dough: Add the oat mixture to the yeast mixture. Stir in milk, eggs, and melted butter until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour; if it's too dry, add more water.
  5. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  7. Second rise: Cover the baking dish with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
  8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter and serve warm.

Notes

  • Chef tip: For a softer crumb, let the rolls cool completely before serving.
  • Best substitution: You can substitute the molasses with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will be slightly different.
  • Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit your needs.
  • Troubleshooting: If your rolls are browning too quickly, tent them with aluminum foil.

Storage

  • Fridge: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze shaped, uncooked rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
  • Oven reheat: Reheat rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
  • Microwave reheat: Reheat rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the rolls tough.
  • Make ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, shape the rolls and let them rise at room temperature before baking.

Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 7g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sat. Fat: 3g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Cozy Oatmeal Molasses Rolls – Better Than Takeout FAQs

Can I make these oatmeal molasses rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, shape the rolls and let them rise at room temperature before baking.

Why did my oatmeal molasses rolls turn out dry?

If your rolls are dry, you may have overcooked them or not let them rise enough. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions closely and keep an eye on them while baking.

Can I freeze oatmeal molasses rolls?

Yes, you can freeze shaped, uncooked rolls. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Can I make oatmeal molasses rolls in the air fryer?

While you can cook rolls in the air fryer, the texture and flavor may not be the same as oven-baked rolls. For best results, stick to the oven method.

What is the best substitute for molasses in oatmeal rolls?

You can substitute the molasses with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will be slightly different.

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Cozy Oatmeal Molasses Rolls – Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!

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