Learning how to shape bread dough into rolls can be intimidating at first. Here is an easy step by step guide to help you shape the perfect rolls for any occasion. You will be able to impress family and friends with your beautiful rolls!
Steps to Prepare the Dough for Shaping
Step 1 – Place the Bread Dough on the Counter
Place the bread dough on the counter to try to preserve some of the air pockets you created.
Step 2 – Cut the Dough into 4 Pieces
Cut the dough into four even pieces. It is okay if they are not perfectly even, but try to be as close as you can.
Step 3 – Cut Each of the Larger Pieces into 3 Pieces
Starting at each of the corners and meeting in the middle cut the larger piece into 3 smaller pieces. They should be close to even, but feel free to add dough around to make them even.
Step 3.5 – Use a Scale to Create Even Pieces (Optional)
Using a kitchen scale measure out each piece of dough to make sure they are even. Even pieces ensure that each roll bakes at the same time and helps your rolls look the same.
You can skip this step if you want to.
Steps to Shape Bread Dough into Rolls
Step 4 – Take some Dough and Place it Smooth Side Down
Choose the pretty side and put it down on the side touching the counter. This will make sure that the top of your roll will be smooth and even.
Step 5 – Pat the Dough to Make it Even
Pat it until it is half an inch (1.5 cm) thick. It doesn’t have to be even or perfect. We are flattening it enough to work with it.
Step 6 – Fold the Edges into the Middle
Fold the edges into the middle to make the roll round and create a smooth surface.
Step 7 – Flip the Roll so the Seam Side is Down
Place the roll seam side down. Now you are ready to seal the bottom seam.
Steps to Seal the Bottom Seam
Step 8 – Pull the Roll Towards Yourself
Using the pinky side of your hand, curl your hand and pull the dough towards yourself. The dough should stick to the counter and the top should stretch as the bottom of the roll moves.
If your dough is rolling, then it is either to dry or you need to practice shaping more. Rolling dough is NOT sealing the seam.
Step 9 – Rotate and Pull
Rotate your bread dough with each pull to create a round roll and seal each side of the seam.
Step 10 – Place in Baking Dish
Your roll has been shaped! If you like how it looks then place the roll into the greased pan for baking.
If your roll isn’t quite right, you can let it rest 10-20 minutes and then shape the roll over again.
Repeat until all your rolls are complete!
Tips for Success to Shape Bread Dough into Rolls
Avoid using flour during shaping. I recommend using water, oil, or just a clean counter top depending on how sticky your dough is. If you really feel you need flour use only enough to lightly dust your hands and the ball of dough.
Flour gets into your rolls and too much flour will prevent the roll from sticking to itself during shaping.
Keep the seam of the roll on the counter as much as possible when sealing the seam. New bakers tend to let the dough roll up during shaping. THAT WILL NOT SEAL THE SEAM. Keep the seam on the bottom and pull it towards yourself on the counter to seal the seam.
You do not have to seal the seam completely. You can seal the seam completely, but you do not have to to create a beautiful roll.
Place larger rolls on the edges and corners. Larger rolls take longer to cook than smaller rolls, so by placing them on the edges then they are finished cooking at the same time as the smaller rolls in the middle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Shape a Dry Dough?
Dry dough can be shaped by getting the counter wet or using oil to make the dry surface wetter. It will help the dough stick to the counter, which will help follow the shaping steps listed above.
How do I Shape a Sticky Dough?
Sticky dough can be shaped using some flour or oil on the counter surface and use some on your hands. I use oil or water mostly, because adding flour during the shaping process can hinder the rolls ability to stick to itself.
How to Shape Rolls Evenly?
The biggest tip for making even rolls is to weigh out each roll of dough. This is the best way to end up with even rolls.
If you are trying to make them even by hand, then I would cut the dough ball into 4 even pieces.
Then each of those pieces into 3 more pieces exactly as I have done above. I find that they come out close to the same size and I can move the dough around to make them more even if I want.
How do you Shape Buns?
Shaping hamburger buns are done almost the exact same way as shaping rolls.
First, make the rolls 200 grams instead of 100 grams. Then follow the steps above to shape the buns.
Once you place them in the pan, pat the bun down so that it is more like a round disk than a roll. The flattening is important because your buns will rise in the oven and you want them to be larger around so they can hold more food inside.
Can I Shape Bread Dough into Rolls More than Once?
Yes, you can shape bread dough more than once. When you finish shaping your dough and you decide to shape again. Cover the dough on the counter and let it rest for 10-20 minutes. Then follow these steps again and it will look better the second time.
What Pan is the Best for Making Rolls?
I really like Pyrex glass pans. My favorite roll pan sizes are 9 inches wide by 13 inches long or 8 inch square pans depending on how large the event is. Thrift stores usually have quite a few glass pans as well.
What are your Best Tips to Shape Bread Dough into Rolls?
Let us know in the comments down below what your best tips are to shape bread dough into rolls!
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