Bread Baking - Shaping Rolls

Later this week, I want to share a favorite roll recipe, but first I thought I'd share how to shape rolls. There is a multitude of ways to form rolls. Here are my three favorite ways.

1. Roll and Cut

If I have many rolls to make I usually roll out the dough and cut with a biscuit cutter. I find this method to be fast and results in rolls that are similar in size. I have numerous cutters so can choose the desired size whether it be a sandwich roll or dinner roll. Before I owned any cutters, I just used a floured glass cup or empty tin can.




2. Hand Shaped

If I don't feel like getting the rolling pin out and clearing a spot on the counter, I just pull off a blob of dough and roll it into a ball. Can't get much simpler!



3. Crescent Rolls

A special way to make dinner rolls that looks far more difficult then it is! Roll dough into a circle. Cut the circle into eight or ten wedges. I use my pizza cutter. Starting at the wide end, roll the wedge up, and place on baking sheet. To make these rolls even more special, before cutting into wedges, brush dough with butter, sprinkle on nuts, or whatever you prefer. The options are endless!
 
What is your favorite way to shape rolls?