Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

This is a basic bread recipe that I normally use to make loaves in my bread machine.  Today I decided to just use the machine's "dough" function, and then take it out and make individual rolls baked in the oven.  They turned out nice and chewy, very different than the texture of the machine loaves.

Most wheat bread recipes use a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour, which yields a lighter, fluffier end product.  This recipe uses 100% whole wheat flour, so the rolls are a little denser and chewier than the traditional dinner roll.  If you're not used to eating 100% whole wheat bread, it may take a little getting used to, but I, personally, love it.

Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
Makes a 2-pound loaf, or 18 - 24 dinner rolls.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups warm water
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups whole wheat flour
• 3 tablespoons vital wheat gluten
• 2.25 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

Directions:

• Place ingredients into bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
• Select the "dough" function.
• Once the machine has completed the "dough" function, remove the pan and turn the dough out onto a smooth surface.
• Punch down the dough and knead for a few minutes until the dough is soft and stretchy.
• Divide dough into 18 equal pieces and roll them into balls.
• Place dough balls into muffin pans lightly sprayed with cooking spray.  Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
• Loosely cover muffin pans with plastic wrap, then lay a kitchen towel over the top.  Let rest in a warm location to rise for 30 - 45 minutes, until double in volume.
• Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Remove kitchen towel and plastic wrap. Brush tops lightly with milk or egg wash (optional).  Bake in pre-heated oven for 12-15 minutes, until tops are golden brown.