Diabetic-Friendly Soft & Buttery Homemade Rolls

by

Diabetic-Friendly Soft & Buttery Homemade Rolls

(Old-Fashioned, Lightened Recipe)

Description

These rolls are tender, lightly buttery, and fluffy, made with reduced sugar, healthier flour choices, and controlled carbohydrates while keeping the classic homemade taste. Perfect for family meals without sharp blood-sugar spikes.

 Servings

12 rolls

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups whole-wheat pastry flour (or 1 ½ cups whole wheat + 1 cup all-purpose)

  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

  • ¾ cup warm low-fat milk (110°F / warm, not hot)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or melted unsalted butter

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 tbsp erythritol or monk-fruit sweetener

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing tops, optional)

 Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast
    In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sweetener. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

  2. Mix Dough
    Add egg, oil/butter, and salt. Stir in flour gradually until a soft dough forms.

  3. Knead
    Knead by hand or mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  4. First Rise
    Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.

  5. Shape Rolls
    Divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into balls and place in a greased baking dish.

  6. Second Rise
    Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes until puffy.

  7. Bake
    Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown.

  8. Finish
    Brush lightly with melted butter if desired. Cool slightly before serving.

 Notes

  • Whole-wheat pastry flour keeps rolls soft, unlike regular whole wheat.

  • Sweetener is only for yeast activation—no sweetness in final taste.

  • Texture improves if dough is slightly sticky (don’t over-flour).

 Tips for Best Results

  • Add 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt for extra softness.

  • For even lower carbs, replace ½ cup flour with almond flour.

  • Freeze baked rolls up to 2 months.

  • Warm leftovers wrapped in foil to keep moisture.

 Nutritional Information (Per Roll – Approx.)

  • Calories: 135

  • Carbohydrates: 18 g

  • Fiber: 3 g

  • Protein: 5 g

  • Fat: 4 g

  • Sugar: <1 g

  • Glycemic Impact: Lower than standard dinner rolls

(Values are estimates and vary by ingredients used.)

 Benefits

  • Lower sugar content helps reduce blood-sugar spikes

  • Whole grains provide fiber for digestion

  • Homemade = no preservatives

  • Portion-controlled servings

  • Suitable for diabetics when eaten in moderation

Recipe Q&A

Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes. Use unsweetened almond or oat milk and olive oil.

Q: Can I use all almond flour?
No—yeast needs gluten to rise. Use almond flour only as a partial substitute.

Q: Are these keto?
No, but they are diabetic-friendly and lower-carb than regular rolls.

Q: Why didn’t my rolls rise?
Milk may have been too hot or yeast expired.

Leave a Comment