Whole Wheat Molasses Rolls are rich and chewy homemade rolls with a touch of sweetness. Sprinkled with oats and sunflower seeds, these rolls have a wonderful depth of flavor.
Place the warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.Let stand 10 minutes, or until foamy.
Add the all-purpose flour and turn mixer to medium speed. Add light brown sugar, molasses, honey, cocoa powder, butter, egg and salt and beat for 2 minutes.
Switch to the dough hook. Add 1 cup of whole wheat flour and beat for 2 minutes.
Add remaining 1 1/4 cups of whole wheat flour and beat until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 4 to 5 times.
Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape into balls and place on a greased baking sheet. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with oats ansd sesame seeds.Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bake rolls for 20 to 22 minutes.
Notes
Ideal air temperature for rising is 75 degrees. If your home is cooler, you will need to allow more time for rising. Or you can place the dough near a sunny window or top of the dryer while it is in use. You can also place a pot of very hot water in a turned off oven and set the rolls beside it.