Whether to brush rolls with butter before baking is a common question for home bakers. The buttery topping can provide a rich flavor and golden brown crust. However, it also adds additional calories and fat. This article will examine the pros and cons of brushing rolls with butter before baking.
The Purpose of Brushing Rolls with Butter
Brushing yeast rolls with melted butter before baking serves several purposes:
- It creates a nice sheen and golden brown color on the crust through the Maillard reaction. This reaction occurs between the sugars and amino acids in the dough when exposed to heat.
- It enhances flavor. The butter provides a rich, buttery taste.
- It keeps the roll moist and soft. As the butter melts in the oven, it bastes the dough.
- It gives the rolls a finished bakery look.
The effect of brushing rolls with butter is noticeable when comparing unbrushed rolls straight from the oven with brushed ones. The plain rolls will be pale and dry looking on top. Brushing them with butter just before baking transforms the crust to a appetizing golden brown with a soft sheen.
How Much Butter is Needed?
Most recipes call for 2-3 tablespoons of melted butter to brush an entire batch of rolls, depending on how many there are. Use just enough to lightly coat the top of each roll without saturating them.
Tips for Brushing Butter
- Use melted butter that is cooled slightly so it is thick enough to adhere to the rolls.
- Use a pastry brush to lightly paint the tops of the shaped rolls.
- Avoid brushing the sides of the rolls so the rise is not inhibited.
- Brush gently to avoid deflating the dough.
Nutritional Difference
Below is a nutrition comparison of brushed vs. unbrushed homemade white rolls, based on a standard serving size of 1 roll:
| Nutrition Facts | Unbrushed Roll | Brushed Roll |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 85 | 110 |
| Total Fat | 1g | 4.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 15g |
As you can see, brushing rolls with just a small amount of butter increases the calories, total fat, and saturated fat per roll. The amount of carbs stays the same.
Health Concerns of Butter
Butter is high in saturated fat, which has been linked to increased cholesterol levels and greater risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat to no more than 5-6% of total daily calories.
For a 2,000 calorie diet, this equates to:
- Total saturated fat: 13g or less
- Saturated fat per roll (based on 3g per roll above): 4% of daily amount
While an occasional brushed roll may fit into a healthy diet, regularly consuming butter-topped baked goods can quickly add up in saturated fat. People concerned about heart health may want to avoid the extra butter and opt for a sprinkle of herbs, spices, or seeds on top instead for flavor.
Alternatives to Butter
There are several alternatives to brush rolls with instead of butter:
Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
Replacing butter with olive oil or vegetable oil eliminates the saturated fat concern, as these oils are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. However, the distinct butter flavor will be missing.
Spray Oils
Non-stick cooking sprays made from olive, canola, or coconut oil provide light coating without the saturated fat. Be sure to spray lightly and evenly to avoid an oily texture.
Egg Wash
Brushing rolls with an egg wash made from either whole eggs or just egg whites provides a shiny top and browning. It adds minimal fat and calories compared to butter.
Water
Lightly wetting roll tops with water can promote browning through the Maillard reaction without added fat or calories.
Herbs, Seeds, Spices
Try sprinkling rolls with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried rosemary, garlic powder, or another favorite seasoning. This provides flavor without the need for any brushing liquid.
Pros of Skipping the Butter
Here are some benefits of baking rolls without brushing the tops with butter:
- Lower in calories and total fat, especially saturated fat
- Healthier for the heart
- Allows controlling amount and type of fat
- Reduces glycemic load when paired with whole grains
- Easier to fit into eating plans like vegan, dairy-free, or low-fat diets
- Saves butter for other uses
- Provides opportunity to use herb seasonings instead
Cons of Skipping the Butter
However, there are a few downsides to consider when leaving off the butter before baking:
- Loss of rich butter flavor
- Potentially paler, less appetizing looking crust
- Drier texture resulting in rolls that don’t stay as fresh
- Need to find another source of browning and binding
- Egg washes can also add unwanted eggs to diet
Tips for Butter-Free Rolls
If you choose to bake rolls without brushing them with butter, keep these tips in mind for best results:
- Position rolls closely together on the baking sheet so they brown and steam each other
- Use an egg wash, cooking spray, or water to help promote browning
- Bake immediately after shaping rolls to avoid drying out
- Check rolls a few minutes early to avoid over-browning
- Cover and eat any leftovers promptly to prevent staling
Best Uses for Butter Brushing
While butter may not be necessary for everyday rolls, there are certain instances where its flavor and browning effect work best:
- Special occasion dinners
- Holiday meals
- Company or potluck events
- Gifting baked goods
- Rich or sweet doughs like brioche or challah
- Flaky pastries like croissants, Danishes, etc.
For these occasions, the added taste and appearance butter provides may outweigh nutritional concerns for an indulgence. Moderating portion sizes can help counterbalance any extra fat and calories.
Conclusion
Brushing roll tops with butter before baking provides undeniable flavor and aesthetic benefits. However, the extra saturated fat and calories may not be warranted for everyday baked goods. There are easy alternatives like oil sprays, egg washes, water, and herbs that can mimic some of butter’s effects. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal dietary needs and preferences.
While an occasional butter-brushed roll won’t sabotage a healthy diet, restraint is advisable. But for special occasions or treats, the butter can be worth it. When in doubt, go half-half – brush butter on just half the batch for the best of both options.