Scottish Oatmeal Rolls (Now You Can Make at Home)

Scotland is famous for unpredictable weather, whisky, Loch Ness monster, and Scottish oatmeal rolls.

^{Last updated: August 26, 2025}

Recipes around the World: Scottish Oatmeal Rolls

If you grew up in or have ever visited Scotland, Scottish oatmeal rolls accompanied you all the way through the region. Simple and easy to make, this traditional dish have been a part of every household in Scotland for centuries. The Scottish like to eat their rolls during the National Bread Week. During these 7 days, all kinds of baked goodies appear on the tables without leaving any room for calorie counting.

History in a Nutshell 

Oats have grown in Scotland since the late medieval times. Back then the crops were the staple diet of farmers. Slowly, oats gained popularity and found their way to the tables of aristocrats and wealthy citizens.

Not only the taste of the grains, but also the variety of dishes made from oats contributed to such broad acceptance. From Scottish porridge to Scottish buns, Scottish oat scones, and Scottish oatmeal rolls, the Scottish have been getting creative with their favorite crops.

Benefits

Oats have positive health effects. They are a highly nutritious and sustaining food. The crops contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Studies show that oats assist with weight loss, reduce risk of heart disease, and lower blood sugar levels.

But when it comes to Scottish oatmeal rolls, the Scottish let themself relax and add a small amount of sugar to probably better deal with Scottish inclement weather.

SCOTTISH OATMEAL ROLLS RECIPE

Ingredients

• Boiling water: 1 1/2 cups
• Old-fashioned oats: 1 1/2 cups
• Brown sugar: 1/3 cup (optional)
• Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons
• Oil: 1 tablespoon (feel free to use any of your favorite oils)
• Active dry yeast: 1 package (1/4 ounce)
• All-purpose flour: 2 3/4 – 3 1/4 cups
• Warm water: 1/4 cups
• Butter and honey (optional)

Preparation of Scottish Oatmeal Rolls

1. Pour the boiling water over oats in a large bowl. Add the brown sugar (if used), salt, and oil, stir and let it cool to 110°-115°. Stir the mixture occasionally.
2. While the mixture is cooling, in a smaller bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let it stand for 5 minutes and add to the oat mixture. Add enough flour to form a stiff dough.
3. Place the dough on a well-floured table or chopping board and knead it until smooth and elastic. Put into a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled. It takes about 1 hour.
4. Punch the dough down. Place on a lightly-floured table or chopping board, divide and shape into small balls (approximately 20). Place the balls into a greased baking pan and cover with a tower. Let them rise in a warm place until doubled for about 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. (Scottish oatmeal rolls without brown sugar usually don’t brown a lot.) Remove from the pan and let cool on a wire rack. Serve with butter and honey if desired.

Read Next

• PUMPKIN ROLLS: Vegan Pumpkin Rolls with Filling: Two Ways
• JEWISH BREAD: Jewish Sweets: Vegan Cinnamon-Walnut Babka Wreath
• PUMPKIN BREAD: (Almost) Vegan Pumpkin Bread: Easy, Healthy, and Delicious
• VEGAN DISHES: The 6 Best Vegan Dishes for Travelers