Ann'S Refrigerator Rolls

Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Soft, fluffy refrigerator rolls with a tender crumb and buttery flavor, perfect for breakfast or dinner alongside any meal, suitable for make-ahead preparation and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. milk
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. solid shortening
  • 1 pkg. yeast
  • 1/4 c. baby lukewarm water
  • flour (plain, White Lily)
  • 1 1/2 c. flour
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. baking powder

Instructions

  1. Put milk, sugar, and solid shortening in a pan on the stove and scald, avoiding boiling.
  2. Cool the mixture to lukewarm, using ice cubes if necessary.
  3. Dissolve yeast in baby lukewarm water.
  4. Combine the cooled milk mixture with the yeast mixture.
  5. Add this to a mixing bowl and gradually add plain White Lily flour until the batter is the consistency of thin cake batter.
  6. Cover with a thin towel and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
  7. Add 1 1/2 cups flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda to the mixture.
  8. Knead or mix on low speed until all ingredients are absorbed.
  9. Transfer to a Tupperware container and refrigerate.
  10. Two hours before baking, roll out the dough, letting it come to room temperature if refrigerated.
  11. Let the rolled-out dough rise before baking.
  12. Avoid excess flour when rolling out.
  13. Cut or shape into muffin tins, brush with melted butter, and bake at 400°F for about 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter roll, consider using half whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour. If you don't have solid shortening, unsalted butter can be a good substitute for a richer flavor. Make sure the milk isn't too hot when combining with yeast to ensure proper activation. If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour gradually until the desired consistency is reached.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are perfect for brunch or dinner and pair wonderfully with a side of What'S In It Salad for a light meal. Serve warm with a pat of butter or alongside soups and stews. They also make a delightful addition to holiday gatherings and can be enjoyed with dishes like Pecan Dream Bars for dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer bag, where they'll keep for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ann'S Refrigerator Rolls contains roughly 125 calories, with 5g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 730mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

125 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.9g 10% DV
Total Fat 1.1g 1% DV
Carbs 25.4g 9% DV
Fiber 3g 11% DV
Sugar 0.4g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 729.9mg 32% DV
Potassium 359.9mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 8.8mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 14.7mg 16% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 120.5mg 9% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast in this recipe. Just add it directly to the dry ingredients without needing to dissolve it in water first. Keep in mind that instant yeast may rise faster, so watch the dough closely during the rising stages.

How can I prevent the rolls from sticking to the muffin tins?

To prevent sticking, ensure you grease the muffin tins thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray before adding the dough. You can also consider using silicone muffin pans, which naturally release baked goods more easily.

What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?

If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to the yeast being inactive. Make sure to check the expiration date on your yeast and ensure that the milk was lukewarm, not hot. If it still doesn’t rise, try placing the dough in a warmer environment or adding a pinch of sugar to help activate the yeast.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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