Basic Icebox Yeast Dough
A versatile, quick yeast dough that doubles in the fridge, perfect for soft dinner rolls, coffee cakes or cinnamon swirls, ideal for casual family meals or weekend baking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in the warm water.
- Add salt, sugar, and eggs; mix well.
- Add half the flour and all the melted shortening; mix well.
- Add the remaining flour and knead to a soft dough.
- Put the dough in the refrigerator.
- When the dough has doubled, work it down.
- Grease lightly if desired.
- Always keep the dough well covered.
- It keeps well for about 5 days.
- Use it for dinner rolls, coffee cake, or cinnamon rolls.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure the best rise, make sure your water is warm but not hot, as it can kill the yeast. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with melted butter or oil. For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs or spices into the dough. This recipe is versatile and can adapt to different flavor profiles, making it great for American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dough is perfect for making dinner rolls, coffee cake, or cinnamon rolls. Serve the warm rolls with a side of butter or jam for a delightful treat. For a complete meal, pair them with hearty soups or stews. They also go well with Woody'S Wonderful Strawberry Jello Salad for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store the icebox yeast dough in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It can last up to 5 days. When ready to use, simply take it out, let it come to room temperature, and shape it as desired. For best results, avoid freezing, as it can affect the yeast's activity.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Icebox Yeast Dough contains roughly 654 calories, with 20g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (40% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2455mg per serving (107% of the Daily Value).
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 active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast in this recipe. Just make sure to dissolve it in the warm water first, allowing it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy before adding it to the other ingredients.
How do I know when the dough has doubled in size?
To check if the dough has doubled, look for noticeable volume increase. You can also gently poke the dough; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready to be worked down. This usually takes about 1-2 hours at room temperature.
What types of flour can I use for this dough?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can also experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that it may require slight adjustments in the liquid ratio, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
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).