Basic Sweet Rolls
Soft, sweet, and fragrant rolls with a hint of lemon and nutmeg, perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert, appealing to bread lovers and those craving a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the yeast and lukewarm water and let it stand for a few minutes.
- Cream the butter, sugar, and salt together.
- Add the beaten eggs and juice from half a lemon to the creamed mixture.
- Add the milk to the softened yeast mixture and combine with 3 cups of flour, beating until smooth.
- Mix this into the creamed mixture, adding enough more flour to make a medium dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured board until smooth.
- Raise the dough until doubled in a greased, covered bowl.
- Shape the dough as desired and let rise again.
- Bake the rolls until golden brown.
- After cooling, frost with icing if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. If you don't have fresh lemon, lemon juice can be used as a substitute. Alternatively, you can replace half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste, similar to the texture found in Forty Percent Bran Rolls.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet rolls are perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Serve them warm with butter, or pair with a cup of coffee for a delightful treat. They also make a wonderful base for brunch, especially alongside dishes like scrambled eggs or fruit salad. For a sweet finish, try frosting with a simple icing or serving with Easy Cherry Tarts.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sweet rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Sweet Rolls contains roughly 343 calories, with 6g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 712mg per serving (31% 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 quick dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for quick dry yeast. Simply dissolve it in the lukewarm water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until bubbly before proceeding with the recipe.
Can I add fillings to these sweet rolls?
Absolutely! You can add fillings such as cinnamon sugar, chocolate chips, or dried fruits before shaping the rolls. Just sprinkle your desired filling on the dough before rolling it up, and then shape as usual.
How do I know when the rolls are properly risen?
The rolls are properly risen when they have doubled in size and feel light to the touch. You can gently poke the dough with your finger; if the indentation remains, it’s ready for shaping. If it springs back, give it more time to rise.
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).