Cool Rise Dinner Rolls

Prep: 40 min Cuisine: American

Soft, fluffy dinner rolls with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for family meals and gatherings, offering a comforting homemade touch to any dinner table.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 to 3 cups unsifted flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons margarine
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon liquid shortening

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mix 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
  2. Combine milk, water, and margarine in a small saucepan.
  3. Heat over medium heat until bubbles appear around the edge of the liquid (do not boil).
  4. Gradually add hot liquid to dry ingredients and beat for 2 minutes at medium speed of an electric mixer, scraping the bowl occasionally with a rubber scraper.
  5. Add the egg and 1/2 cup flour.
  6. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally.
  7. By hand, using a wooden spoon, stir in enough additional flour to make a stiff dough.
  8. Turn out onto a lightly floured board.
  9. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  10. Cover with plastic wrap, then a towel.
  11. Let rest for 20 minutes.
  12. Punch dough down and shape as desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For light and fluffy rolls, make sure to knead the dough well until smooth and elastic. If you run out of margarine, you can substitute it with butter or a plant-based alternative. Always check the expiration date on your yeast for best results. If you're short on time, you can refrigerate the dough overnight before shaping.

Serving Suggestions

These Cool Rise Dinner Rolls are perfect alongside soups or salads and pair beautifully with Pina Colada Bread Pudding for dessert. Try serving them with a spread of butter or homemade jam. They also make fantastic sliders or sandwiches with your favorite fillings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cool Rise Dinner Rolls contains roughly 903 calories, with 9g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), iron (17% of the Daily Value), and calcium (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 632mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).

903 kcal 45% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9g 18% DV
Total Fat 62g 79% DV
Carbs 81.2g 30% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 5.8g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 632.2mg 27% DV
Potassium 464.9mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 162mg 54% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 62.9mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 7.6mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 204.9mg 16% DV
Iron 3.1mg 17% DV
Contains Milk Egg 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture will be denser. It's best to use half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a lighter roll. Keep in mind that you may need to add a bit more liquid to the dough.

How can I tell if the dough has risen enough?

The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels puffy to the touch. You can test it by gently pressing your finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it's ready to shape. If it springs back, continue letting it rise.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. When you're ready, let them come to room temperature before baking. This is a great way to save time on busy days.

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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