Delicious Dinner Rolls

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 48 Cuisine: American

Soft, fluffy dinner rolls with a hint of sweetness and buttery richness, perfect for family dinners, holidays, or as a snack with butter or jam.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups warm water
  • 2 packages dry yeast
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 cup Crisco shortening
  • 2 small eggs
  • 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm water.
  2. In a bowl, cream shortening, sugar, and eggs.
  3. Add yeast mixture to the bowl.
  4. Mix in flour until the dough is easy to handle.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl.
  6. Let rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Punch down with greased hand.
  7. Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll into balls.
  8. Place on a greased pan to rise for 2 hours.
  9. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  10. Bake the rolls for 12 to 15 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the yeast mixture. If you’re out of Crisco, unsalted butter works well as a substitute. Ensure your water is warm but not hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

These delicious dinner rolls are perfect served warm with a pat of butter or alongside a hearty soup or salad. They pair beautifully with roast chicken or beef dishes and can be used for mopping up gravies. For a sweet twist, try serving them with a spread of Glazed Bananas for a delightful contrast.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftover dinner rolls, allow them to cool completely, then place them 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 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Delicious Dinner Rolls contains roughly 39 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.

39 kcal 2% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.1g 2% DV
Total Fat 1.8g 2% DV
Carbs 5g 2% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 231.5mg 10% DV
Potassium 86.1mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 0.5mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.1mcg
Vitamin C 3.6mg 4% DV
Calcium 11.5mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains 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 make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch it down, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before shaping it into rolls and allowing it to rise again.

What can I do if my rolls didn't rise?

If your rolls didn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature was ideal (between 100°F and 110°F). If the dough is too cold, try letting it rise in a warm, draft-free place. You can also create a warm environment by turning on your oven for a minute and then turning it off.

How can I make these rolls healthier?

To make these dinner rolls healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. You can also reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup and substitute half of the shortening with Low-Fat Yogurt to cut down on fat while maintaining 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).

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