Dinner Rolls(Basic Dough)
Soft, fluffy dinner rolls with a tender crumb, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Versatile and easy to customize with butter or fillings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over sugar, salt, and shortening (Crisco). Stir until all is liquid.
- Add well beaten egg to the mixture.
- Dissolve dry yeast in 1/2 cup of lukewarm water.
- Add the dissolved yeast to the mixture.
- Stir in three cups of plain flour.
- Mix well.
- Store the dough in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before kneading and rolling into desired rolls.
- Roll dough and cut with a biscuit cutter, spread with melted butter, and fold over. Let rise at least 1 hour before baking.
- Alternatively, pinch dough into walnut-sized balls, place in muffin tins for Parker House style rolls.
- Rolls may be frozen and baked later. Remove from freezer at least three hours prior to baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half the Crisco with unsalted butter. If you prefer a sweeter roll, you may increase the sugar to 1/3 cup. Ensure your water is not too hot when adding the yeast; otherwise, it may kill the yeast. For best results, allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size before shaping.
Serving Suggestions
These dinner rolls pair beautifully with Christine'S Buttermilk Pie for dessert or can be served alongside a hearty stew. They also complement soups and salads, making them versatile for any meal. For an elegant touch, serve them warm with whipped butter or your favorite spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresher, you can refrigerate them, but they may lose some softness. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dinner Rolls(Basic Dough) contains roughly 311 calories, with 13g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2853mg per serving (124% 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 make this dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Once you're ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping and letting it rise again before baking.
What if my rolls don't rise?
If your rolls don't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water used for dissolving is warm (not hot). You can also try placing the dough in a warmer environment to encourage rising.
Can I freeze the rolls after baking?
Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, you can freeze the rolls in an airtight container. To enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.
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).