Easy Homemade Rolls
Soft, fluffy homemade rolls with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast or dinner. Easy to customize with cinnamon or butter for added richness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the shortening into a large bowl and pour the boiling water over the shortening.
- Add sugar and salt to the mixture; stir and cool to 105° to 115°F.
- Mix yeast with 1/2 cup water (105° to 115°F) and 1 teaspoon sugar; let it bubble.
- Let the yeast mixture set for 5 minutes.
- Add eggs to the cooled shortening mixture, then add the yeast mixture and flour last.
- Mix well using a mixer or by hand until smooth.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or up to 1 week.
- Take out the dough and shape into rolls according to your preference.
- Spread each roll with melted butter.
- Let the shaped rolls rise until doubled in size.
- Bake at 425°F for 12 minutes, ensuring not to overbake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, make sure your dough rises in a warm, draft-free place. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with butter or margarine. To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs or garlic powder to the dough. If you're short on time, use rapid-rise yeast for quicker proofing. These rolls are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes, similar to the way Blue Ribbon Icebox Cookies complement any meal.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade rolls are perfect for any meal and can be served warm with butter as a delightful side. Pair them with soups, stews, or a hearty salad for a satisfying dinner. They also make a great addition to holiday feasts, just like Mrs. Doc'S Old Time Egg Custard Pie adds a sweet touch to any gathering. Serve alongside your favorite jam or honey for breakfast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual rolls for about 15-20 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Homemade Rolls contains roughly 237 calories, with 5g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 930mg per serving (40% 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 the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before shaping the rolls. This allows the yeast to become active again, ensuring a good rise when you shape and bake them.
What if my rolls don't rise?
If your rolls don't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Always check the expiration date on yeast packets. Make sure the water temperature is right when activating yeast; it should be warm but not hot. If they still don't rise, try placing them in a warmer spot.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but be aware that it may result in denser rolls. For the best texture, consider using half whole wheat and half bread flour. This adds nutrients while maintaining some lightness in the rolls.
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).