Extra Special Dinner Rolls
Extra special dinner rolls with soft, fluffy texture and buttery flavor, perfect for family dinners or holidays, appealing to bread lovers and those seeking homemade comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large mixing bowl.
- Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Add sugar, shortening, eggs, warm milk, salt, and 4 to 4 1/2 cups of flour.
- Beat at low speed of an electric mixer for one minute.
- Gradually stir in enough flour to make a soft dough.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead until smooth and elastic.
- Shape dough into balls and place in a greased bowl.
- Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough.
- Roll each ball into a 12-inch circle.
- Spread butter on each circle and roll back up.
- Place on a greased baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Bake at 400°F until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider replacing some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you're out of shortening, unsalted butter is a great substitute. Ensure your milk is warm, but not hot, to activate the yeast effectively. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic for the best texture in your rolls. For a touch of sweetness, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on the rolls before the second rise.
Serving Suggestions
These Extra Special Dinner Rolls are perfect for special occasions and pair beautifully with hearty dishes like roasted meats or savory stews. They also make an excellent accompaniment to soups and salads. Consider serving them with a pat of flavored butter or honey for an extra touch. For a delightful dessert, serve alongside Cheesecake Cookie for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, wrap them in aluminum foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Extra Special Dinner Rolls contains roughly 300 calories, with 6g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 549mg per serving (24% 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 instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for dry yeast. Use the same amount, and there's no need to dissolve it in warm water first. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients. This can save you time and simplify the process.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that your warm water is between 105-115°F. Additionally, check that the area where your dough is rising is warm and draft-free; cold temperatures can inhibit yeast activity.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down and shape the rolls. Cover them and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise again before baking for fresh 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).