Feather-Light Yeast Rolls
Feather-Light Yeast Rolls are soft, fluffy, and lightly sweetened rolls perfect for breakfast, dinner, or sandwiches. Their tender crumb and golden crust make them a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or everyday meals, offering a homemade touch with minimal fuss and delightful flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place yeast in 2 1/2 cups of lukewarm water and set aside.
- Mix 4 cups of self-rising flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar together.
- Add melted shortening and the yeast water to the dry ingredients.
- Mix well until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Take 2 cups of self-rising flour and incorporate it into the dough mixture.
- Put about two handfuls of flour on a clean countertop.
- Turn the dough onto the floured surface.
- Grease your fingers and knead the dough until smooth.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape into rolls or bread.
- Place the shaped dough into greased muffin tins or bread pans.
- Let the dough rise again until doubled in size.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For perfect rolls, ensure your water is lukewarm, around 100°F (38°C), to activate the yeast effectively. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or using butter instead of shortening.
Serving Suggestions
These feather-light yeast rolls are perfect for any meal, especially alongside a hearty soup or salad. They pair beautifully with Tally Ho Dressing for a delicious side. Consider serving them warm with butter or as a base for sliders filled with your favorite meats or veggies.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover yeast rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Feather-Light Yeast Rolls contains roughly 135 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 742mg per serving (32% 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 active dry yeast instead of RapidRise yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you'll need to dissolve it in warm water and let it proof for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to the mixture. This ensures the yeast is active and will help the rolls rise properly.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to the yeast not being activated properly. Ensure the water isn’t too hot or cold. If you're in a cool environment, consider placing the dough in a warm area or turning on your oven to warm it slightly, then turning it off to create a perfect rising environment.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, shape it into rolls, and then refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, allow the rolls to come to room temperature and rise again before baking. This is a great way to save time on a busy day.
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).