Four Hour Rolls
Four Hour Rolls are soft, buttery yeast rolls with a slightly flaky texture, perfect for breakfast or as a side. Their rich flavor and warm, freshly baked aroma make them a delightful addition to any meal, suitable for family gatherings or weekend brunches.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar together.
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Alternate adding flour and yeast water to the creamed mixture until dough is stiff.
- Let the dough rise about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Transfer dough to a floured board.
- Knead for 3 minutes.
- Roll out dough to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut with a biscuit cutter.
- Put a small amount of margarine on each roll and fold over.
- Let the rolls rise for 1 hour.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use self-rising flour for a light texture. If you don't have it, combine all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt as a substitute. Be mindful of the water temperature when dissolving yeast; it should be warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. Ensure your dough is well-kneaded for optimal rise.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are perfect served warm with butter or alongside a hearty soup or stew. They pair beautifully with 'Red Hot' Sweet Pickles for a delightful contrast. Consider serving them with a fresh salad or as a side to your favorite main dish, like Unfried Chicken, for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Four Hour Rolls contains roughly 163 calories, with 5g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% 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 regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour by adding 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt for each cup of flour to mimic self-rising flour. This will help your rolls achieve the same lightness.
How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels light and puffy. You can test it by gently pressing your finger into the dough; if it springs back slowly, it's ready to be shaped.
What can I do if my rolls don't rise?
If your rolls don't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Always check the expiration date on your yeast and ensure that the water used for dissolving is warm but not too hot. You can also try placing the dough in a warmer environment to encourage rising.
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).