French Rolls
French Rolls are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet bread rolls with a tender crumb and golden crust. Perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a side, these rolls offer a classic French bakery flavor. Their warm aroma and satisfying texture make them a delightful addition to any meal or gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter, sugar, and salt together.
- Add beaten eggs to the mixture.
- Liquefy yeast in 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- Add the yeast mixture to the dough.
- Add milk and enough flour to form a stiff, smooth dough.
- Let the dough rise for 5 hours.
- Take a large chunk of dough and roll it thin on a floured surface.
- Cut the rolled dough into wedges and spread each with soft butter.
- Roll each wedge from the broad end to the narrow end.
- Place the rolls on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Let the rolls rise for 3 to 4 hours.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. If you prefer a lower sugar option, consider using a sugar substitute in the dough. Make sure to use active dry yeast for optimal rise. Kneading the dough thoroughly will help achieve a light texture. If you want to enhance the flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these French rolls warm, brushed with additional melted butter on top for extra richness. They pair beautifully with a hearty soup or salad, such as a refreshing Peachy Fruit Salad. Consider serving alongside a sweet dip like Quickie Fruit Dip for a delightful snack. These rolls also make a lovely addition to brunch spread, complementing various vegetarian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable bag, and they can last for up to a month. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring they remain soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Rolls contains roughly 1472 calories, with 24g protein, 206g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (52% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2189mg per serving (95% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in denser rolls. Start with a mix of both flours to maintain lightness while adding some nutritional value. Adjust the liquid as needed, since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
How can I tell when the dough has risen sufficiently?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels light and airy to the touch. You can gently poke the dough with a finger; if the indentation remains, it has risen enough. Make sure to keep it in a warm, draft-free area for optimal rising conditions.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking. This makes for a convenient and delicious breakfast option.
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).