Good Refrigerator Rolls

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Soft, buttery refrigerator rolls with a hint of sweetness, perfect for breakfast or dinner. These versatile rolls are easy to prepare ahead and delight all ages.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 2 packages yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cream sugar, salt, shortening, and eggs together.
  2. Add cold water, hot water, 2 cups of flour, and dissolved yeast mixture; beat well.
  3. Gradually add remaining flour and mix thoroughly.
  4. Cover the dough and refrigerate.
  5. Shape the dough and let it rise for about 1 hour.
  6. Bake at 400°F until brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use fresh yeast and ensure your water is at the correct temperatures to activate it. If you don't have shortening, butter can be used as a substitute, though it will change the flavor slightly. Letting the dough chill overnight enhances the flavor, making for a richer taste. If you prefer a sweeter roll, consider adding a touch more sugar.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are perfect served warm alongside soups or salads, or as a base for sliders. For a delightful twist, serve them with honey butter or alongside Carol'S Favorite Spiced Pork Chops for a comforting meal. They also make a great addition to brunch, especially when paired with Chocolatey Hot Cocoa.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring they stay soft and delicious.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Good Refrigerator Rolls contains roughly 337 calories, with 7g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 849mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

337 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.2g 14% DV
Total Fat 16.1g 21% DV
Carbs 41.5g 15% DV
Fiber 3g 11% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 849.2mg 37% DV
Potassium 355.6mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 21.5mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 7.3mg 8% DV
Calcium 53.8mg 4% DV
Iron 2.4mg 13% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Egg

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?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. This allows the flavors to develop further, resulting in a tastier roll.

What if I don't have two packages of yeast?

One package of yeast typically equals about 2 1/4 teaspoons. If you only have one package, you can still make the recipe but may need to adjust the rising time, as the dough may take longer to rise.

Can these rolls be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately to ensure the rolls maintain their structure and texture.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →