Grandma Lill'S Buns
Soft, fluffy buns with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast or dinner. Ideal for sandwiches or served with butter, appealing to families and bread lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over 2/3 cup sugar and salt; cool to lukewarm.
- Dissolve the yeast in a small amount of warm water and 1 tablespoon sugar.
- Mix the yeast mixture with the cooled water, sugar, and salt.
- Add 3 cups of flour, beaten egg, and shortening; stir until combined.
- Gradually add remaining flour, kneading in the last part until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size, then punch it down.
- Let the dough rise again, then shape into buns and place in pans.
- Let rise a third time, then bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes until golden brown.
- For bread, use only 1/3 cup sugar and bake at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is just boiling, as too hot can kill the yeast. If you don't have Red Star yeast, any active dry yeast will work. You can substitute half of the flour with whole wheat for a healthier version. Knead the dough until smooth for light and fluffy buns. If you're short on time, let the dough rise in a warm oven.
Serving Suggestions
These buns are perfect for sandwiches or as a side with soups and salads. Serve them warm with butter or jam for breakfast. They pair beautifully with Christmas Cookies(Makes 6 Dozen.) for a festive treat. You can also use them to make sliders for parties or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and soft again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Lill'S Buns contains roughly 336 calories, with 8g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value) and iron (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 734mg 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 make these buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, shape the buns and place them in the pans. Cover and refrigerate them overnight, then let them rise at room temperature for about an hour before baking.
What if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Check the expiration date on your yeast and ensure your water was warm enough for activation. If it still doesn't rise, you can try placing it in a warmer area or using a different yeast.
Can I add flavors or ingredients to the dough?
Absolutely! You can incorporate herbs, garlic, or cheese to the dough for added flavor. Dried fruits or spices can also be included for a unique twist. Just ensure not to add too much moisture, which can affect the dough's 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).