Grandma Tessie'S Refrigerator Rolls

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Soft, buttery refrigerator rolls with a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Ideal for sharing with family or entertaining guests, offering warm comfort in every bite.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 package yeast
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Scald the milk and add sugar, salt, and butter.
  2. Proof the yeast in the warm milk mixture.
  3. When the milk mixture is lukewarm, add the yeast and beat in eggs.
  4. Gradually add flour and mix well.
  5. Knead on a floured board until smooth and elastic.
  6. Place in a bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area until doubled in bulk.
  7. Perform the finger dent test: stick two fingers into the dough, remove fingers. If depressions remain, the dough has doubled.
  8. Punch down the dough.
  9. Place in refrigerator tightly covered.
  10. After 24 hours, pinch off desired portions and shape into desired shapes.
  11. Place on a greased pan.
  12. Let rise several hours until doubled in bulk.
  13. Bake in a hot oven at 425°F for 10 to 20 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of skim. If you don't have fresh yeast, you can substitute with 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Make sure to scald the milk and let it cool before adding the yeast to avoid killing it. Kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic is crucial for achieving the perfect roll texture.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are perfect for breakfast or as a side with dinner. Serve them warm with butter or your favorite jam. They pair beautifully with Creamy Baked Corn for a comforting meal. You can also use them to make mini sandwiches with deli meats or for breakfast spreads like Breakfast Spread.

Storage & Reheating

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

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma Tessie'S Refrigerator Rolls contains roughly 223 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 679mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).

223 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.8g 6% DV
Total Fat 10.9g 14% DV
Carbs 28.9g 11% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 7.7g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 678.6mg 30% DV
Potassium 160mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 51.8mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 37.6mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 9.9mg 11% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 97.3mg 7% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to develop. Just remember to let the shaped rolls rise again before baking.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough isn’t rising, ensure that your yeast is fresh and that the milk mixture is lukewarm when you add it. If the environment is too cold, try placing the dough in a warmer spot or covering it with a warm towel to help it rise.

Can I freeze the rolls after baking?

Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, you can freeze the rolls for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Reheat directly from frozen for fresh-tasting rolls.

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).

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