Grandma'S Donuts, Refrigerator Rolls Or Cinnamon Rolls
Soft, fluffy refrigerator or cinnamon rolls with a hint of sweetness, perfect for breakfast or brunch, and versatile enough to enjoy as donuts with added vanilla flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the dry yeast in 1 cup of lukewarm water and let it sit until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine hot water, sugar, salt, shortening, and beaten egg; mix well.
- Add the dissolved yeast to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour to form a soft dough, kneading until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and shape into desired forms for donuts or rolls.
- For donuts, add a splash of vanilla to the dough before shaping.
- Let shaped donuts or rolls rise again until puffed up, about 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your donuts or rolls are fluffy, make sure your yeast is fresh and activate it in lukewarm water. If you want a sweeter flavor, consider adding a bit more sugar or incorporating a splash of vanilla into the dough. For a more decadent treat, you could fill the donuts with jam or cream before baking. For a healthier twist, substitute half the shortening with applesauce.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful donuts or rolls can be served warm, dusted with powdered sugar or glazed for extra sweetness. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or snack. They also pair beautifully with Mile High Pie (Strawberry Or Raspberry) for a delightful dessert spread or brunch table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover donuts or rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For reheating, simply pop them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Donuts, Refrigerator Rolls Or Cinnamon Rolls contains roughly 826 calories, with 8g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2397mg per serving (104% 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 instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of dry yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without needing to activate it in water. This can save you some time and still yield fluffy results.
What if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to the yeast being inactive or the environment being too cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can also add a bit of warmth, like placing it near a preheating oven.
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough after the first rise. Simply shape it into rolls or donuts, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to use, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and allow to rise again before baking.
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).