Grandma'S Hot Rolls
Soft, fluffy hot rolls with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast or dinner. Their warm, yeasty aroma makes them a comforting addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over 1/4 cup sugar, salt, and shortening in a very large bowl; allow to cool.
- Mix yeast, 1/2 tablespoon sugar, and warm water; let it activate to form a sponge.
- Add the yeast mixture to the cooled water mixture.
- Add beaten eggs to the combined mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in 2 cups of flour and mix well.
- Add the remaining 2 cups of flour and beat until the dough blisters.
- Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 2 to 3 hours.
- Punch down the dough, cover, and refrigerate.
- When ready to bake, pinch out rolls, place in a greased oblong pan.
- Let the rolls rise for 2 to 2.5 hours, then bake in a 400°F oven for about 15 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your hot rolls, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or herbs like rosemary to the dough. If you don't have cake yeast, you can substitute with 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Ensure your water is not too hot when adding to the yeast mixture; it should feel warm to the touch. For a sweeter roll, increase the sugar slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These hot rolls are perfect as a side for comforting meals like roast chicken or beef stew. They also pair beautifully with Schrafft'S Butterscotch Sauce for a sweet twist. Serve them warm, with butter or a drizzle of honey, to elevate your dining experience. Enjoy with soups or salads for a delightful addition to 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 sealed bag for up to a month. To reheat, place them in a warm oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This will help revive their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Hot Rolls contains roughly 73 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 610mg per serving (27% 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 the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it after the first rise. This allows the flavors to develop further. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before shaping the rolls for best results.
What should I do if the dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it's likely due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is right—too hot can kill the yeast, too cold won't activate it. If all else fails, you can restart with a new batch of yeast.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. However, the texture may be denser, so consider adding a bit more water to achieve the right consistency. Adjustments may be necessary for the best results.
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).