Great Aunt Bess' Easy Rolls
Soft, buttery, pocketbook-style rolls with a tender crumb and golden crust, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner alongside soups and salads. Easy to prepare for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the compressed yeast in lukewarm water.
- Add the butter, sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir.
- Gradually add enough flour to make a stiff dough that is easy to handle.
- Roll out the dough, cut with a biscuit cutter, brush with melted butter, and fold over to form pocketbook rolls.
- Brush the rolls again with butter.
- Let the rolls rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Bake at 425°F until golden brown and done.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and the water is lukewarm, as overly hot water can kill the yeast. If you're out of compressed yeast, you can substitute with active dry yeast (use half the amount). Use bread flour for a chewier texture or whole wheat flour for a healthier version. For a flavor twist, consider adding herbs or garlic to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are perfect served warm alongside soups or salads, making them a versatile addition to any meal. They pair beautifully with Virginia Apple Pudding for a comforting dessert. For a delightful breakfast, try them with a spread of butter or jam, or alongside Blueberry Waffles for a brunch treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through, ensuring they maintain their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Aunt Bess' Easy Rolls contains roughly 158 calories, with 6g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value), iron (10% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 869mg per serving (38% 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 let it rise, then shape the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise again before baking. This makes it convenient for busy mornings or gatherings.
What should I do if my rolls don't rise?
If your rolls don't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or too cool of a rising environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area. A tip is to place it in an oven with just the light on to create a warm space.
Can I add fillings to my rolls?
Absolutely! You can add cheese, herbs, or even a sweet filling like cinnamon sugar before folding them. Just make sure not to overfill them to prevent leakage while baking, and adjust the baking time slightly if necessary.
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).