Ice Box Rolls
Ice Box Rolls are soft, buttery, and fluffy rolls that are perfect for family dinners, holidays, or casual gatherings, offering a delightful homemade touch with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place shortening and butter in a large bowl.
- Pour boiling water over the fats and let cool.
- Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water.
- Add eggs, sugar, salt, and cold water to the cooled mixture.
- Add yeast mixture to the first mixture and stir in 4 cups of flour until smooth.
- Gradually add the remaining 4 cups of flour and mix well.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Punch down the dough.
- Place on a floured surface and knead lightly.
- Shape into rolls and place in a greased pan.
- Let the rolls rise until doubled in bulk.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting part of the shortening with additional butter. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use coconut oil instead of shortening. Ensure your water is lukewarm when dissolving the yeast to activate it properly. If you want to speed up the rising process, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area. These rolls are perfect for gatherings, alongside American recipes like Joyce's Cheese Ball.
Serving Suggestions
These ice box rolls are delightful served warm with butter or honey. They also pair wonderfully with soups and stews, making them a great side for hearty meals. Consider serving them alongside dishes like Louise's Baked Apples for a complete dinner experience. For breakfast, they are fantastic with jam or as a base for sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, wrap them in aluminum foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. This helps maintain their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ice Box Rolls contains roughly 102 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 8g fat.
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 in advance and freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after it has risen. Shape it into rolls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to use, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then allow them to rise before baking.
Why did my rolls not rise properly?
Insufficient rising can occur if the yeast is expired or if the water used to activate the yeast was too hot or too cold. Always check the expiration date on your yeast and ensure the water temperature is between 100°F and 110°F. Additionally, make sure the dough is kept in a warm environment to rise effectively.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a slightly denser roll with added nutrition. However, you may need to increase the liquid slightly, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture. Start with 7 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of whole wheat flour for 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).