Icebox Butter Rolls

Prep: 720 min Cuisine: American

Soft, buttery icebox rolls with a tender crumb and subtle sweetness, perfect for breakfast or dinner gatherings, easy to prepare ahead for fresh baked goodness.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cake yeast or 1 tablespoon dry yeast
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • about 6 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Add 3 cups of flour to the liquid mixture in a bowl.
  2. Mix in the yeast, then add more flour until the batter reaches the consistency of biscuit dough.
  3. Place the mixture in the refrigerator overnight to ferment.
  4. The next day, shape the dough into rolls and bake as desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the butter with an equal amount of cream cheese. If you're short on time, you can use instant yeast instead of cake yeast. Just mix it directly with the flour. Ensure the milk isn't too hot when adding yeast, as it can kill the live cultures. Adjust the flour gradually to achieve the right dough consistency.

Serving Suggestions

These Icebox Butter Rolls are delightful served warm with a pat of butter or alongside a bowl of soup. They also pair beautifully with a hearty Chilli-Cheese Bake Potato for a comforting meal. Consider serving them with a light salad or as a side to grilled meats for a balanced dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Icebox Butter Rolls contains roughly 919 calories, with 11g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (31% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 920mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).

919 kcal 46% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11g 22% DV
Total Fat 41.1g 53% DV
Carbs 128.8g 47% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 13.8g 28% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 919.7mg 40% DV
Potassium 788.7mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 401.4mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 132mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 14.2mg 16% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 403.3mg 31% DV
Iron 4.4mg 24% DV
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 use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but start with 4 cups and gradually add more as needed. Whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so you may need to adjust the milk slightly to ensure the dough remains soft and manageable.

How long can the dough sit in the refrigerator?

The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. If you plan to let it sit longer, it’s best to shape the rolls and freeze them instead. This keeps the dough fresh and allows you to bake them directly from the freezer when needed.

Can I add herbs or cheese to the rolls?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in dried herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, or shredded cheese for added flavor. Just be mindful of the additional moisture these ingredients might introduce, and adjust the flour accordingly to maintain the right dough consistency.

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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