Icebox Rolls(Soft Dinner Rolls)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Soft, fluffy icebox dinner rolls with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for accompanying meals or special gatherings. They develop flavor through refrigeration and baking to golden perfection.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside.
  3. Cream shortening with sugar until smooth.
  4. Beat in the egg until well combined.
  5. Add the yeast mixture to the egg mixture and beat well.
  6. Add salt and flour to the mixture.
  7. Stir with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms.
  8. Knead the dough for a few minutes.
  9. Grease the surface of the dough with melted shortening.
  10. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  11. When ready to bake, pull off golf ball-sized pieces of dough.
  12. Shape into balls and let rise for 1 1/2 hours.
  13. Bake 12 rolls at a time on a greased cookie sheet for 15 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider adding herbs or garlic powder to the dough. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with butter or margarine. Ensure the water is warm but not too hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. Using a wooden spoon to stir helps maintain the dough's texture. If you want to experiment, try adding cheese for a savory twist.

Serving Suggestions

These soft dinner rolls are perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or main dishes like Zesty Barbecue Spareribs. They can also be enjoyed with butter or honey for a sweet touch. Consider pairing them with Pineapple Pudding Cheesecake for a delightful meal finish. They're versatile enough to complement any American recipes spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap rolls in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Icebox Rolls(Soft Dinner Rolls) contains roughly 574 calories, with 6g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1933mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).

574 kcal 29% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.3g 13% DV
Total Fat 33.5g 43% DV
Carbs 65.4g 24% DV
Fiber 3.1g 11% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 1932.8mg 84% DV
Potassium 458.2mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 129mg 43% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 31.5mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 22mg 24% DV
Calcium 133.7mg 10% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Contains 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 make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just be sure to follow the steps of greasing and covering tightly. When you're ready to bake, simply pull off pieces, shape them, and let them rise before baking.

What should I do if my rolls don’t rise?

If your rolls don’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure the yeast is fresh and properly dissolved in warm water. If the dough feels too cold, allow it to sit in a warmer location to encourage rising. Always check the expiration date on your yeast package.

Can I add fillings to these rolls?

Absolutely! You can add fillings like cheese, herbs, or even sweet ingredients like cinnamon sugar. Just flatten the dough balls before placing the filling inside, then seal them up and let them rise as usual. This adds a delightful surprise to each roll.

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).

🍽 Looking for more dinner ideas? Take our Dinner Quiz for personalized recipe suggestions →
Dinner Ideas Hub
American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dinner recipes → All recipes →