Irene'S Refrigerator Rolls

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Soft, fluffy refrigerator rolls with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast or dinner. Easy to prepare ahead, making them ideal for family gatherings and casual meals.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups warm milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1/3 cup shortening
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 yeast cakes
  • 1/2 cup warm water

Instructions

  1. Beat the warm milk, sugar, salt, shortening, and flour with a beater until smooth.
  2. Add the eggs and the yeast cakes dissolved in warm water.
  3. Beat until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Grease a bowl and the top of the dough.
  5. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until 1 1/2 times its size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  6. Punch down the dough and shape into rolls.
  7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with butter. If you don't have yeast cakes, you can use 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast instead. Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. If you have extra dough, you can make smaller rolls or use them for Wiener Wraps.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these rolls warm with a pat of butter or alongside your favorite soups and stews. They also make a delightful addition to a brunch table, especially when paired with Homemade Custard Ice Cream for dessert. Consider serving them with a fresh salad or as a side to your main course.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftover rolls, place them 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 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Irene'S Refrigerator Rolls contains roughly 914 calories, with 9g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1832mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).

914 kcal 46% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.5g 19% DV
Total Fat 63g 81% DV
Carbs 81.5g 30% DV
Fiber 5.4g 19% DV
Sugar 1.2g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1832.1mg 80% DV
Potassium 440.5mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 66.5mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 25mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 32.8mg 36% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 112.8mg 9% DV
Iron 3.4mg 19% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
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 for all-purpose flour, but it may result in denser rolls. To maintain lightness, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

How can I tell if my dough has risen enough?

The dough is ready when it has increased in size to about 1.5 times its original volume. You can also perform the 'poke test'—if the indentation remains, it's ready for shaping.

What should I do if my rolls are too hard after baking?

If your rolls turn out hard, it may be due to overbaking. To soften them, wrap them in a damp cloth while they cool, or try reheating them briefly in the microwave with a cup of water to create steam.

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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