Johnita'S Rolls
Johnita's Rolls are soft, buttery, and perfect for breakfast or snacks, boasting a delicate sweetness and tender texture that appeals to both children and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald the milk and let it cool.
- Add sugar, shortening, and salt to the cooled milk.
- Dissolve the dry yeast in warm water.
- Add the yeast mixture to the milk mixture.
- Gradually add sifted flour, mixing until the dough is not too stiff.
- Turn the dough into a greased bowl, grease the top, and cover with a cloth.
- Let the dough rise for at least 2 hours.
- Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured board.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut into rounds using a small juice glass or donut hole cutter.
- Melt a stick of butter in a small bowl.
- Dip each roll into the melted butter.
- Place the rolls on an ungreased cookie sheet and let rise, uncovered, for 2 hours.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you prefer a sweeter roll, increase the sugar to 3/4 cup. Ensure the milk is scalded but not boiling to avoid killing the yeast. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for extra warmth. This recipe can easily be adapted to make whole wheat rolls by substituting part of the flour with whole wheat flour.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are perfect for breakfast or as a side dish during dinner. They pair beautifully with Mashed Red Potatoes or a hearty soup. For a delightful treat, serve them warm with a spread of butter or honey. You could even use them to make sliders or sandwiches, making them versatile for any meal. For dessert, consider serving with Tortoni Ice Cream for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover rolls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag, where they can last up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Johnita'S Rolls contains roughly 460 calories, with 10g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), protein (20% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2812mg per serving (122% 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 use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of dry yeast. Simply add it directly to the flour mixture without needing to dissolve it in warm water first. This can save you some time and the rolls will still rise beautifully.
What if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to the yeast being inactive. Make sure the water you use to dissolve the yeast is warm, not hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. Also, ensure that you allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area to encourage fermentation.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and rise again before rolling and baking. This allows for convenience and fresh rolls when you need them.
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).