Last-Minute Rolls
Last-Minute Rolls are soft, fluffy bread rolls perfect for a quick dinner. With a tender crumb and slight sweetness from the sugar, these rolls are ideal for family meals or special gatherings when time is short. Their warm, comforting aroma makes them a favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- About 1 1/2 hours before dinner, prepare the dough.
- Into scalded milk in a large bowl, stir in sugar, salt, and soft shortening.
- Cool the mixture until lukewarm.
- In a small bowl, sprinkle or crumble the yeast into warm water.
- Stir until dissolved.
- Add the yeast mixture into the lukewarm milk mixture.
- Add sifted flour and stir until well blended, about 1 minute.
- Cover with a towel and let the dough rise until doubled in size.
- Stir the batter well, then beat vigorously for about 1/2 minute.
- Fill greased muffin pan cups with the batter or pinch off portions and place in the pan.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh yeast for the dough to ensure a good rise. If you're out of shortening, you can substitute with unsalted butter or vegetable oil. If you prefer a sweeter roll, consider adding a touch more sugar or even a hint of cinnamon. Make sure to sift your flour to avoid clumps and achieve a lighter texture.
Serving Suggestions
These last-minute rolls are best served warm, slathered with butter. They pair beautifully with soups or stews, making them a perfect accompaniment to a hearty vegetable soup or your favorite American recipes. Try serving them alongside a light salad or with a sweet dip for a delightful touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap the rolls in aluminum foil and warm them 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 Last-Minute Rolls contains roughly 81 calories, with 4g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 938mg per serving (41% 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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After mixing, allow it to rise for about 30 minutes, then punch it down and refrigerate it. When you're ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and complete the rising process before baking.
What can I do if my rolls don't rise?
If your rolls don't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or too cold of an environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the milk mixture is lukewarm, not hot. You can create a warmer environment by placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven with the light on.
Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can enhance the flavor of your rolls. You can also mix in shredded cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, to create a savory version. Just be mindful of the total flour amount 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).