Molasses Yeast Rolls
Molasses Yeast Rolls offer a rich, sweet flavor with hearty oats and a soft, tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side, these rolls are moist, flavorful, and appealing to bread lovers seeking a warm, comforting treat suitable for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over rolled oats, molasses, shortening, and salt.
- Cool the mixture to lukewarm temperature.
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Add yeast, eggs, and 3 cups of flour to the oat mixture.
- Beat until smooth.
- Stir in enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl and cover.
- Let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough.
- Shape into rolls and place in a shallow pan.
- Cover loosely and let rise until doubled in size, 30 to 40 minutes.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Brush with melted butter after baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of light. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. Make sure your water isn't too hot when dissolving the yeast; lukewarm is ideal. If you prefer a whole grain version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
These molasses yeast rolls are perfect alongside hearty soups or stews, and they pair beautifully with Pimento Cheese Salad Ball. For a delightful breakfast option, serve them warm with butter and jam. You can also use them as sliders for sandwiches, making them versatile for any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Molasses Yeast Rolls contains roughly 106 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.
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 a bread machine to make these rolls?
Yes, you can use a bread machine to mix and knead the dough. Just add the ingredients in the order recommended by your machine's manual, and select the dough cycle. After the first rise, shape the rolls and allow them to rise again before baking.
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to expired yeast or the water being too hot or cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and activate it properly by dissolving it in warm water. A warm, draft-free environment can also help encourage rising; try placing the bowl in an oven that is turned off but slightly warmed.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and place them in the pan, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking. This makes for a convenient option for gatherings or holiday meals.
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).