Never Fail Refrigerator Dough

Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A foolproof refrigerator dough perfect for cinnamon rolls, offering soft, buttery layers with cinnamon-sugar filling and sweet frosting, ideal for weekend treats or special mornings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 1 packet dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 medium eggs
  • 1/2 cup sugar

Instructions

  1. Place yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, and warm water in a cup and stir to dissolve; set aside to rise.
  2. Warm milk and melt margarine together.
  3. Beat eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add the milk and margarine mixture and the yeast mixture to the bowl.
  5. Add half of the flour and beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
  6. Add the remaining flour and beat with a wooden spoon until the dough is elastic.
  7. Put a lid on the bowl and place in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 7 hours.
  8. Roll the cold dough out to the desired thickness and brush with melted margarine.
  9. Sprinkle a cinnamon mixture of 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon over the dough.
  10. Roll up the dough and cut into individual cinnamon rolls.
  11. Let the rolls rise for 1 to 2 hours.
  12. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
  13. Frost with butter frosting while warm.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of low-fat. If you're out of margarine, unsalted butter is a great substitute. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise; if it doesn't foam after a few minutes in warm water, it may be expired. You can also add vanilla extract for a sweeter dough.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the warm cinnamon rolls with a drizzle of butter frosting on top, accompanied by a hot cup of coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with Sharon'S Waldorf Salad for a delightful brunch. For a festive touch, consider adding a side of fresh fruit or whipped cream.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or pop in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Never Fail Refrigerator Dough contains roughly 203 calories, with 3g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value), iron (10% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 738mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

203 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.9g 6% DV
Total Fat 7.5g 10% DV
Carbs 31.8g 12% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 11.5g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 737.8mg 32% DV
Potassium 177.6mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 27.3mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 53.3mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 11.2mg 12% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 131mg 10% DV
Iron 1.9mg 10% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg

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 this dough ahead of time?

Yes, this dough is perfect for making ahead. After preparing the dough, allow it to rise in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 7 hours. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor and texture of the rolls.

What if my dough doesn't rise?

If your dough doesn't rise, check the freshness of your yeast. It should foam when combined with warm water and sugar. Make sure the water isn't too hot, as it can kill the yeast, preventing it from activating properly.

Can I add other flavors to the filling?

Absolutely! You can customize the filling by adding nuts, raisins, or other spices like nutmeg. For a chocolate twist, sprinkle some chocolate chips over the cinnamon mixture before rolling the dough up. The options are endless!

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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