Quick Dinner Rolls("A Favorite From The '76 Cookbook.")

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Soft, buttery dinner rolls with a light texture and subtle sweetness, perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any occasion needing warm, homemade bread rolls.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 package yeast
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons shortening
  • 2 1/4 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Dissolve yeast, sugar, and salt in warm water.
  2. Beat well to combine.
  3. Add egg, flour, and shortening to the mixture.
  4. Let the dough rise until doubled in bulk.
  5. Stir down the risen dough.
  6. Spoon the dough into 12 greased muffin tins.
  7. Let the dough rise again.
  8. Bake in a 400°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

To ensure your rolls are light and fluffy, make sure the water is warm but not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast. If you don’t have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter or margarine. For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs or garlic powder into the dough. For a sweeter roll, increase the sugar slightly.

Serving Suggestions

These quick dinner rolls are perfect alongside a hearty soup or salad, such as Double Lemon Salad, and make a delightful addition to any family meal. Serve them warm with butter or jam for a comforting treat. They can also be used to soak up sauces from a main dish, enhancing your dining experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Quick Dinner Rolls("A Favorite From The '76 Cookbook.") contains roughly 140 calories, with 3g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 724mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

140 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.8g 6% DV
Total Fat 3.9g 5% DV
Carbs 24.2g 9% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 723.7mg 31% DV
Potassium 206.3mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 51.6mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 6.1mg 7% DV
Calcium 52.3mg 4% DV
Iron 0.8mg 4% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains 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 a portion of the all-purpose flour, but it may make the rolls denser. A good starting point is to replace half of the flour with whole wheat and adjust the liquid slightly if needed.

How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?

The dough is ready when it has doubled in size, which usually takes about an hour in a warm place. You can check by gently pressing two fingers into the dough; if the indentation remains, it's ready for the next step.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it after the first rise. Just shape it into rolls and place them in the muffin tins, then cover and refrigerate. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise again before baking.

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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