Rich Rolls
Rich Rolls are soft, buttery yeast rolls with a light, fluffy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side, they appeal to bread lovers seeking homemade warmth and comfort. Their versatile nature makes them suitable for any meal or occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine scalded milk, shortening, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Cool the mixture to lukewarm temperature.
- Soften the yeast in lukewarm water; stir and add to the cooled milk mixture.
- Add about half of the sifted flour and beaten eggs; beat well.
- Add enough of the remaining flour to make a soft dough and mix thoroughly.
- Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured board and knead about 10 minutes until smooth and satiny.
- Place the dough in a warm, greased bowl; brush the surface lightly with melted shortening or butter.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place at 80° to 85° for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Turn out the risen dough onto a floured board and shape into rolls.
- Place the rolls on a greased baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Brush the risen rolls with melted butter and bake in a moderate oven at 375° for 15 to 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using buttermilk instead of regular milk. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter is a great substitute. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise, and don't rush the dough's rising time—it’s crucial for achieving that soft texture. If you're in a hurry, you can use instant yeast, which requires no proofing.
Serving Suggestions
These rich rolls are perfect as a side for soups and salads, especially delicious with Mandarin Orange Sweet Potato Salad. Serve them warm with a pat of butter or jam. They also make a delightful breakfast paired with coffee or tea, or as a base for sliders filled with your favorite ingredients.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, place frozen rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rich Rolls contains roughly 200 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 628mg per serving (27% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead. After kneading, place it in a greased bowl, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature, then proceed with the shaping and second rise before baking.
What can I do if my rolls didn't rise well?
If your rolls didn’t rise properly, it might be due to inactive yeast or insufficient warmth. Always ensure your yeast is fresh and proof it in warm water before adding it to the mixture. If the dough feels too cold, find a warm spot to encourage better rising.
Can I add ingredients to the dough?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like herbs, cheese, or garlic for added flavor. Mix these in after you’ve beaten in the eggs and half of the flour. Just be mindful of the moisture content these additions may introduce, which could require adjusting the flour amount.
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).