Standard Yeast Rolls

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Soft, fluffy yeast rolls with a hint of sweetness and buttery aroma, perfect for family dinners, holidays, or casual gatherings, offering warm comfort with every bite.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup scalded milk
  • 1 slightly beaten egg
  • 2 to 3 1/2 cups sifted flour
  • melted butter

Instructions

  1. Soften yeast in warm water or follow directions on the package.
  2. In a large bowl, combine sugar, shortening, and salt.
  3. Stir in hot milk and let it cool to lukewarm.
  4. Add the softened yeast mixture to the bowl.
  5. Mix in the beaten egg.
  6. Gradually add sifted flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
  7. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
  8. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Punch down the dough and shape into rolls.
  11. Place rolls on a greased baking sheet.
  12. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
  13. Brush with melted butter before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and activate it in warm water before mixing. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be a suitable substitute. If you prefer a sweeter roll, consider adding a touch more sugar. To enhance flavor, try incorporating herbs or garlic into the dough. For a richer taste, brush the rolls with melted butter after baking.

Serving Suggestions

These yeast rolls are perfect alongside soups, stews, or roasted meats. They pair beautifully with Butter Pecan Ice Cream Cake for dessert, making them a versatile choice for any meal. Serve warm with butter or your favorite jam, and consider adding a side salad, like Layered Green Pea Salad, for a complete dining experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, wrap rolls in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Standard Yeast Rolls contains roughly 1059 calories, with 18g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 715mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

1059 kcal 53% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17.9g 36% DV
Total Fat 59g 76% DV
Carbs 116.7g 42% DV
Fiber 6.8g 24% DV
Sugar 11.7g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 715.2mg 31% DV
Potassium 589.7mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 280.5mg 94% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 78.5mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 9.5mg 11% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 245.9mg 19% DV
Iron 5.8mg 32% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk 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 instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but there's no need to dissolve it in water. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients, and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.

What if my dough doesn't rise?

If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or a cold environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area to encourage rising. If the dough still doesn't rise, it’s best to start over with new yeast.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, take it out, let it come to room temperature, shape it into rolls, and allow it to 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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