Sweet Dinner Rolls

Prep: 30 min Cuisine: American

Sweet dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and lightly sweetened, perfect for breakfast or as a side. Their tender texture and subtle sweetness make them a versatile addition to any meal, appealing to both kids and adults. Ideal for family gatherings or casual weekend treats.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 2 packets yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup soft shortening
  • 3 1/2 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Combine warm water and yeast; let rise for 10 minutes.
  2. Stir well, then add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.
  3. Place the dough in a bowl.
  4. Let rise until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough.
  6. Let rise again before shaping and baking.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of lukewarm milk. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be a suitable substitute. Make sure the water is warm but not hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic for best results. If you want a sweeter roll, increase the sugar slightly, but be cautious not to alter the yeast's effectiveness.

Serving Suggestions

These sweet dinner rolls are perfect for serving alongside savory dishes like roasted meats or a hearty vegetable stew. They also pair beautifully with Buttermilk Ice Cream for a sweet treat. Consider serving them fresh out of the oven with a spread of butter or jam for breakfast or brunch. They can also be used to make sliders or sandwiches.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover sweet dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until soft and warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet Dinner Rolls contains roughly 1129 calories, with 11g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 96g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2772mg per serving (121% of the Daily Value).

1129 kcal 56% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11g 22% DV
Total Fat 95.6g 100% DV
Carbs 61.2g 22% DV
Fiber 3.3g 12% DV
Sugar 14.2g 28% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2772mg 100% DV
Potassium 844.2mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 79.2mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 75.3mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 15.6mg 17% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 220.8mg 17% DV
Iron 3.7mg 21% DV
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 active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast. Just make sure to activate it in warm water first before adding it to the dough. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy, then mix with the other ingredients as instructed.

What can I do if my dough isn't rising?

If your dough isn't rising, it might be due to the yeast being inactive. Check the expiration date on your yeast packets, and ensure you're using warm, not hot, water. Alternatively, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area to encourage rising, like an oven with the light on.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch it down and shape it into rolls. Then, cover and refrigerate them overnight. Allow the rolls to come to room temperature and rise again before baking the next day for fresh rolls.

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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