Three Hour Rolls
Soft, buttery rolls with a light, fluffy texture and subtle yeasty flavor, perfect for breakfast or alongside hearty meals, suitable for family gatherings or casual brunches.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour, sugar, and salt together in a bowl.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water.
- Add the beaten egg to the yeast mixture, then fill the cup with milk and add to the flour mixture.
- Beat the mixture well and let stand for 2 hours.
- Knead the dough, then roll out into desired shapes for rolls.
- Let the rolls rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh yeast for a lighter roll. If you don't have cake yeast, you can substitute with 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly. For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs or garlic powder to the dough. These rolls are perfect for sandwiches or served warm with butter.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls pair beautifully with hearty soups or stews, making them a great accompaniment to dishes like Hawaiian Ham 'N' Potatoes. Serve them warm with butter or jam for a delightful breakfast treat. You can also slice them in half and use them for mini sandwiches 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, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, wrap rolls in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Hour Rolls contains roughly 1440 calories, with 17g protein, 183g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (37% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2299mg per serving (100% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and baking.
What if my rolls don’t rise properly?
If the rolls don’t rise, the yeast may be inactive. Check the expiration date on your yeast, and make sure the water used to dissolve it is lukewarm (about 110°F). If your kitchen is cold, consider placing the dough in a warm area or using the oven's proofing setting if available.
Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the rolls after baking. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.
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).