Traditional Rolls

Prep: 75 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Soft, fluffy rolls with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast or dinner. These versatile rolls are ideal for pairing with savory dishes or enjoying on their own.

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Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 to 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup shortening or margarine or butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 package regular or quick yeast
  • 1/2 cup very warm water (120°F to 130°F)
  • 1/2 cup very warm milk (120°F to 130°F)
  • 1 egg
  • margarine or butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Mix 2 cups of the flour, sugar, softened shortening or butter, salt, and yeast in a medium bowl.
  2. Add the very warm water (120° to 130°F), warm milk (120° to 130°F), and egg to the mixture.
  3. Beat on low speed for 1 minute, scraping the bowl frequently.
  4. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute.
  5. Stir in enough remaining flour to make the dough easy to handle.
  6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
  7. Knead for about 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
  8. Place the dough in a greased bowl and turn the greased side up.
  9. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  10. Punch down the dough.
  11. Shape into approximately 24 balls and place close together in a round pan or cookie sheet.
  12. Brush the tops with softened margarine or butter; cover and let rise for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
  13. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  14. Bake the rolls for 12 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure the water and milk are at the correct temperatures to activate the yeast effectively. If you don’t have shortening, butter can be used as a substitute. You can also experiment with whole wheat flour for added nutrition, but start with a mix of all-purpose flour for texture. Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic for fluffy rolls.

Serving Suggestions

These traditional rolls are perfect for any meal, especially alongside hearty dishes like roasted meats or soups. Serve them with butter or jam for breakfast or as a snack. They also pair beautifully with Buttermilk Sky Salad for a delightful lunch. For a sweet treat, try them with a slice of Elegant Apple Cake for dessert.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the rolls cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or resealable bag. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for about a week. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Traditional Rolls contains roughly 115 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.

115 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.6g 3% DV
Total Fat 4.9g 6% DV
Carbs 16.5g 6% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 135.7mg 6% DV
Potassium 91.1mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 37.6mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 29.7mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 1mg 1% DV
Calcium 34.8mg 3% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
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 regular yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of regular yeast. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing it in warm water. This can save some time, and the rolls will still rise beautifully.

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

If your dough isn't rising, it may be due to inactive yeast or a cold environment. Ensure the yeast is fresh and that the dough is placed in a warm spot, such as near a preheating oven. If it still doesn't rise, consider starting over with fresh ingredients.

Can I freeze the rolls after baking?

Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven.

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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