York Family Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy family dinner rolls with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for any gathering or weeknight meal, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir yeast into warm water and let it activate.
- Add sugar, cooled milk, salt, egg, shortening, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture.
- Beat until smooth.
- Gradually beat in enough remaining flour (about 1 1/2 cups) until the dough is manageable.
- Knead the dough until smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to grease the top.
- Cover with a cloth and let it rest until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape into rolls.
- Let the shaped rolls rise, covered, until puffy.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes on a greased sheet.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your rolls are light and fluffy, make sure your yeast is fresh and activate it properly in warm water. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter or margarine. For added flavor, consider adding herbs or garlic powder to the dough. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour gradually while kneading.
Serving Suggestions
These dinner rolls are perfect alongside a hearty main dish, such as a roast or a comforting stew. They can be served warm with butter or used to soak up sauces. For a delightful meal, consider pairing them with a side salad or serving them alongside a slice of Two-Crust Lemon Pie for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave for about 20 seconds until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of York Family Dinner Rolls contains roughly 238 calories, with 3g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 786mg per serving (34% 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 use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that this may result in denser rolls. A good starting point is to use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain some lightness.
What should I do if my rolls don't rise?
If your rolls don't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or a drafty environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and proof it properly. To encourage rising, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area, such as an oven with just the light on.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and place it in the fridge after the first rise. Just make sure to cover it well. When you're ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and then shape it into rolls and allow them to rise 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).