Best-ever yeast rolls

Servings: 3 Difficulty: Intermediate
Impossibly soft, buttery rolls with a tender crumb that melt in your mouth.
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These legendary yeast rolls are the gold standard for Southern baking, prized for their pillowy texture and rich, buttery flavor. Made with a blend of butter and shortening for ultimate tenderness, they feature a subtle sweetness that makes them perfect for dipping in gravy or enjoying with honey. The dough is enriched with eggs and sugar, creating a soft crumb that stays fresh longer than standard breads. Whether served at a holiday feast, a casual weeknight dinner, or a festive brunch, these rolls bring warmth and comfort to the table. Their golden crust and fluffy interior make them an irresistible addition to any meal, earning their “best-ever” reputation through generations of home cooks.

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Best-ever yeast rolls

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 3

Description

These legendary yeast rolls are the gold standard for Southern baking, prized for their pillowy texture and rich, buttery flavor. Made with a blend of butter and shortening for ultimate tenderness, they feature a subtle sweetness that makes them perfect for dipping in gravy or enjoying with honey. The dough is enriched with eggs and sugar, creating a soft crumb that stays fresh longer than standard breads. Whether served at a holiday feast, a casual weeknight dinner, or a festive brunch, these rolls bring warmth and comfort to the table. Their golden crust and fluffy interior make them an irresistible addition to any meal, earning their "best-ever" reputation through generations of home cooks.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1 cup warm water; let stand about 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Combine remaining sugar, salt, butter, and shortening in a large bowl.
  3. Add boiling water, stirring until butter and shortening melt. Cool slightly.
  4. Add dissolved yeast, stirring well. Add eggs and 3 cups flour, beating at medium speed of an electric mixer until smooth.
  5. Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
  6. Place in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees F), free from drafts, 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in bulk.
  7. Punch dough down; turn dough out onto a well-floured surface, and knead several times.
  8. Shape into 2-inch balls, and place in 3 greased 9-inch round pans.
  9. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees F), free from drafts, 30 to 40 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
  10. Bake at 325 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden.

Note

Yield: 3 dozen rolls.

Variations: This basic dough can be used for Sweet Yeast Braid, Sweet-Filled Yeast Loaves, and Sweet Pinwheel Rolls.

Fillings: Try Cinnamon-Cheese Filling, Orange-Cheese Filling, or Chocolate-Cheese Filling.

Toppings: Drizzle with Sugar Glaze if desired.

Storage: Allow rolls to cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: yeast rolls, buttery rolls, soft rolls, homemade bread, southern rolls, holiday baking, brunch recipe, dinner rolls, yeast dough, comfort food, easy baking, family recipe, fluffy rolls, bread recipe, thanksgiving rolls, christmas rolls, sweet rolls, enriched dough, from scratch, classic recipe
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