Heavenly Refrigerator Rolls
Experience the bliss of Heavenly Refrigerator Rolls, a delightful Southern classic that allows you to prepare a tender, buttery dough in advance and bake fresh rolls on your own schedule. Featured in Southern Living magazine, these rolls can be stored in your refrigerator for up to five days, making them perfect for last-minute dinners or when entertaining guests. With their soft, pillowy texture and rich buttery flavor, each roll is like a little piece of heaven on your plate. Make ahead and savor the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen anytime you desire!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
boiling water
1 cup
shortening
1/2 cup (melted)
active dry yeast
1 (1/4 ounce) envelope
warm water
1/2 cup (at 100° to 110°F)
sugar
1 teaspoon
large eggs
2 (beaten)
sugar
1/2 cup
salt
1 teaspoon
bread flour
5 cups
butter
1/4-1/2 cup (melted for brushing)
Instructions
1
Begin by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over the shortening in a large mixing bowl. Stir well until the shortening is fully melted.
2
Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until it has reached a comfortable temperature.
3
In a separate glass measuring cup, combine the active dry yeast, 1/2 cup of warm water (100° to 110°F), and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
4
In a heavy-duty stand mixer, beat the eggs at medium speed and gradually add in 1/2 cup of sugar and salt until well incorporated.
5
Pour in the cooled shortening mixture along with the bloomed yeast mixture, stirring gently to combine.
6
Reduce the mixer speed to low, adding in the 5 cups of bread flour gradually. Beat until the dough is blended and smooth.
7
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours or up to 5 days.
8
When ready to bake, turn the chilled dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
9
Using a lightly floured 2.5-inch round cutter, cut out the dough rounds. Make a slight crease across the center of each round using a knife, then fold in half and gently press the edges to seal.
10
Arrange the rolls on lightly greased baking sheets, ensuring there is enough space between them.
11
Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm place (around 85°F) for about 1.5 hours, or until they have doubled in size.
12
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Once the rolls have risen, brush them evenly with melted butter before placing them in the oven.
13
Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up to perfection.
14
If desired, brush the baked rolls with melted butter one more time before serving for an extra touch of richness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Heavenly Refrigerator Rolls?
Heavenly Refrigerator Rolls are a classic Southern yeast bread known for their soft, pillowy texture and rich buttery flavor. They are called refrigerator rolls because the dough is prepared in advance and stored in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
How long can the dough be stored in the refrigerator?
The dough can be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours and up to 5 days, making it an excellent make-ahead recipe.
What is the first step in making the dough?
The process begins by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 1/2 cup of shortening in a large bowl and stirring until melted.
How long should the shortening mixture cool?
The mixture of boiling water and shortening should cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before adding other ingredients.
How do I bloom the yeast for this recipe?
Combine one envelope of active dry yeast with 1/2 cup of warm water (100° to 110°F) and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
What temperature should the water be for the yeast?
The warm water used to bloom the yeast should be between 100°F and 110°F to ensure the yeast activates without dying.
How many eggs are required for these rolls?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs, which should be beaten before being incorporated into the sugar and salt mixture.
What type of flour is best for these rolls?
This recipe specifically calls for 5 cups of bread flour to achieve the desired structure and texture.
How thick should I roll out the chilled dough?
When ready to bake, roll the chilled dough out onto a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
What size cutter should be used for the dough rounds?
Use a lightly floured 2.5-inch round cutter to cut out the dough.
How do I shape the rolls?
Make a slight crease across the center of each 2.5-inch dough round using a knife, fold it in half, and gently press the edges to seal.
How long do the rolls need to rise before baking?
The shaped rolls need to rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until they have doubled in size.
What is the ideal temperature for the rolls to rise?
The rolls should rise in a warm place that is approximately 85°F.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 400°F for baking these rolls.
How long do the rolls bake?
Bake the rolls for approximately 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
Do I need to grease the baking sheets?
Yes, you should arrange the rolls on lightly greased baking sheets before letting them rise and bake.
Should I brush the rolls with butter?
Yes, brush them evenly with melted butter after they have risen but before they go into the oven. You can also brush them again after baking for extra richness.
What makes these rolls convenient for entertaining?
Because the dough stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days, you can prepare it well in advance and bake only what you need, when you need it.
Why do I need to cool the shortening mixture?
It is important to cool the boiling water and shortening mixture so that it doesn't kill the yeast or cook the eggs when they are added.
How much sugar is used in the dough?
The recipe uses a total of 1/2 cup plus 1 teaspoon of sugar.
Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?
Yes, using a heavy-duty stand mixer is recommended for beating the eggs and incorporating the 5 cups of bread flour.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe is a Southern classic that was famously featured in Southern Living magazine.
What is the texture of the finished rolls?
The finished rolls have a soft, pillowy texture with a golden-brown exterior.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
How much butter is needed for brushing?
You will need between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of melted butter for brushing the rolls.
Can I cut the recipe in half?
While the recipe provides a specific yield based on 5 cups of flour, you could technically halve the ingredients, though the make-ahead nature of the full batch is usually preferred.
What happens if I don't let the dough chill for 12 hours?
The 12-hour chill time allows the flavor to develop and makes the dough much easier to handle and roll out.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?
The recipe specifically calls for active dry yeast, which requires blooming in warm water and sugar first.
What should I do if my yeast doesn't get frothy?
If the yeast doesn't foam or get frothy after 5 minutes, it may be dead. You should start over with fresh yeast and check the water temperature.
How do I serve Heavenly Refrigerator Rolls?
Serve them warm from the oven, ideally brushed with a final layer of melted butter, alongside any meal.