Versatile Refrigerator Dinner Rolls
This versatile yeast dough recipe is perfect for light and fluffy dinner rolls, delightful cinnamon rolls, or even a stunning Swedish Tea Ring. With a little planning, you can make fresh, warm rolls whenever you need them. Just prepare the dough in advance, refrigerate, and shape it into rolls or other treats when you’re ready. It’s a fantastic way to ensure homemade warmth at your dinner table, with variations to suit any occasion!
48
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hot Water
2 cups (None)
Sugar
1/2 cup (None)
Vegetable Shortening
1/2 cup (None)
Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Dry Yeast
2 packages (Dissolve in 1/2 cup warm water)
Warm Water
1/2 cup (To dissolve yeast)
Eggs
2, beaten (Beat before adding)
All-Purpose Flour
7 cups (more or less) (For forming dough)
Melted Butter
To taste (For brushing and serving)
Instructions
1
Dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup of warm water and set it aside for about 15 minutes until frothy.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine hot water and shortening. Allow the mixture to sit until the shortening melts.
3
Add sugar and salt, stirring to combine, and allow the mixture to cool until it's tepid.
4
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then add them to the cooled mixture.
5
Gradually stir in 2 cups of flour until well mixed, then incorporate the yeast mixture.
6
Continue to stir, adding flour incrementally until a soft dough forms.
7
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it until it becomes smooth and pliable.
8
Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, and turn it to coat with oil.
9
Cover the bowl with a lid or a heavy plate, and refrigerate the dough overnight or for several hours.
10
When ready to shape, punch the dough down, then turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it in half.
11
For cloverleaf rolls, cut one dough half into three equal pieces, then cut each of those into 24 small pieces, yielding 72 pieces of dough.
12
Grease two muffin tins (for 24 rolls total). Form each piece of dough into a small ball and place three balls in each muffin cup.
13
Brush the tops of the dough with melted butter and let them rise until doubled in size.
14
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and have a crusty exterior.
15
Once baked, brush the rolls again with melted butter and serve warm.
16
To prepare in advance, let rolls rise and freeze in muffin tins. Thaw for an hour and bake as usual.
17
Alternatively, you can partially bake the rolls, cool them, and then freeze. When ready to serve, bake them from frozen for 10-15 more minutes until fully cooked and browned.
18
Note: The dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days; just remember to punch it down periodically.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Versatile Refrigerator Dinner Rolls?
These are light and fluffy dinner rolls made from a yeast dough that can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until needed.
What other items can be made with this dough?
In addition to dinner rolls, this dough is suitable for making cinnamon rolls or a Swedish Tea Ring.
How long does the yeast need to sit after dissolving?
The yeast should sit in warm water for about 15 minutes until it becomes frothy.
How do I combine the shortening and water?
Combine hot water and shortening in a large mixing bowl and allow it to sit until the shortening is completely melted.
When should I add sugar and salt to the mixture?
Add the sugar and salt to the bowl after the shortening has melted into the hot water.
Do I need to cool the hot water mixture before adding eggs?
Yes, allow the mixture to cool until it is tepid before beating in the eggs.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
When do I add the yeast mixture to the dough?
Stir in 2 cups of flour first, then incorporate the yeast mixture into the dough.
What type of flour should I use?
Use all-purpose flour, adding it incrementally until a soft dough forms.
How long should I knead the dough?
Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and pliable.
Why should I oil the bowl for the dough?
Oiling the bowl and turning the dough to coat it prevents the dough from sticking and keeps the surface moist.
How long does the dough need to be refrigerated?
The dough should be refrigerated overnight or for several hours before shaping.
How long can the dough stay in the refrigerator?
The dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
What should I do if the dough rises while in the refrigerator?
You should periodically punch the dough down if it rises during its time in the refrigerator.
How do I prepare the dough for shaping?
Punch the dough down, turn it onto a floured surface, and divide it in half.
How do I make a cloverleaf roll?
Divide the dough into small pieces and place three small balls of dough into each greased muffin cup.
How many pieces of dough are needed for 24 cloverleaf rolls?
You will need 72 small pieces of dough total, as each roll consists of three balls.
Should I grease the muffin tins?
Yes, grease the muffin tins before placing the dough balls inside.
What do I brush on the rolls before they rise?
Brush the tops of the dough with melted butter before letting them rise.
How much should the rolls rise before baking?
Let the rolls rise until they have doubled in size.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The rolls should be baked at 350°F (175°C).
How long do the rolls take to bake?
Bake the rolls for approximately 20 minutes.
How do I know when the rolls are done?
The rolls are finished when they are golden brown and have a crusty exterior.
Should I apply butter after baking?
Yes, brush the rolls again with melted butter once they are removed from the oven.
Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, you can let the rolls rise in muffin tins and then freeze them.
How do I bake rolls that have been frozen unbaked?
Thaw the frozen rolls for one hour and then bake them according to the standard instructions.
Is it possible to par-bake these rolls?
Yes, you can partially bake them, cool them, and then freeze them for later use.
How do I cook par-baked rolls from the freezer?
Bake them from frozen for 10-15 minutes until they are fully cooked and browned.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 48 rolls.
Is this recipe good for making ahead of time?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be made ahead using refrigeration or freezing methods.