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Old Fashioned Yeast Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 121 reviews

Classic Old Fashioned Yeast Rolls featuring a soft, fluffy texture and golden-buttery crust. Made with honey-sweetened yeast dough and baked to perfection, these rolls are perfect for dinner sides or sandwiches.

Ingredients

Scale

Yeast Mixture

  • 2 cups warm water (100-110℉) (475 mL)
  • ¼ cup honey (50 g)
  • 4 teaspoons active dry yeast (14 g)

Dough Ingredients

  • ½ cup salted butter, softened (113 g)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2½ teaspoons salt
  • 7 cups all purpose flour (1000 g)

For Finishing

  • 3–4 Tablespoons melted butter (for topping the rolls)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a bowl, stir together warm water (100-110℉), honey, and active dry yeast. Ensure water temperature is precise for yeast activation. Let sit 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy on top, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, eggs, salt, and flour. Using a scale, add the flour to ensure accurate measurement. Pour in the yeast mixture.
  3. Knead Dough: Knead the dough by hand for 7-10 minutes or use an electric mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes until the dough is elastic, smooth, and slightly tacky. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl.
  4. First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a dish towel and let the dough rise for about 1 hour or until it nearly doubles in size.
  5. Shape Rolls: Divide the dough into 30 equal portions (58-60 grams each). Roll each portion into a smooth ball by cupping your hand in a “C” shape and rotating the dough on a flat surface, pulling the edges under to create a taut surface.
  6. Arrange Rolls: Place the rolls evenly in a greased 11 x 18 inch baking pan, arranging approximately 6 rows of 5 rolls. Spray rolls lightly with baking spray and cover again to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size and gaps are filled.
  7. Preheat Oven: At about 45-50 minutes into the second rise, preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃).
  8. Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls on the middle or bottom oven shelf for 15-16 minutes, until the bottoms and tops are a nice golden-brown color.
  9. Butter Finish: Once out of the oven, immediately brush the hot rolls with 3-4 tablespoons of melted butter to create a soft, flavorful crust. Alternatively, rub a stick of butter onto the tops while still warm.

Notes

  • Water temperature is critical for activating yeast; too hot or cold will affect rising.
  • Kneading time can be adjusted depending on whether you use hands or a mixer.
  • Ensure rolls rise sufficiently during both rises for the best fluffy texture.
  • Butter on top adds flavor and keeps rolls soft; apply while rolls are hot.
  • Use a kitchen scale for consistency in portioning rolls.
  • Roll shaping technique helps create smooth, uniform rolls.
  • If your kitchen is cooler, the second rise might take a bit longer.

Keywords: yeast rolls, old fashioned rolls, homemade bread, soft rolls, dinner rolls, yeast bread

Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/old-fashioned-yeast-rolls-recipe/