Introduction:
Delight in the simplicity and richness of Old-Fashioned Soft and Buttery Yeast Rolls, a timeless recipe that brings warmth and comfort to your table. These rolls boast a perfect blend of a soft, pillowy interior and a golden, buttery crust. Let’s embark on the journey of crafting these delightful rolls that carry the charm of tradition and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 package active dry yeast (equals 2 1/4 tsp)
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/3 cup white, granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup hot milk
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 4 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing rolls)
Directions:
- Sprinkle yeast over very warm water in a large bowl. Stir until the yeast dissolves. Leave it to foam for about 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, add sugar, the 1/4 cup of softened butter, and salt to hot milk. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and the butter is melted. Allow the mixture to cool to a temperature between 105 to 115 degrees.
- Combine the milk mixture with the yeast and then mix in the beaten egg. Gradually beat in 4 cups of flour, one cup at a time, to form a soft dough. Use some of the remaining 1/2 cup of flour to dust a pastry cloth.
- Lightly knead the dough for 5 minutes. Use the remaining flour for flouring the pastry cloth and your hands.
- Place the dough in a warm, buttered bowl, turning the greased side up. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Punch the dough down and knead for 4 to 5 minutes on a lightly floured pastry cloth. The dough will be sticky; use as little flour as possible for flouring hands to maintain a feathery light texture.
- Cut the dough ball into four pieces. Cut each piece into four more pieces, or simply pinch off small chunks of dough and roll into round balls about 1 3/4 inches in diameter. As you roll into balls, pull sides down and under to shape the roll. Place the bottom side down in neat rows, not quite touching, in a well-buttered 13 X 9 X 2-inch pan.
- Cover the rolls and allow them to rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, approximately 30 – 45 minutes. When doubled, brush the tops with melted butter and bake in a 375-degree F oven for 18 – 20 minutes or until nicely browned. Adjust the oven temperature if needed.
- If desired, brush (or bathe!) the rolls in more melted butter while they are hot. The butter will sizzle down the sides and bottom of the rolls, creating a buttery soft crust.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the heavenly aroma and the soft, buttery texture of these Old-Fashioned Soft and Buttery Yeast Rolls. Share this timeless recipe with your loved ones, creating cherished moments around the table. Enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade goodness!