Refrigerator Rolls
Description:
Indulge in the goodness of these Refrigerator Rolls – a versatile dough that can be transformed into delectable dinner rolls, cinnamon buns, Swedish Tea Ring, or even homemade “brown and serve” rolls. A true keeper recipe for any occasion!

Recipe Category: Yeast Breads
Keywords: Breads, Healthy, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups, Oven, Refrigerator, Freezer, Inexpensive
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 97.2
- Fat Content: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 7.8mg
- Sodium Content: 52.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 16.1g
- Fiber Content: 0.6g
- Sugar Content: 2.1g
- Protein Content: 2.3g
Servings: 48 rolls
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
2 cups | Hot water |
1/2 cup | Sugar |
1/2 cup | Vegetable shortening |
1 tsp | Salt |
2 packs | Dry yeast |
1/2 cup | Warm water |
2 | Eggs |
7 cups | All-purpose flour |
– | Butter (for brushing) |
Instructions:
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Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup of warm water and set aside for about 15 minutes to activate.
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In a large bowl, combine hot water and vegetable shortening. Allow it to sit until the shortening melts.
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Add sugar and salt to the mixture. Let it cool until it reaches a tepid temperature.
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Beat the eggs and add them to the mixture.
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Gradually add two cups of flour and mix well.
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Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir. Continue adding flour until a soft dough forms.
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Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead until it becomes pliable.
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Grease a large bowl generously with oil and place the dough in it. Turn the dough in the bowl until it’s coated with oil.
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Cover the bowl with a lid or heavy plate and refrigerate overnight or for several hours until the dough rises.
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When ready to use, punch the dough down and transfer it onto a floured surface. Divide the dough in half.
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There are various styles of rolls you can make with this dough:
- For cloverleaf rolls: Divide each half into three equal pieces, then further divide each piece into 24 equal pieces, yielding a total of 72 pieces of dough.
- Grease 2 muffin tins (makes 24 rolls).
- Shape the dough pieces into balls and place three in each muffin tin.
- Brush the rolls with melted butter and let them rise until doubled in size.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crusty.
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Once baked, brush the rolls with more melted butter for added flavor.
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These rolls can be made ahead of time, allowed to rise, and frozen in muffin tins. Thaw for an hour and bake as usual.
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Alternatively, you can bake the rolls halfway through, allow them to cool, and then freeze them. When ready to serve, bake the frozen rolls for an additional 10-15 minutes until they are fully cooked and browned.
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Enjoy these homemade “brown and serve” rolls, and remember that the dough will keep in the fridge for up to two days. Keep punching it down periodically to maintain its freshness.
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For a delicious variation, try using this dough to make cinnamon buns or a Swedish tea ring filled with your favorite fruit and cinnamon.
Whether you’re serving these rolls for a cozy family dinner or a large gathering, they are sure to be a hit! With their fluffy texture and irresistible flavor, these Refrigerator Rolls are bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.