Refrigerator Rolls: Southern Living’s Classic Icebox Rolls Recipe
Prepare to be enchanted by these delightful Southern Refrigerator Rolls, a recipe so versatile and convenient that it will quickly become a cherished part of your baking repertoire. Featured in Southern Living magazine in April 2004, this recipe has been updated to fit today’s cooking standards, making it even easier to create these pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth rolls.
With the beauty of this recipe, you’ll find that you don’t have to bake all the rolls at once. Simply prepare the dough, keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to five days, and bake as many rolls as you need when the mood strikes or the occasion demands. These rolls, as described by Southern Living Senior Writer Donna Florio, are “like little pillows from heaven.” Perfect for any meal or special occasion, these rolls yield 36 to 48 soft, fluffy delights.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups bread flour
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup melted butter (for brushing)
Preparation Time:
- Total Time: 12 hours 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 12 hours
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes per batch
Instructions:
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Prepare the Shortening Mixture: Begin by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 1/2 cup of shortening in a large mixing bowl. Stir the mixture until the shortening is completely melted. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, which should take about 30 minutes.
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Activate the Yeast: In a glass measuring cup, combine 1/2 cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir in the active dry yeast and let it stand for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
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Mix the Ingredients: While the yeast is activating, beat the eggs at medium speed using a heavy-duty stand mixer until they are well combined. Add 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt to the eggs, continuing to mix until everything is thoroughly combined.
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Combine Mixtures: Add the cooled shortening mixture and the yeast mixture to the egg mixture. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add 5 cups of bread flour, mixing until the dough is blended and smooth.
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Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place it in the refrigerator to chill for 12 hours or up to 5 days. This extended chilling time will enhance the flavor and texture of the rolls.
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Shape the Rolls: When you are ready to bake, turn the chilled dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Using a lightly floured 2 1/2-inch round cutter, cut out circles from the dough.
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Form the Rolls: Place each dough circle on a lightly greased baking sheet. Make a crease across the middle of each dough round with a knife and fold it in half, gently pressing the edges to seal.
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Let the Rolls Rise: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm, draft-free place at 85°F for about 1 1/2 hours, or until they have doubled in size.
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Brush with Butter: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the risen rolls with melted butter.
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Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have a delightful aroma.
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Finish with Butter: If desired, brush the baked rolls with additional melted butter for a glossy, flavorful finish.
Tips:
- Dough Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, you can add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more warm water.
- Freezing: For even more convenience, you can freeze the shaped but unbaked rolls. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw and rise before baking as directed.
Nutritional Information (per roll):
- Calories: 115.5
- Fat Content: 4.6 grams
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.6 grams
- Cholesterol Content: 15.1 milligrams
- Sodium Content: 78.2 milligrams
- Carbohydrate Content: 16.2 grams
- Fiber Content: 0.5 grams
- Sugar Content: 3 grams
- Protein Content: 2.2 grams
Yields: 36 to 48 rolls
Enjoy the comfort of homemade rolls with the flexibility and ease of preparation that fits into your busy life. Whether you need a dozen or several dozen, these Refrigerator Rolls will be a welcomed addition to your table!
