How to Make Grandma's Old-Fashioned Yeast Rolls - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's nothing quite like the taste of Grandma's old-fashioned yeast rolls. These soft, pillowy rolls are a beloved family tradition, passed down through generations. The aroma of these rolls baking in the oven brings back memories of large family gatherings and holiday feasts. Perfect for sopping up gravy, slathering with butter, or just enjoying on their own, these yeast rolls are a staple at any special occasion.

Making Grandma's old-fashioned yeast rolls is a labor of love that t...

Read more Snack recipes

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups warm water
  • 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • ¾ cup shortening (such as Crisco®)
  • 7 cups all-purpose flour, divided, or more as needed
  • ½ cup butter, melted

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr 45 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins
  • Servings: 24
  • Yield: 2 dozen rolls

  • Dissolve yeast in warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Stir in sugar and salt until you see foam rising. Add 3 cups flour and 3/4 cup shortening; mix with the dough hook until the mixture is the consistency of a thick pancake batter.
  • Fill a pot with hot (not boiling) water.
  • Remove the mixer bowl and cover it with plastic wrap and a towel. Place the bowl over the pot of hot water, making sure the bottom does not touch the water. Let rise until doubled in size, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Place the bowl back on your stand mixer and gradually mix in remaining 4 cups flour until dough is smooth and elastic; you may need to add up to 1 additional cup.
  • Heavily grease two 9x13-inch glass pans with shortening.
  • Divide dough into 24 balls. Place 12 balls into each of the prepared pans; cover with plastic wrap and a towel. Let rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 hour; balls will start out at about 1 1/2 inches in diameter but will rise and touch the sides of the pans.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Bake rolls in the preheated oven until golden brown on top, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush melted butter over top.
  • Nutrition

    242 cal.

    • Total Fat: 11g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 10mg
    • Sodium: 272mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 32g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Protein: 4g
    • Potassium: 56mg