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Lion House Dinner Rolls

These soft, slightly sweet dinner rolls are light, tender, and incredibly forgiving for bakers of all skill levels. Ideal for any meal, they can be made healthier with simple swaps.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 24 rolls
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Roll Ingredients
  • 2 cups very warm water
  • 2/3 cup instant nonfat dry milk
  • 2 Tbsp dry instant yeast
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup shortening, butter or margarine Soften by microwaving for 15 seconds if needed
  • 1 large egg, lightly whisked
  • 5 to 5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour Adjust as needed for dough consistency

Method
 

Making the Dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and the milk powder, stirring until the milk dissolves.
  2. Add the yeast and let it proof for a minute or two.
  3. Mix in the sugar, salt, shortening, egg, and 2 cups of flour. Whisk until well combined.
  4. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, add 2 more cups of flour and mix on low speed for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add another 1 cup of flour and mix again.
  6. If necessary, add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky or stiff.
  7. Scrape the dough off the bowl sides and coat the bowl with non-stick spray, then spray the dough as well.
  8. Cover with plastic wrap or a cotton towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Shaping the Rolls
  1. Lightly flour a pastry mat or counter and scrape the dough onto it.
  2. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 20x12 inches.
  3. Brush melted butter over the entire rectangle, then cut rolls measuring 2-1/2 inches by 4 inches.
  4. Flip the rolls so the butter side is on the inside and place them on a greased baking pan, spacing them evenly.
  5. If making ahead, cover with saran wrap and refrigerate for up to 18 hours. When ready, let them rise for 1 hour.
  6. Cover loosely with a towel and allow to rise until double in size, about 30 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes until browned to your satisfaction.
  3. Remove from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter.

Notes

These rolls can be served warm with butter or as a part of a sandwich. For meal prep, freeze extra rolls and reheat as needed. Adjustments can be made for lighter versions using whole wheat flour or less butter.