Melinda Ewing’s Dinner Rolls

📜 Collection: UK3 | ✍️ Attribution: Melinda Ewing | 📂 Category: Bread A large-batch recipe for soft, rich, and slightly sweet yeasted dinner rolls. Enriched with butter and eggs, this dough yields dozens of fluffy rolls.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
25 mins20 mins2 hoursApprox. 42 rolls

🔪 Key Equipment

  • Large heatproof bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Baking sheets
  • Mixing spoon or electric mixer

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
1 CupBoiling WaterFor melting butter
1 CupButterOr margarine/oleo
2/3 CupSugarNone
2 TeaspoonsSaltNone
2 1/2 PackagesYeastActive dry, 1/4-ounce packages
1 CupWarm WaterFor dissolving yeast
2EggsBeaten
6 CupsFlourAll-purpose, divided

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  1. In a large, heatproof bowl, place the 1 cup butter, 2/3 cup sugar, and 2 teaspoons salt. Pour the 1 cup boiling water over them and stir until the 1 cup butter is melted. Let this mixture cool until it is lukewarm.

Step 2: Proof the Yeast

  1. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the 2 1/2 packages yeast in the 1 cup warm water. Let it stand for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

  1. Pour the yeast mixture into the cooled butter mixture. Add the 2 eggs (beaten) and about 3 cups flour. Beat well with a mixer or spoon until a smooth batter forms.

Step 4: Knead and First Rise

  1. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a large, greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk (about 1 to 1.5 hours).

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

  1. Punch the dough down. Pinch off pieces and shape them into rolls. Place the rolls on greased baking sheets. Cover the rolls and let them rise a second time until nearly doubled (about 30-45 minutes).

Step 6: Bake

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Brush with melted butter while hot, if desired.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Shaped rolls can be frozen after the second rise, or baked rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card