5 Steps to Perfect Fluffy Yeast Rolls Every Time

You know those fluffy yeast rolls you have at Grandma’s house every Christmas and Easter? You know, the ones you can’t get enough of? The ones that make you wish you had put 3 on your plate before they were gone? I have always struggled in the baking department, especially the bread department, and I certainly was never going to attempt a Grandma-classic in my amateur kitchen. 

But then I found this simple recipe via The Pioneer Woman. I have made this recipe over and over again, and it has never failed. It’s foolproof! The best part is that the dough keeps for 5 days in the fridge, and you can simply scoop out what you want to bake each evening. Fresh Grandma-like rolls whenever I want? Sign me up! 

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Traditional Yeast Rolls

Let’s break down this simple, foolproof recipe for making buttery, fluffy rolls just like Grandma’s. 

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start with 1 packet of yeast and 2 cups of very warm water. It is important that the water is warm because heat activates the yeast. Let the yeast float on top for about 5 minutes or until it is dissolved. 

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Shortening

Next, grab 2 sticks of butter and 1/2 cup of shortening. Place them in a microwave-safe container and heat until fully melted. Give it a quick stir to ensure everything is combined smoothly. 

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Mixer

Get out your standing mixer and attach the paddle attachment. Then, pour in the butter and shortening mixture. As the paddle spins on low, add 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 egg. When that is smooth, pour in the yeast mixture. 

As the mixer continues on low (speed 2-4), gently pour in 4 cups of flour, 1 at a time. This ensures that the flour gets mixed in evenly with the yeast. Then sprinkle in 1 1/2 tablespoons of baking powder and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. 

Side note: If you have self-rising flour, you can use 4 cups and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, eliminating the baking powder and extra salt. Did you know that any baking recipe that calls for self-rising flour can simply be made with all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder? I’ve passed over many recipes simply because I didn’t have it in my pantry and had no idea I could make it from ingredients I had on hand! Here’s the ratio: 

1 cup self-rising flour= 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder + 1/4 teaspoon salt 

Now you’re set! Just keep baking powder and salt on hand, and you can make all sorts of different yeast breads! 

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

When the mixer has finished its work, scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula and cover it with plastic wrap. Set it in the fridge and let it rise for at least 8 hours or up to 5 days. Yep, you read that right…5 days! 

It’s wonderful to make a batch over the weekend and just scoop out what I want to use each night and save the rest. Imagine the elation on your family’s faces when you bake fresh rolls every night?! And with no added work on your part! 

This is what your menu could look like: 

• Monday: Slow-cooked chuck roast, apple broccoli slaw, and fluffy yeast rolls
• Tuesday: Tangy marinated chicken, apple blue cheese salad, and fluffy yeast rolls
• Wednesday: Sweet and sour meatballs, oven-roasted Brussel sprouts, and fluffy yeast rolls

I think you catch my drift. They are easy. They go with everything. And most of all, they are delicious! 

Step 5: Bake Your Yeast Rolls

When you’re ready to roll (haha, did you catch that?!), scoop out the dough into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350 degrees for about 20-25 minutes. 

Why These Rolls Are Worth Every Bite

The result is mouth-watering! These traditional yeast rolls are so springy and buttery. I think I could even have these for breakfast. 

Tonight, I am pairing these beauties with a Lawry’s marinated grilled steak and steamed asparagus. It’s going to be hard to keep my kids out of them until dinner. They know exactly what is cooking by the delicious buttery smell. So, what will you serve these fluffy yeast rolls with? 

Let me know in the comment section below, and feel free to share this recipe using the social media icons below! Happy cooking ya’ll!

Fluffy Yeast Rolls

Springy, buttery refrigerator yeast rolls you mix once and scoop into a muffin tin whenever you want fresh rolls. The dough keeps up to 5 days, so bake a few every night.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Rising (fridge) 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Servings: 24 rolls

Course: Bread

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 packet active dry yeast 2 1/4 tsp
• 2 cups very warm water
• 1 cup butter 2 sticks
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 Tbsp baking powder
• 2 tsp kosher salt

Method

 

1. Sprinkle the yeast over the very warm water and let it dissolve, about 5 minutes.
2. Melt the butter and shortening together in the microwave and stir.
3. In a stand mixer with the paddle on low, combine the melted butter mixture, sugar and egg. Pour in the yeast water.
4. With the mixer on low, add the flour 1 cup at a time, then the baking powder and salt, mixing until smooth.
5. Scrape down the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 8 hours or up to 5 days.
6. To bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Scoop the dough into a greased muffin tin and bake 20-25 minutes until golden.

Notes

Self-rising flour shortcut: use 4 cups self-rising flour and 1 tsp kosher salt, and skip the baking powder and extra salt. Bake only what you need and keep the rest of the dough chilled.