If you’ve ever wondered what’s in those staple Southern butter rolls you so often see in a basket on a well-dressed dinner table or how they get so light and fluffy while still tasting like butter through and through, I’ve got answers for you in the form of this recipe!
Once you’ve realized just how simple these are to make (especially if you have a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment), you might never buy rolls again. They do require a bit of patience and a few ingredients you might not have on hand (although I don’t know how you stock your kitchen), but double check the list before preheating the oven just to be safe.
You might want to double the recipe if you’re having guests because they go pretty fast.
Southern Butter Rolls
12
105 minutes
15 minutes
120 minutes
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter-flavored shortening (regular shortening will do in a pinch)
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 packet of active dry yeast
3/4 cup cold water
1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 tablespoon butter
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
Whisk together the flour, sugar, salt and yeast. Add the shortening and water and mix until a sticky dough forms.
Lightly flour a work surface and place the dough onto it. Knead by hand (or in a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment) for 20 minutes. Resist the urge to add more and more flour, because that will make the rolls too dense. Just keep kneading and the stickiness will abate. After 20 minutes the dough should be smooth and much less sticky to the touch.
Pour the vegetable oil into a clean bowl and place the dough into it, turning it over to ensure every side is covered in oil. Cover the bowl with a dishcloth or plate and let the dough sit in a warm, dry place for an hour.
Once the dough has proofed, gently tear or cut it into about 12 equal pieces. Roll them between your hands to create the rolls, but don't put too much pressure on them. Place them on the baking sheet with at least an inch between each and allow them to rest for an additional hour.
While the rolls are resting, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Brush the rolls with melted butter. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. until golden brown. Allow to cool (but not for too long) before serving.
