Inspired by an old Fleischmann’s Yeast booklet from the 1960s, this sweet yeast roll recipe is a classic for soft, flavorful rolls.
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Prep Time: 2 Hours 20 Minutes
- Serves: 24
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (can use less, we use 1 teaspoon)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 packages Fleischmann’s active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (may need slightly more or less, we used King Arthur)
- Additional butter for coating bowls and brushing on tops of baked rolls
Directions for the sweet yeast roll recipe:
1. Prepare the Dough8
- Heat the milk and water together in the microwave for about 35 seconds until the mixture reaches 105-115°F.
- Stir in the sugar and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes until it becomes foamy (this confirms the yeast is active).
- Mix in the salt, softened butter, and beaten eggs.
- Using a stand mixer (KitchenAid® 7 Quart Bowl) with the paddle attachment, mix in 2 cups of flour. Once combined, switch to the dough hook.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until the dough comes together. Knead the dough with the dough hook for 8 minutes until it is elastic and slightly stiff but not dry.
2. First Rise
- Lightly oil the inside of a large mixing bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it a few times to coat it lightly.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm location. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
3. Shaping the Rolls
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into two equal halves. Work with one half at a time, cutting it in half again and then dividing it further to form 12 equal pieces per half, for a total of 24 pieces.
- Tuck and pinch the bottoms of each piece, rolling them into smooth balls.
- Place 15 rolls into a buttered and parchment-lined Lodge 9″x13″ Cast Iron Casserole, spacing them evenly in a 3 x 5 pattern. (we froze the remaining 9 rolls for later use.)
4. Second Rise
- Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. The rolls should double in size and just begin to touch each other.
5. Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F about 10 minutes before the rolls are ready to bake.
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and smell irresistibly yeasty.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter.
- Let the rolls cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving (if you can wait!).
This sweet yeast roll recipe is versatile and can be adapted for other creations like fruit or cinnamon rolls, cinnamon-pecan/walnut rolls, monkey bread, and more. Stay tuned for additional variations!
Previous Food Article: Collard Greens with Smoked Neck bones (pressure cooker)
Note: As an Amazon Associate UrbanCast/involvedinitall.com earn from qualifying purchases.
