Dave's Yeast Rolls

CoolChef's Note:

This is a simple recipe that I have experimented with over time and it produces absolutely WONDERFUL yeast rolls without having to spend a ton of time. My total active time is about a half hour (not including allowing the bread machine to do the kneading work and allowing for rising). I use a bread machine to knead the dough but you could do it by hand too. If you use the bread machine, you will need a large capacity breadmaker and will want to use the "sweet dough" setting. Put ingredients in your bread machine in the order listed. Make sure you're using the "dough cycle" on the bread machine. The dough should about double in size as it rises before it is ready for roll formation. If you use a dough hook in a mixer (like a Kitchen Aid), allow the dough to knead in the mixer with the dough hook until it is smooth and begins to form a ball. Stop the cycle, cover the mixer bowl with saran wrap and allow to rise (until about double in size), repeat kneading if desired.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 14 mins
• Prep Time: 2 hrs
• Cook Time: 14 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 24

Yield: 24.0 rolls

• 4 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups skim milk (warmed)
• 2 tablespoons skim milk (warmed)

Directions:

1. FORMING THE ROLLS. The recipe will make 24 rolls. To get even sized rolls, I cut the dough in half on a cutting board, then divide evenly again to 4 pieces, and once more to get 8 lumps of dough. I then form each piece into a log shape and cut 3 even bits of dough from each of 8 lumps (gets me my 24 and keeps them even sized).
2. Forming each individual roll is an art you'll have to practice. I keep a small bowl of flour available to "dip and flip" each bit of dough into to make it easy to form. Take the bit of dough, form a circle with your fingers using the index finger and thumb, then with the other hand push the bit of dough up from the bottom through your finger circle, tightening it up so you have to force the dough through. This will stretch and smooth the ball. Repeat this several times, rotating the dough ball each time, then pinch the formed ball off at the bottom.
3. If you're struggling with forming the rolls above, try flouring the dough bits well and then roll the dough bit around between your palms to form the ball. You can practice the other technique as you try the recipe a few times.
4. Place the formed rolls in a greased pan (I grease with real butter) evenly spaced. I use a dark cookie sheet and evenly space the rolls 4 in a row.
5. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let the formed rolls rise in a warm spot for about an hour (until about double in size). I preheat my oven to 350 and set the rolls on the stove top after covering for my nice warm space.
6. After allowing to rise, bake for about 14 minutes at 350 (or until medium browned on top). It's important to preheat first!
7. Remove from oven (keep rolls in pan) and very lightly baste with melted butter, cover and let cool (around 30 minutes), then enjoy!
8. You won't taste a better yeast roll! You can use this recipe for cinnamon rolls too.

Reviews

[6andnomore]

My first batch turned out wonderful! My family really enjoyed them. This is now the beginning of my Sunday tradition just like my grammy used to do. Thanks for sharing!

[MissCatFish]

Wonderful Rolls! I’ve made these countless time and forgot to review them. I use the dough cycle on my BM and that cuts down on a lot of work. I make these just as the recipe reads. These are hands down my family’s favorite rolls. Sweet but not too sweet. Drizzle them with honey YUMMY! Beautiful presentation too. I took them to a friends for dinner and she said they were so beautiful eat.

[Chef #1033916]

I've been baking rolls for 40 years and I'm always trying to find the perfect roll. Well, I found it. This roll recipe is the best roll I've ever made and simple to make. You don't mess with this recipe...it is just perfect the way it is. Dave, you're the best. Thank You for sharing this recipe with the world.