Old-Fashioned Southern Butter Rolls

Submitted by Cat Berner

"This is a very old recipe. I've read that butter rolls may have originally come about as a way for Southern cooks to use up biscuit dough scraps. Whatever the history behind this old-timey treat, it's one of my favorite comfort foods. Try adding finely chopped apple to the filling."

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 10
• Serves: 12

ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shortening
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened (can use less)
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 cups milk
• 2⁄3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease a large baking dish; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut shortening in until mixture looks like course crumbs. Add water, and stir just until combined. Use your hands to press dough together until it forms a ball.
3. Turn out onto a floured surface, and roll dough out into a large rectangle. The dough should be rolled fairly thinly, like you would dough for cinnamon rolls. Spread butter evenly over the top, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup sugar and nutmeg. Roll up tightly, and pinch ends to seal. Cut into 12 equal slices. Place cut side down in baking dish.
4. In a saucepan, heat 2/3 cup sugar, milk, and vanilla until bubbles form. Remove from heat, and pour over top of rolls. Bake 30-40 minutes.
5. *Note: These rolls can also be made without the milk sauce if you'd like, with a little milk or cream being poured over individual servings instead.

Reviews

[nicoleraymore1]

THANK YOU SO MUCH.! My grandma made these for us as kids and the smell from her baking these would bring neighbors to the house in heards. My grandma never used recipes, she just knew what to do. Due to her developing Alzheimer's no one knew how she did it. My mother and I would just sit and talk about my grandmothers butter rolls. Until I found this recipe, this is my grandmas butter roll. So thank you from the bottom of my heart.

 

[Vanessa R.]

I have made this recipe with my students many times and those who actually read the recipe before starting it had great results. They all absolutely loved them and they taste just like what my mom and grandmom used to make.

 

[Joseph B.]

This indeed a very, very old recipe. I remember it from my childhood when a family friend used to make these. She lost the recipe and I can't wait for her to see this. I just happened to Google to find it. I just can't wait to make a batch :-).

 

[Anonymous]

I originally researched butter rolls to make for my fiance who loves butter rolls and since his grandmother had passed four years ago, he didn't have no one to make them for him. I tried the recipe with all butter, then made my own recipe and finally tried your recipe today and this is the best yet. My fiance said that they taste just like his grandmother's and even closed his eyes to enjoy the rolls. Thank you for sharing your recipe

 

[Bay Laurel]

this is a kid pleaser. I barely got becauses DD and her friends wouldnt stay out of it. I considered this dish a "healthy" cinnimon roll. Yum. Made for PAC Fall 2009. Thanks for sharing cat Berner.