Baker's Dozen Yeast Rolls

Highlighted under: Classic Comfort Dishes

Delight your family and friends with these warm, fluffy yeast rolls that are perfect for any occasion.

Ella

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2025-12-24T21:19:27.803Z

These Baker's Dozen Yeast Rolls are a family favorite, passed down through generations. Perfectly soft and slightly sweet, they make a wonderful addition to any meal.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Soft and fluffy texture that is irresistible
  • Perfect for any meal or special occasion
  • Easily customizable with herbs or cheese

Perfect for Every Meal

Baker's Dozen Yeast Rolls are a versatile side dish that can elevate any meal. Whether served alongside a hearty stew, a festive holiday dinner, or a simple weeknight casserole, these rolls are the perfect complement. Their soft and fluffy texture ensures that they can soak up gravies and sauces beautifully, making every bite more enjoyable. Plus, their warm, inviting aroma fills your home with a sense of comfort and nostalgia.

These rolls are not just for dinner; they can also be enjoyed at breakfast or brunch. Serve them with butter and jam, or use them to make delightful breakfast sandwiches. Their mild flavor makes them a wonderful canvas for both sweet and savory toppings, ensuring they're a hit at any meal. With Baker's Dozen Yeast Rolls, you can create memorable dining experiences for your family and guests.

Customization Options

One of the best features of Baker's Dozen Yeast Rolls is their adaptability. This basic recipe serves as a perfect foundation for your creativity in the kitchen. Want to add a burst of flavor? Consider mixing in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough. Alternatively, you can fold in shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a cheesy twist that will delight your taste buds.

If you prefer something sweet, try incorporating cinnamon and sugar to create a delightful cinnamon roll variation. You can also experiment with different toppings, like garlic butter or sesame seeds, to give your rolls a unique flair. The possibilities are endless, making these yeast rolls a favorite for any occasion.

Tips for Success

To ensure your yeast rolls turn out perfectly every time, pay close attention to the temperature of your ingredients. The warm milk should be around 110°F, as higher temperatures can kill the yeast. Always check the expiration date on your yeast packet to ensure it is active; fresh yeast is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture.

Kneading the dough is another vital step. Take your time and knead for at least 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten structure, which gives the rolls their airy quality. Lastly, allow the dough adequate time to rise; a warm environment is essential for successful fermentation and fluffy rolls.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious rolls:

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm milk (110°F)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start making the rolls!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Baker's Dozen Yeast Rolls:

Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough and divide it into 13 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them in a greased baking dish.

Second Rise

Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious yeast rolls!

Now that your rolls are ready, enjoy them warm with butter or your favorite spread!

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover yeast rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their soft texture.

To reheat the rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls on a baking sheet. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how fresh they taste, just like they came out of the oven!

Serving Suggestions

These yeast rolls are delightful on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of accompaniments. A classic option is to offer a dish of softened butter, perhaps infused with herbs or garlic, for spreading. You might also consider a selection of jams or honey for a sweet contrast, especially at breakfast or brunch.

For a more elevated experience, try serving the rolls alongside a rich, homemade soup or a creamy dip. They make fantastic vehicles for scooping up hearty bean soups or creamy chowders, enhancing your meal's overall flavor. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these rolls are sure to impress!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing.

→ How do I store leftover rolls?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your rolls by adding herbs or grated cheese to the dough.

→ What if my dough doesn't rise?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the liquid is warm, not hot. A warm environment is also essential for rising.

Baker's Dozen Yeast Rolls

Delight your family and friends with these warm, fluffy yeast rolls that are perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Ella

Recipe Type: Classic Comfort Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 13 rolls

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 2 tablespoons sugar
  3. 1 tablespoon salt
  4. 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  5. 1 1/2 cups warm milk (110°F)
  6. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  7. 2 large eggs

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms.

Step 03

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 04

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 05

Punch down the dough and divide it into 13 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 06

Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 07

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 08

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious yeast rolls!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 130mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 3g