These classic yeast buns are soft, pillowy, and slightly sweet, making them perfect for everything from dinner rolls to sandwich buns. Written in a nostalgic cursive script, this recipe reflects a mid-century baking tradition using Fleishman’s Dry Yeast and pantry staples. It yields light, fluffy rolls with a subtle sweetness and rich flavor thanks to the combination of sugar and shortening. Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or everyday baking, these buns rise beautifully and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water (lukewarm )
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ oz Fleischmann’s Dry Yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 4 tbsp shortening
- 5 tbsp sugar
- 6 cups flour
Instructions
Step 1: Activate Yeast
- Combine lukewarm water and 1 tsp sugar in a large bowl.
- Add 1 packet of Fleishman’s Dry Yeast and stir.
- Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Add Seasoning & Fat
- Add 1 tbsp salt, 4 tbsp shortening, and 5 tbsp sugar.
- Stir to combine.
Step 3: Add Flour
- Gradually stir in 6 cups of flour.
- Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: First Rise
- Let dough stand in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
Step 5: Shape & Bake
- Knead dough briefly.
- Shape into buns and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips
- Warm water should feel barely warm to the touch, not hot, to protect the yeast
- Replace shortening with melted butter for a richer bun
- Add 1 beaten egg for a softer, more enriched dough
- Brush baked buns with butter while warm for a glossy finish
- Shape into dinner rolls, cloverleaf rolls, or sandwich buns
- Add ½ cup raisins or currants for sweet yeast buns
- Sprinkle tops with sesame or poppy seeds before baking
- Dough can be refrigerated overnight after first rise
- Reduce sugar slightly for savory rolls
- Bake close together for soft sides or spaced apart for crustier buns
Nutrition
Calories: 137kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 46mgPotassium: 18mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 2mg
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