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Buttermilk Rolls
Buttermilk Rolls are a classic American yeast bread known for their soft texture, lightly sweet flavor, and tender crumb. Recipes like this became especially popular in mid-century home kitchens where buttermilk was commonly used to create fluffy baked goods with a subtle tang. These rolls strike a balance between rich dinner rolls and sweet breakfast buns, especially with the addition of butter, brown sugar, nuts, and raisins mentioned in the handwritten instructions. Their comforting aroma and pillowy texture make them perfect for holiday dinners, Sunday suppers, or cozy weekend baking projects. The dough is easy to work with and produces beautifully golden rolls with a soft interior and lightly caramelized exterior.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 58 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 12
Calories 215 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup buttermilk (lukewarm)
  • 1 cake yeast (or 2¼ tsp active dry yeast)
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp shortening (heaping)
  • 1 egg
  • 3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp melted butter
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ¼ cup nuts (chopped, optional)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

  • Pour lukewarm buttermilk into a mixing bowl.
  • Crumble the yeast into the buttermilk and stir gently until dissolved.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • Add baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar to the bowl.
  • Stir until combined.

Step 3: Add Rich Ingredients

  • Mix in the shortening and egg.
  • Blend until smooth.

Step 4: Form the Dough

  • Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
  • Mix and lightly knead until smooth but still soft.

Step 5: Rest the Dough

  • Cover the dough with a towel.
  • Let stand for 10–15 minutes.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

  • Divide dough into small rolls.
  • Shape each into smooth balls.

Step 7: Coat and Fill

  • Roll each dough ball in melted butter.
  • Place brown sugar into the baking pan.
  • Add raisins and optional chopped nuts.

Step 8: Arrange in Pan

  • Place the dough balls into the prepared baking pan over the sugar mixture.

Step 9: Rise the Dough

  • Cover and allow the rolls to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 10: Bake

  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 16–18 minutes until golden brown.

Step 11: Serve

  • Allow rolls to cool slightly before serving warm.

Tips

  • Substitute active dry yeast if fresh cake yeast is unavailable.
  • Add cinnamon to the brown sugar for a sweeter flavor.
  • Use pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
  • Replace raisins with dried cranberries or currants.
  • Brush tops with extra butter after baking for softness.
  • Let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  • Use whole milk with a splash of vinegar if buttermilk is unavailable.
  • Bake in a cast iron skillet for crisp golden edges.
  • Add orange zest for a citrus twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 270mgPotassium: 115mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 180IUCalcium: 58mgIron: 2mg
Keyword bake from scratch, bread, buttery, classic recipes, comfort food, holiday baking, homemade rolls, nostalgic food, vintage baking, yeast bread
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