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Imagine the aroma of freshly baked rolls wafting through your home, a golden crust giving way to a soft, fluffy interior with each bite. That’s the joy of our Refrigerator Rolls – the perfect addition to any meal, anytime.

These rolls are not only delicious but incredibly convenient, designed to rise slowly in the fridge and be ready to bake when you are.

Refrigerator Dough vs. Roll Dough

Refrigerator dough differs from regular roll dough in its preparation and ingredients. It usually contains more sugar and fat, which allows it to remain stable and slow-rising when stored in the fridge.

This type of dough can be made ahead of time and kept chilled until you’re ready to shape, rise again, and bake.

Bringing Dough to Room Temperature

It typically takes about 1-2 hours for refrigerated dough to come to room temperature, depending on the quantity and room temperature. However, with refrigerator rolls, you can often shape and let them rise directly from the fridge.

Refrigerating Homemade Rolls Before Baking

Absolutely! You can refrigerate homemade roll dough before baking. It’s actually the premise of refrigerator rolls, which can be prepared, shaped, and then stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.

Total Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes + 8 hours chilling
Rise Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients List

1 cup warm milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tbsp active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, melted butter, and the egg. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Activate Yeast: Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Mix in salt and one cup of flour until combined.
Add Remaining Flour: Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide into 16 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Refrigerate: Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Second Rise: Take the rolls out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake: Bake the rolls for 15 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Enjoy: Remove from the oven, brush with extra melted butter if desired, and serve warm.