Traditional Yeast Dinner Rolls

Every holiday people isn't complete without some rolls. Many of us have fond memories of family holiday meals with a basket full of homemade rolls at grandma's house. These are easy to make. Don't be scared to make yeast dough. Rolls are especially easy because they take even less time to rise than bread.

Traditional Yeast Dinner Rolls
from Better Homes and Garden

1 1/4 cups warm water (105 degrees F to 115 degrees F)
1 package active dry yeast
4 - 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted, or vegetable oil
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
Nonstick cooking spray
2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional)

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl combine the warm water and yeast; stir to dissolve yeast. Add 1-1/2 cups of the flour, the sugar, 1/3 cup melted butter, egg, and salt. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute, scraping sides of bowl constantly. Using a wooden spoon, stir in enough of the remaining flour to make a soft dough that just starts to pull away from sides of bowl (dough will be slightly sticky).

Coat a 3-quart covered container with cooking spray. Place dough in container; turn once to grease surface of dough. Cover and chill overnight. Punch dough down. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan or baking sheets.

Shape dough into 24 balls or desired rolls (be careful not to overwork dough; it becomes stickier the more you work with it) and place in the prepared baking pan or 2 to 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly double in size (about 45 minutes).

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes for individual rolls, about 20 minutes for pan rolls, or until golden. Immediately remove rolls from pans. If desired, brush tops of rolls with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Serve warm.