Description
This recipe provides an easy-to-follow guide for making irresistibly soft, buttery Lion House Rolls, perfect for busy weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or making everyday meals feel special. It promises delicious results for a cherished family favorite.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) warm water, 40–43 deg C (105–110 deg F)
- 2.25 teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast
- 0.5 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, divided
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm whole milk, 40–43 deg C (105–110 deg F)
- 0.33 cup (80 g) vegetable shortening, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon (7 g) fine sea salt
- 4.75 cups (600 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- 0.25 cup (60 ml) honey (for glaze)
- 0.25 cup (30 g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 0.5 teaspoon (2 g) ground green cardamom (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) warm water (for glaze)
- 0.25 cup (30 g) unsalted pistachios, toasted and finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 0.5 cup warm water, active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, remaining granulated sugar, melted vegetable shortening, eggs, and fine sea salt. Whisk until well combined, then pour in the activated yeast mixture.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add the 4.75 cups all-purpose flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a clean large bowl with vegetable shortening. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover tightly and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 60-90 minutes, or until it has visibly doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 24 equal pieces. Shape each into a smooth roll and arrange evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the baking pan loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let the rolls rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they are nearly doubled in size and visibly puffy.
- Bake Rolls to Golden Perfection: Preheat oven to 375 deg F (190 deg C). Bake rolls for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.
- Butter Bath: While the rolls are still warm from the oven, immediately brush them generously with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
- Glaze and Garnish: Whisk honey, powdered sugar, cardamom, and 1 tablespoon warm water for a smooth Honey-Cardamom Glaze. Drizzle over warm, buttered rolls for a glossy finish, then sprinkle with pistachios.
Notes
For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened almond milk. Unsalted butter is a great alternative for vegetable shortening for a richer flavor. Gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used, though results may vary in texture. For a shinier crust, brush rolls with an egg wash before baking. If rolls are browning too quickly during baking, tent them with foil.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 200 calories
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg