These homemade yeast dinner rolls have been a Thanksgiving tradition in my family for as long as I can remember. Passed down from my great-aunt, Irene Robertson, this recipe dates back to about 1948.
This dough is endlessly versatile. From this one cherished recipe, you can create classic dinner rolls, elegant Parker House rolls with their signature folded shape, or charming clover leaf rolls that look like tiny bouquets on your dinner table. Each variation carries the same tender crumb and buttery richness that made this recipe a family favorite.
The 1948 Kitchen
In 1948, with President Truman in the White House, American life was buzzing with post-war optimism. Families would gather around their Philco radios to listen to shows like "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts," while the aroma of freshly baked rolls filled their kitchens. In movie theaters, audiences were captivated by "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre," and at home, bakers were embracing modern conveniences like electric mixers and improved ovens.
1948 KitchenAid
Yeast Packets Were Revolutionary
When this recipe was published in 1948, it represented a baking revolution that had begun during World War II. Fleischmann's Laboratories developed active dry yeast specifically for soldiers overseas, creating a granular form that required no refrigeration and activated quickly with warm water. This was groundbreaking because before the 1940s, home bakers relied on fresh compressed yeast cakes that spoiled quickly and were temperamental to work with.
By 1948, granular yeast packets were becoming more widely available, offering unprecedented convenience and reliability. This recipe would have been among the early home baking recipes to take advantage of this revolutionary new form of yeast.
1948 Yeast Dinner Rolls Recipe
This classic 1948 yeast dinner rolls recipe has been passed down through generations as a treasured family tradition. It creates soft, fluffy, golden brown rolls perfect for holiday meals or everyday family dinners. Choose from timeless variations: classic dinner rolls, elegant Parker House rolls with their signature fold, or charming clover leaf rolls that pull apart beautifully. Whichever you pick, these homemade rolls carry the warmth of a simpler time and the comforting taste of homemade bread, ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aroma and flavor.
- Total Time: about 4 hours
- Yield: about 2 dozen 1x
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup scalded milk
- 4 tablespoons shortening
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 package active yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Wake Up the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in the warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly. This is how you know your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
- Scald the Milk: Gently heat the milk in a small saucepan until small bubbles form around the edge – this is called scalding. Remove from the heat and let it cool until it’s just warm to the touch.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, pour the cooled milk and add the yeast mixture. Stir in the melted shortening.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the 1 tablespoon of sugar and 2 teaspoons of salt, mixing until well combined.
- Mix the Dough: Add the beaten egg and mix again. Gradually add the flour, about one cup at a time, until a soft dough begins to form and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead to Perfection: Let the dough rest in the bowl for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a lightly floured board. Knead for about 15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl, turning it once to grease the top. Cover the bowl with a warm, damp towel and set it in a warm, draft-free place. Let it rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Gently punch down the dough to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 24 equal pieces. If you find it easier, you can first divide the dough into 6 log-shaped pieces and then cut each log into 4 smaller, equal pieces. A bench scraper or a sharp knife will help you make clean, even cuts.
- Prepare for the Final Rise: Shape each piece into a small ball. Arrange the dough balls in a greased muffin pan for perfectly uniform rolls, or place them snugly together on a baking sheet for pull-apart style rolls.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise one last time in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, or until they look puffy and have nearly doubled.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15 minutes, or until the tops are a beautiful golden brown.
- The Finishing Touch: As soon as you take the rolls out of the oven, brush their tops generously with melted butter. This gives them a lovely shine and an extra touch of rich flavor.
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Recipe Tips for Success
- While the original recipe calls for shortening, butter works beautifully and adds rich flavor.
- If using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, mix on low speed to avoid overworking the dough. The dough is ready when it forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Keeping the Tradition Alive
This 1948 recipe bridges the gap between the old ways of our grandmothers and the convenience of modern kitchens. Whether you're using fresh yeast or those reliable little packets, kneading by hand or with a stand mixer, the heart of the recipe remains unchanged.
The beauty of these rolls lies in their versatility and reliability. One recipe, three beautiful presentations, and countless memories waiting to be made around your dinner table. From simple family dinners to holiday celebrations, these homemade yeast rolls bring warmth and comfort to any meal.
I can't wait for you to bring the warmth of these rolls to your own table. Give this recipe a try and come back to let us all know how they turned out. I love hearing about your kitchen adventures.
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