Old-Fashioned Southern Butter Rolls

Cat Berner's Note:

This is a very old recipe. I've read that butter rolls may have originally come about as a way for Southern cooks to use up biscuit dough scraps. Whatever the history behind this old-timey treat, it's one of my favorite comfort foods. Try adding finely chopped apple to the filling.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup butter, softened (can use less)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 cups milk
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease a large baking dish; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut shortening in until mixture looks like course crumbs. Add water, and stir just until combined. Use your hands to press dough together until it forms a ball.
3. Turn out onto a floured surface, and roll dough out into a large rectangle. The dough should be rolled fairly thinly, like you would dough for cinnamon rolls. Spread butter evenly over the top, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup sugar and nutmeg. Roll up tightly, and pinch ends to seal. Cut into 12 equal slices. Place cut side down in baking dish.
4. In a saucepan, heat 2/3 cup sugar, milk, and vanilla until bubbles form. Remove from heat, and pour over top of rolls. Bake 30-40 minutes.
5. *Note: These rolls can also be made without the milk sauce if you'd like, with a little milk or cream being poured over individual servings instead.

Reviews

[Bay Laurel]

this is a kid pleaser. I barely got becauses DD and her friends wouldnt stay out of it. I considered this dish a "healthy" cinnimon roll. Yum. Made for PAC Fall 2009. Thanks for sharing cat Berner.