Old-Fashioned Butter Rolls

 

Old-Fashioned Butter Rolls: A Southern Classic with Timeless Comfort

If there's one recipe that wraps up warmth, tradition, and irresistible comfort in a single bite, it’s Old-Fashioned Butter Rolls. This humble Southern dessert has stood the test of time, passed down from generation to generation, and for good reason.

Soft, biscuit-like dough is rolled up with generous amounts of butter and sugar, baked until golden, and then drenched in a rich, creamy milk sauce. The result? A buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat that blurs the line between breakfast, dessert, and pure indulgence.

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What Are Old-Fashioned Butter Rolls?

Think of them as a cross between cinnamon rolls and bread pudding—with a Southern twist. Unlike traditional yeast-based rolls, butter rolls use biscuit dough as the base, which makes them tender, flaky, and quicker to prepare. Once baked in a sweet milk sauce, the rolls soak up all the buttery goodness, becoming incredibly soft and luscious.

These are the kind of desserts that remind you of your grandma’s kitchen—simple, homemade, and made with love.

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold)

• 2/3 cup whole milk

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice twist

For the Milk Sauce:

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

2. Add the Filling

Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with sugar and vanilla. If you like a little spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Roll the dough up tightly from the long side, jelly-roll style, and slice into about 1-inch thick pieces.

3. Arrange and Prepare the Sauce

Place the rolls cut-side up in a buttered baking dish.

In a saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, and vanilla. Heat until warm but not boiling, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the milk sauce over the rolls in the baking dish.

4. Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed and golden, and the milk sauce has thickened into a sweet, buttery glaze.

5. Cool & Serve

Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a spoonful of that buttery milk sauce over the top.

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Tips & Variations

• Make it ahead: Prepare the rolls and sauce separately, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

• Add fruit: A few chopped apples or peaches rolled up inside make these extra special.

• Don’t skimp on the sauce: The milk sauce is what transforms this from a basic roll to a rich, comforting dish.

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A Taste of Nostalgia

Old-Fashioned Butter Rolls are more than just a dessert—they’re a memory, a tradition, and a celebration of simple, soulful ingredients. Whether you're making them for Sunday dinner, a holiday gathering, or just because you need a little comfort food, this recipe delivers every time.

It's a little messy, a lot buttery, and absolutely worth every bite.