Southern Butter Roll Recipe: A Nostalgic Southern Classic
When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a Southern Butter Roll recipe. This simple, yet heavenly dessert has roots deep in Southern kitchens where resourceful cooks turned basic pantry ingredients into something magical. For me, this recipe brings back memories of Sunday suppers, sitting at Granny’s kitchen table, waiting for that warm, buttery goodness to come out of the oven. If you haven’t tried this old-fashioned treat, let me tell you—it’s the best thing ever.
What Is a Southern Butter Roll?
A Southern Butter Roll is the ultimate “poor folks dessert,” made with staples every cook has on hand: flour, milk, butter, sugar, and spices. While it’s incredibly simple, the result is pure magic—a soft, biscuit-like roll swimming in a sweet, creamy milk sauce.
It’s the kind of dessert you whip up on a whim, without running to the store, and the taste? Pure, buttery heaven. This dessert is so special because it reminds us of a time when resourcefulness and creativity were key to making a family feel full and loved.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Butter Roll Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients here—just what’s already in your pantry.
- Nostalgic and Comforting: Tastes like home and brings back memories of simpler times.
- Rich and Delicious: Buttery, cinnamon-spiced rolls soaked in a creamy milk sauce.
Ingredients
For the Butter Rolls:
- 2 Cups Self-Rising Flour
- ½ Cup Shortening
- 1 Cup Milk
- 1 stick (1/2 Cup) Butter, softened (or margarine if that’s what you have!)
- ¼ Cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
For the Milk Sauce:
- 2 Cups Milk
- ¼ Cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- 1 teaspoon Nutmeg (or just a “smidgin” if you prefer!)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Cut the shortening into the self-rising flour using a fork until it’s well incorporated.
- Stir in the milk until the dough comes together.
2. Roll It Out
- On a floured surface, turn out the dough and gently press it into a ball.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 7×10 inches).
3. Butter, Sugar, and Cinnamon
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup sugar and cinnamon over the buttered surface.
4. Roll and Slice
- Roll the dough up jelly-roll style and press it together lightly.
- Cut into 9 slices, about 1 inch thick each.
5. Prepare the Milk Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg.
- Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to bubble lightly.
6. Assemble and Bake
- Place the slices into a lightly greased 8×8 baking dish.
- Pour the warm milk sauce evenly over the rolls.
- Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes or until the rolls are lightly browned on top.
7. Serve and Soak Up the Goodness
- Allow the rolls to sit for a few minutes after baking so they can soak up the sauce.
- Spoon extra sauce over each roll when serving for maximum buttery goodness.
Tips for Perfect Butter Rolls
- Use Self-Rising Flour: This eliminates the need for baking powder or salt.
- Don’t Skip the Sauce: The milk sauce is what makes this dish so special—it soaks into the rolls, creating the perfect texture.
- Make It Your Own: Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
Why This Southern Butter Roll Recipe Is So Special
This recipe is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of Southern cooks. It takes humble ingredients and turns them into something unforgettable. Whether you grew up eating butter rolls or are discovering them for the first time, there’s no denying the nostalgia baked into every bite.
For me, it’s about more than just a dessert—it’s a piece of family history. It’s Granny humming her favorite tune as she baked, the smell of cinnamon filling the kitchen, and the sound of laughter around the table.
Serving and Storing
- Serve Warm: Butter rolls are best served fresh from the oven with plenty of sauce poured over the top.
- Reheat: Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that warm, gooey goodness.
- Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion: A Recipe Worth Passing Down
This Southern Butter Roll recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a sweet reminder of simpler times, family traditions, and the magic of turning basic ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen.
So go ahead, grab your flour and butter, and whip up this classic Southern treat. Trust me, it’s the best thing ever.