Butter Roll

Old fashioned southern butter roll is comfort food dessert decadence. It's inexpensive, simple to make, and brings back precious memories at mamaw's house.

There's something inherently comforting about Southern desserts, and the Southern Butter Roll is no exception. This old recipe, often described as a cross between a cinnamon roll and a bread pudding, embodies the warmth and coziness of Southern hospitality.

Mamaw has been making butter roll for over 70 years. In Mamaw's words, "My mommy taught me how to make butter roll. We always had the ingredients on hand it was cheap to make. Sometimes we would make it with leftover biscuit scraps." Mamaw's mother passed away when she was 13, but she taught her how to make so many recipes that she's now passed down to her children, to me, and now to y'all as well including her Fried Apple Pies, Applesauce Jam Cake, and Turtle Cake.

With its tender, buttery, flaky biscuit dough rolls bathed in a creamy, sweet sauce, Butter Roll will make you feel right at home, no matter where you are. It's perfect for family gatherings or a simple weekend treat and is a beloved favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: The ingredient for old fashioned butter roll are likely already in your pantry and fridge!
• Cheap Dessert: With a handful of inexpensive ingredients you likely already have on hand, it's a budget-friendly go-to dessert recipe!
• Versatile: You can customize the flavors of the filling to your liking!
• Nostalgic Charm: Just one bite of this ooey-gooey dessert brings back sweet memories and it feels like home!

What You'll Need

• Self-Rising Flour: This flour is the foundation of the dough and premixed with a leaving agent and salt.
• Shortening: Adds tenderness and flakiness to the dough, making the rolls light and soft.
• Milk: Used to create a soft dough and adds moisture to the rolls.
• Salted Butter: A stick of butter is key to the rich flavor. It plays a role in both the dough and the sauce.
• Nutmeg (optional): Adds a warm, aromatic spice that enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.
• Water: Forms the base of the creamy sauce, helping to dissolve the sugar and carry the flavors.
• Sugar: Sweetens the rolls and the sauce, creating a caramelized, sugary finish.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the sweetness of the dish.
• Optional Toppings: Vanilla ice cream and/or fresh whipped cream.

Tools You'll Need

• Mixing Bowl
• 13”x9” Baking Pan
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Liquid Measuring Cups
• Rubber Spatula
• Baker's Mat, optional
• Butter Knife, optional
• Rolling Pin, optional
• Pastry Cutter, optional
• Ice Cream Scoop, optional

How to Make This Recipe

1. First, you'll make the dough. In a large bowl, using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands like Mamaw, cut the flour and shortening together until it resembles a small crumble. Add milk and stir until it's a cohesive ball. 

2. Turn the dough on top of a generously floured surface. You can work on a clean countertop or on a bakers mat.

3. Roll the dough with a rolling pin or flat cup into a 12"x20" rectangle. Using a knife or spreader, spread 8 tablespoons of the butter onto the dough in an even layer.

4. If you'd like, sprinkle with nutmeg or your favorite butter roll fillings (see options under Expert Tips and Substitutions.

5. Roll the dough up from the short end and cut into 3 individual log rolls. Cut those 3 log rolls in half. 

6. Heat the remaining butter in a 13"x9" baking dish in the oven that's preheating to 450℉ until melted. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and place the rolls evenly on the bottom of the pan.
7. For the glaze, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together water, sugar, and vanilla. Heat just until the sugar dissolves and comes to a boil. Carefully pour the syrup on top of the rolls. 

8. Bake 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350℉ and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Slice and serve with a spoon of the glaze on top. Optional, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream

Expert Tips and Substitutions

• Butter Roll Shape: The shape of old-fashioned butter roll depends on the way your Mamaw made it. It can be rolled into 3 logs like my mamaw does or into 2 larger logs. It can also be rolled cinnamon roll-style by rolling the flattened dough from the long side of the dough then cutting into 1-inch even rounds.
• Mix-In Options: Other ingredients folks like to put in the center of the dough for butter roll are cinnamon, chopped dried fruit and chopped pecans.
• Syrup Texture: The syrup poured on the dough will seem too thin. However, as it bakes, it'll thicken and puff up the dough.
• Toppings: Vanilla ice cream and fresh whipped cream make for excellent toppers for butter roll. They complement the warm, gooey texture perfectly!
  • How to make fresh whipped cream: With an electric mixer, whip 1 cup heavy whipping cream, half teaspoon vanilla extract or paste and ¼ cup confectioners sugar on high speed until stiff peaks form. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Double the recipe if you like extra whipped cream.
• Water versus Whole Milk: The buttery sauce is some old-fashioned butter rolls is made with the same amount of milk instead of water. A sweet milk sauce works great as well, but it's just not what my Mamaw does with her butter roll recipe.

Storage

Allow the rolls to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from becoming soggy. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

You can also freeze the rolls for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, wrap the rolls in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

To reheat the southern butter rolls, remove them from the refrigerator or freezer and let them come to room temperature. You can then reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until they are warmed through. You can also microwave them for 10-20 seconds, or until they are warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Favorite Desserts

• Coconut Meringue Pie
• Whipping Cream Pound Cake
• Baked Banana Pudding
• Oatmeal Cake