Old-Fashioned Butter Rolls 🧈 | A Timeless Southern Dessert Recipe You’ll Treasure

By Chef Ina Garten & Chef Ree Drummond | Curated by the FreshTonerHungar Culinary Team

Few desserts capture the warmth of Southern hospitality quite like Old-Fashioned Butter Rolls. These golden, buttery pastries swimming in a sweet vanilla-infused milk sauce are pure comfort — simple, nostalgic, and soul-satisfying. Whether you remember them from your grandmother’s kitchen or you’re discovering them for the first time, this recipe brings that authentic homemade charm back to your table. 🍞💛

“This is the dessert that defines home baking,” says Chef Ina Garten. “It’s rustic, comforting, and made with ingredients you probably already have.”

Why You’ll Love These Old-Fashioned Butter Rolls

This dish is a cross between a cinnamon roll and a bread pudding — tender dough rolled with butter and sugar, baked, then bathed in a creamy vanilla milk sauce. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth dessert with a caramelized top and velvety texture underneath. It’s the kind of simple magic only classic recipes can offer. ✨

• ✅ 5 basic pantry ingredients — no fancy equipment needed.
• ✅ Rich, buttery flavor with a hint of vanilla sweetness.
• ✅ Versatile — perfect for dessert, brunch, or a holiday treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

For the Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup shortening or cold unsalted butter
• 5–6 tbsp ice water (as needed)

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or more to taste)

For the Milk Sauce (Dip)

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to sweetness preference)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Optional Flavor Variations

• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour and a pinch of salt. Cut in the shortening (or butter) using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Slowly stir in just enough ice water to form a stiff dough.

Chef Ree Drummond’s Tip: “Don’t overwork the dough. The key to light, flaky rolls is handling it as little as possible.”

Step 2: Roll and Fill

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out very thin. Use a small saucer or biscuit cutter to cut into rounds. Spread each piece with softened butter, then sprinkle generously with sugar.

For a decadent twist, combine dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans and sprinkle over the butter before rolling.

Tightly roll each round into a log — like a mini jelly roll — and place seam-side down in a buttered baking dish.

Step 3: Bake the Rolls

Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until lightly golden brown, about 12–15 minutes. Your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of butter and caramelizing sugar. 😋

Step 4: Prepare the Sweet Milk Sauce

While the rolls are baking, heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add enough sugar to reach your desired sweetness, then stir in vanilla extract. Keep the mixture hot but do not let it boil — you want it steamy and fragrant.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

When the rolls are lightly browned, carefully pour the hot milk mixture over them. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes. The rolls will soak up the sauce, becoming rich and custardy inside.

Serve warm, preferably with a drizzle of the milk sauce spooned over each serving. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent! 🥰

Chef’s Notes & Flavor Variations 🍯

• Cinnamon Sugar Butter Rolls: Mix 1 tsp cinnamon with sugar before sprinkling for extra warmth.
• Pecan Caramel Twist: Add chopped pecans and brown sugar for a praline-like flavor.
• Vanilla Bean Delight: Use real vanilla bean seeds in the milk sauce for a gourmet finish.
• Breakfast Version: Reduce sugar slightly and serve with coffee or tea for a morning treat.

Chef Ina Garten notes: “This is the kind of recipe that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about patience and good ingredients.”

Health & Nutrition Tips 🥛

• Use unsalted butter to control the sodium level.
• Substitute half-and-half for milk for a richer sauce, or almond milk for a lighter version.
• Use organic flour and raw cane sugar for a more wholesome dessert.
• For a healthier twist, reduce the sugar by 25% — the butter and vanilla still provide plenty of flavor.

Nutrition Facts Table 📊

Storage & Reheating Tips 🧁

• Store leftover butter rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
• These rolls taste even better the next day as the sauce continues to soak in!

Pairing Suggestions ☕

• Serve warm with Homemade Hot Chocolate for a cozy winter treat.
• Enjoy with Vanilla Iced Coffee on a summer afternoon.
• Pair with Country-Style Biscuits for a classic Southern brunch.

Expert Chef Commentary 👨‍🍳

• Chef Ree Drummond: “Butter rolls are comfort food at its finest — they remind me of simpler times and family gatherings.”
• Chef Ina Garten: “Don’t rush the sauce. The milk mixture is the heart of this dessert — it should be silky, not boiling.”
• Chef Bobby Flay: “A pinch of sea salt on top after baking enhances the caramel flavor beautifully.”

FAQs About Old-Fashioned Butter Rolls 🍮

1. Can I use butter instead of shortening in the dough?
   Absolutely! Butter adds a rich flavor, though shortening gives a slightly flakier texture.
2. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before rolling.
3. What type of milk works best for the sauce?
   Whole milk is traditional, but you can use 2% or half-and-half for different textures.
4. Can I add cinnamon to the filling?
   Definitely — cinnamon enhances the sweetness and adds warmth.
5. Can these rolls be frozen?
   Yes, freeze before baking, then thaw overnight and bake fresh for best results.
6. What if I don’t have vanilla?
   Try almond extract or maple syrup for a unique twist.
7. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Yes — use plant-based butter and almond or oat milk for the sauce.
8. Why pour the milk sauce over the rolls?
   It transforms them from basic pastry to a rich, pudding-like dessert!
9. How do I know when they’re done baking?
   The tops should be golden, and the milk sauce slightly thickened.
10. Where can I find more vintage dessert recipes?
    Visit this collection of classic Southern desserts for more inspiration.

Related Recipes You’ll Love ❤️

• Southern Peach Cobbler with Buttery Crust
• Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
• Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Final Thoughts 🧈💛

Old-Fashioned Butter Rolls are the kind of dessert that stands the test of time — simple, satisfying, and made with love. From the flaky dough to the sweet, silky milk sauce, every bite feels like a warm hug from Grandma’s kitchen. 💕

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your Southern baking journey, this recipe will win hearts at every table. Serve it warm, share it generously, and don’t forget to enjoy it slowly — because recipes like this are meant to be savored. 🍽️

Find more classic comfort desserts and family favorites at FreshTonerHungar.com — where tradition meets taste.