We absolutely love Maddox Rolls, those irresistibly soft and buttery treats that hail from the iconic Maddox Ranch House in Utah. Originating as a beloved staple in American comfort food, they’ve captured hearts with their simple yet heavenly flavor that pairs perfectly with family dinners or holiday feasts.
Today we’re excited to bring this timeless recipe into your kitchen, proving it’s easier than you think to recreate that warm, homemade magic. With our straightforward guide, you’ll impress everyone at the table in no time.
Ingredients
To recreate our signature Maddox Rolls at home, we gather high-quality ingredients that deliver their irresistible soft and buttery texture. Below, we’ve listed them in the order they’re typically used, with prep notes for precision.
- Warm milk: 1 cup (warmed to 110°F/43°C) – This activates the yeast and adds moisture for a tender crumb.
- Active dry yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons – Ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise; proof it in the warm milk first.
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup – Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the rolls’ rich flavor.
- Unsalted butter, melted: ¼ cup – Use high-quality butter for that signature Maddox melt-in-your-mouth quality; let it cool slightly before mixing.
- Large egg: 1 – Room temperature to help bind the dough and enrich its texture.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon – Fine sea salt works best to enhance the overall taste without overpowering.
- All-purpose flour: 3 ½ to 4 cups – Sifted for even measurement to achieve the perfect dough consistency; add gradually as needed.
- Additional unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons, softened – For brushing the tops post-baking to lock in that glossy, buttery finish we love in Maddox Rolls.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Maddox Rolls with precision and ease, we need the right tools and equipment. These essentials help us handle the dough, ensure proper rising, and achieve that perfect golden bake, building on the ingredients we’ve gathered.
Here’s a comprehensive list of the key items we recommend:
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for activating the yeast and balancing flavors, so we use sturdy, heat-resistant sets to measure out the warm milk, sugar, and other ingredients precisely.
- Large Mixing Bowl: This serves as our primary vessel for combining the yeast mixture with flour and other dry ingredients, allowing ample space for kneading and rising the dough to its soft, fluffy potential.
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook (or Hand Mixer): For efficient dough preparation, we rely on a stand mixer to knead the dough until smooth and elastic, saving time while ensuring the texture of our Maddox Rolls is just right; if unavailable, a sturdy wooden spoon works as a manual alternative.
- Instant-Read Thermometer: We use this to check the milk’s temperature (around 110°F) for optimal yeast activation, preventing any mishaps that could affect the rise and overall quality of the rolls.
- Baking Sheet or Muffin Tin: Essential for shaping and baking, we opt for a non-stick baking sheet to create uniform rolls with that signature buttery crust, or a muffin tin for portion control.
- Oven: A reliable oven preheated to 375°F is key for baking our rolls to golden perfection, ensuring even heat distribution for the best results.
- Pastry Brush: We love this for gently brushing softened butter onto the rolls post-bake, enhancing their glossy finish and rich flavor as mentioned in our ingredients section.
- Plastic Wrap or Clean Kitchen Towel: This helps cover the dough during rising, maintaining a warm, draft-free environment to let our Maddox Rolls develop their soft, airy interior.
- Timer: A simple kitchen timer keeps us on track for proofing and baking times, guaranteeing consistent, professional-quality outcomes every time.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to move seamlessly into the preparation process, making our Maddox Rolls a breeze to create at home.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s create the soft, buttery Maddox Rolls that everyone loves. We will walk you through each step with precision to deliver that signature fluffy texture and irresistible aroma.
Prep the Dough
To start, we activate the yeast by combining 1 cup of warm milk (around 110°F) with 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. We stir gently until the yeast dissolves and the mixture becomes frothy, signaling it’s ready—typically after 5-10 minutes.
Next, we add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture, blending everything with a stand mixer on low speed until smooth. Gradually, we incorporate 4 cups of all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, switching to a dough hook for kneading once the mixture forms a shaggy ball. We knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is elastic and no longer sticky, adding a tablespoon of flour if needed to achieve that perfect, smooth consistency that promises tender rolls.
Let it Rise
Once the dough is prepped, we transfer it to a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. We cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm, draft-free spot to rise.
This first rise takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough doubles in size, allowing the yeast to work its magic and develop that light, airy texture we adore in Maddox Rolls. We check periodically to ensure it’s ready by gently pressing it—the indentation should slowly spring back.
Shape and Bake
After the dough has risen, we punch it down gently to release air bubbles, then turn it out onto a floured surface. We divide the dough into 12-15 equal portions, shaping each into a smooth ball by rolling it between our palms, and place them on a greased baking sheet or muffin tin, spacing them about 2 inches apart for even baking.
We cover the shaped rolls loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy. Preheat our oven to 375°F during this time. Once risen, we bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes until golden brown on top, filling our kitchen with the warm, buttery scent that makes these rolls so comforting. Immediately after baking, we brush the tops with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter for that glossy, flavorful finish.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Maddox Rolls recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules—we can prepare the dough ahead of time to enjoy fresh-baked rolls without the last-minute rush. This approach keeps the rolls soft, buttery, and full of that signature flavor, allowing us to impress guests effortlessly.
Preparing the Dough in Advance
To make the dough ahead, follow these steps after the initial mixing and kneading stage from our main instructions:
- Step 1: After kneading the dough until smooth, place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying.
- Step 2: Let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours at room temperature.
- Step 3: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. At this point, we have options for storage—refrigerate for short-term or freeze for longer.
Storage Options
We recommend these methods to maintain the dough’s texture and freshness:
- Refrigeration (Up to 24 Hours): Shape the dough into rolls as per the main instructions, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the shaped rolls loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This slow cold rise enhances flavor, but bring the rolls to room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Freezing (Up to 1 Month): For longer storage, shape the rolls and arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually until solid (about 1-2 hours). Transfer the frozen rolls to an airtight freezer bag or container. Label with the date to track freshness.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips for Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 24 hours | Thaw in fridge overnight; proof at room temperature before baking to avoid dense texture. |
| Freezing | Up to 1 month | Thaw overnight in the fridge; allow an extra 30 minutes of proofing to regain fluffiness. |
Baking from Make-Ahead Dough
When we’re ready to bake, the process is straightforward and yields rolls with that golden, buttery crust we love:
- Step 1: If refrigerated, remove the shaped rolls from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until they puff up slightly.
- Step 2: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake as directed in the main instructions until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
- Step 3: Immediately brush the baked rolls with melted butter for that glossy finish and irresistible aroma.
By following these make-ahead steps, we ensure our Maddox Rolls remain a convenient yet indulgent treat for any occasion.
Conclusion
We’ve enjoyed guiding you through this Maddox Rolls adventure
It’s a rewarding way to create homemade warmth and flavor
We’re confident these rolls will elevate your gatherings
and become a cherished staple in your baking routine
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Maddox Rolls?
Maddox Rolls are soft, buttery treats from the Maddox Ranch House in Utah. They’re a beloved staple of American comfort food, perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any gathering, offering a warm, homemade touch.
What ingredients are needed for Maddox Rolls?
You’ll need warm milk, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, a large egg, salt, and all-purpose flour. Use high-quality ingredients for the best texture—warm the milk to activate the yeast and sift the flour for smooth dough.
What tools are required to make Maddox Rolls?
Essential tools include measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a large mixing bowl, a stand mixer with a dough hook for kneading, an instant-read thermometer for milk temperature, a non-stick baking sheet or muffin tin, a pastry brush for butter, and plastic wrap for rising.
How do I make Maddox Rolls at home?
Start by activating yeast in warm milk and sugar until frothy. Mix in butter, egg, salt, and flour to form dough, then knead until smooth. Let it rise, punch down, shape into rolls, and rise again. Bake until golden, then brush with melted butter for a glossy finish.
Can I prepare Maddox Rolls in advance?
Yes, you can. Prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate shaped rolls for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to a month. When ready, let them thaw and rise before baking to maintain their soft, buttery texture and fresh taste.
How should I store Maddox Rolls?
Store baked rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze for up to a month—thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for the best flavor and texture.