Freeze-and-Bake Rolls

Directions

1. 1

   In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 2 teaspoons sugar in warm water; let stand 5 minutes. Add warm milk, oil, salt and remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Stir in enough flour to form a stiff dough.
2. 2

   Turn out dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours.
3. 3

   Punch down dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 4 portions. Divide and shape each portion into 12 balls. Roll each ball into a 10-in. rope; tie into a loose knot, pinching together ends. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 20-30 minutes. Preheat oven to 300°.
4. 4

   Brush rolls with butter. Bake 15 minutes to parbake. Cool completely on a wire rack. Freeze in airtight freezer containers.
5. 5

   To serve, preheat oven to 375°. Bake frozen rolls on baking sheets until browned and heated through, 12-15 minutes.