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Are you a fan of warm, buttery yeast rolls, but don’t know how to make them? If so, you’re in luck! This blog post will provide an easy-to-follow recipe for recreating the iconic and oh-so delicious Golden Corral rolls right at home. The combination of chewy bread with melty butter is sure to bring warmth and comfort to your meals all year long. Read on for the full instructions and ingredient list necessary for creating these famous pastry treats – your taste buds won’t be disappointed!
History of Golden Corral Yeast Rolls
Golden Corral rolls have a long, rich history. The iconic dinner roll recipe dates back to the 1950s when it was created by the original founders of Golden Corral restaurants. Originally served with a side of butter and honey-butter spread, these delicious rolls quickly became a favorite among patrons – making them an integral part of the chain’s dining experience ever since.
Golden Corral Yeast Rolls Recipe

For your homemade version of Golden Corral yeast rolls, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup melted butter, plus more for brushing
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg

Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, sugar and salt. Stir until the yeast is dissolved and set aside for about 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Add in the vegetable oil, melted butter and 2 cups of the flour. Beat with an electric mixer for 5 minutes at low speed or until well combined.
- Gradually add in the remaining cup of flour while beating on low speed and scraping down sides of the bowl as needed with a rubber spatula or spoon. Once everything is incorporated, beat another minute longer to form a soft dough ball that pulls away from sides of the bowl cleanly.
- Lightly dust a clean surface with flour and turn out dough onto it. Knead for 5 minutes, lightly coating your hands with more flour as needed to prevent sticking. Form into a ball, place in the bowl and cover loosely with plastic wrap or a damp cloth (to prevent drying). Set aside in warm location to rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Punch down risen dough into same bowl and then turn it out onto floured surface again. Divide the dough into 12 equal sized pieces and form each one into a ball by gently rolling between your palms before placing on parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart from one another.
- Beat egg in small bowl and brush over each roll. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and then bake rolls for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and brush each roll again with melted butter while still hot. Serve warm, with additional butter if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions | Golden Corral Yeast Rolls Recipe
Q1: What type of yeast is used in this recipe?
A1: This recipe calls for active dry yeast.
Q2: Is it necessary to knead the dough?
A2: Yes, it is important to knead the dough for at least 5 minutes or until a soft dough ball forms that pulls away from sides of the bowl cleanly. It helps develop gluten and gives your rolls a chewy texture.
Q3: Do I have to brush each roll with beaten egg before baking?
A3: Yes, brushing each roll with beaten egg will help give them a golden color when baked.
Q4: How long do I need to let the rolls rise before baking?
A4: Allow the rolls to rise for 1 hour until doubled in size, then punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Let them rise again for 30 minutes before baking.
Q5: Is it necessary to brush with butter after baking?
A5: Yes, brushing each roll with melted butter while still hot helps add flavor and keeps them moist.
Q6: What are some other toppings I can use on my Golden Corral Yeast Rolls?
A6: These rolls are delicious when served with honey-butter spread or your favorite jam or jelly. They also make great slider buns!
Q7: Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
A7: Yes, the unbaked rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, shape and let them rise as instructed and then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid and then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking as directed.

Golden Corral Yeast Rolls
Equipment
- large bowl
- electric mixer
- rubber spatula or spoon
- clean surface for kneading dough
- parchment-lined baking sheet
- a small bowl
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup melted butter plus more for brushing
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, sugar and salt. Stir until the yeast is dissolved and set aside for about 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Add in the vegetable oil, melted butter and 2 cups of the flour. Beat with an electric mixer for 5 minutes at low speed or until well combined.
- Gradually add in the remaining cup of flour while beating on low speed and scraping down sides of the bowl as needed with a rubber spatula or spoon. Once everything is incorporated, beat another minute longer to form a soft dough ball that pulls away from sides of the bowl cleanly.
- Lightly dust a clean surface with flour and turn out dough onto it. Knead for 5 minutes, lightly coating your hands with more flour as needed to prevent sticking. Form into a ball, place in the bowl and cover loosely with plastic wrap or a damp cloth (to prevent drying). Set aside in warm location to rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Punch down risen dough into same bowl and then turn it out onto floured surface again. Divide the dough into 12 equal sized pieces and form each one into a ball by gently rolling between your palms before placing on parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart from one another.
- Beat egg in small bowl and brush over each roll. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and then bake rolls for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and brush each roll again with melted butter while still hot. Serve warm, with additional butter if desired.
Notes
Final Thoughts
There you have it friends, the coveted recipe for Golden Corral’s yeast rolls. Now you can enjoy them any time you want in the comfort of your own home. And if anyone asks, just tell them you got the recipe from a friend. If you’re feeling extra adventurous and want to take your baking skills to the next level, check out our blog post on gelato vs ice cream.
Who knows, maybe after reading that post you’ll be motivated to make your own homemade gelato! Thanks for reading and happy baking!
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