Breads

Fan-Tan Rolls (Pull-Apart Rolls)

These slightly sweet pull-apart rolls are the match of any bakery. The shaping is easy but looks fancy, and the texture is moist and firm.

By Yankee Magazine|Nov 12 2020|

Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine

Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan

These slightly sweet pull-apart Fan-Tan rolls, a.k.a. “New England buttermilk rolls,” are the match of any bakery dinner roll. The shaping is easy but looks fancy, and the texture is moist and firm.

Yield:

Makes about 20 rolls.

Ingredients

4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 packages (scant tablespoon each) active dry yeast
1-1/2 cups buttermilk or sour milk
1/2 cup butter plus 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

In a large mixer bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, salt, soda, and yeast.

In a saucepan, heat buttermilk and 1/2 cup butter until buttermilk is warm (butter does not need to melt). Add to flour mixture. Blend with mixer at lowest speed until moistened, then beat for 2 minutes at medium speed.

By hand, stir in the remaining flour to make a stiff dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place until light and doubled in size (about 1 hour).

Punch down dough. On a floured board, roll out dough to a 15-inch square. Brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter, and cut dough into 1-1/2-inch-wide strips. Stack 5 strips together and cut into stacks 1-1/2 inches long.

Place cut-side down in greased muffin cups. Cover and let rise until doubled (about 30 minutes).

Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown. Serve warm.