Rolly Polly - Done!
Sarah’s grandfather would make Rolly Pollys from scratch on occasion. Though they seem to be a lot like cinnamon rolls, her grandfather would prepare them for dessert. Tonight we did the same.

The dough is simple, and more like a crust than bread. Here’s his recipe:

ROLLY POLLYS

  • 4 cups sifted flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 level teaspoons baking powder
  • generous cup of shortening
  • liquid (milk) to make a fairly soft dough.

Mix flour, salt & baking powder together. cut in shortening or rub it in until mixture is crumbly. add liquid to make a soft dough. roll dough to about 1 inch thick, spread 1/2 lb soft butter (not melted) then spread this over with light brown sugar to at least 1/2 inch thick, sprinkle with cinnamon, roll up into a long roll. cut slices 1 inch thick, grease pan & place rolly pollys right side, dont pack to tight in the pan. Bake in a hot over for 20 minutes or until light brown & sugar & butter begin to bubble. be careful they do not burn.

The process photos:
Rolly Polly - Butter Layer Rolly Polly - Brown Sugar and Cinnamon
Rolly Polly Roll Rolly Polly - Ready to Bake
Rolly Polly - Out of the Oven

Rolly Polly - Ready to BakeThe recipe doesn’t say how much milk to use. I used a cup and a half, and that was about right. I also baked them at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Because it’s a crust and not a bread it doesn’t turn brown like cinnamon rolls do. Critique from the expert also notes that the roll should be much tighter than the one I did.

Part of her happy memories was the mess that was created and that if you made them right you’d be covered with flour at the end. Success!