~ About Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix & My Copycat Recipe ~

This blast-from-my-past box of versatile, dependable baking goodness allowed me, as a young girl, to hone my skills with yeast dough and bread.  While I have many refined recipes for specialty breads and rolls in my repertoire (which, as a young adult I learned hands-on from my grandmother and mother), that was not always the case.  There was a time in my life, as a young pre-teen, ages 9-12 give-or-take, when I expressed a serious interest in experimenting, on my own, with my own creations, to imitate the recipes of my grandmother and mother.

I was a remarkably meticulous child, meaning:  If left alone in my mom's kitchen, I maintained a clean kitchen -- downright spotless.  Yes, even at that young age, I wasn't playing games in the kitchen.  For those reasons, my mom (encouragingly) kept a box or two of hot roll mix in our pantry -- for me and my yeast-bread-baking experiments.  It allowed me, unsupervised, to practice the techniques required for making and baking bread loaves and dinner rolls, and filled sweet rolls like honey buns, frosted cinnamon-raisin rolls, and, "her" poppyseed- and nut-rolls.  

At some point, mom sent away for a copy of the Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix Baking Book too, which, I still have. Besides containing over 100 recipes, it contained a lot of added information, which "upped my game" substantially.  I was on my way. 

Sure, I had failures.  First I put too much filling in a nut roll, the next time not enough, but, because of the easy-to-follow instructions on the box and the tips in their book, the bready end result was always edible. I learned how dry yeast works, and, got to practice the techniques necessary for working with yeast dough after it rises.  I also learned the importance of having a versatile, dependable, basic bread dough recipe. After a while, mom's investment had paid off.  

For novice bakers, this mix is "a catalyst for success".

The box mix = 15 1/2 oz. flour mixture + 1/2 oz. granulated yeast. After adding 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons butter & 1 egg, it yields 28 oz. dough.

For my copycat boxed mix, to be used in place of, and, as per instructions on boxed mix:

15 1/2-16  ounces unbleached, all purpose flour (about 3 cups)

2  ounces granulated sugar (about 1/4 cup)

1  teaspoon sea salt

2  ounces instant nonfat powdered/dry milk (about 1/2 cup)

2  1/4-ounce packets dry yeast granules (do not mix with dry ingredients until ready to bake)

1  cup warm water (to be stirred in when ready to bake)

Note:  When it's time to bake, you'll need to add 1 cup hot water, 2 tablespoons salted butter and 1 large egg to the dry mix and yeast (as per box's directions/see Cook's Note below). When kneading and/or rolling dough, you'll need about 1/2-3/4 cup additional bench flour too. To make their glazed cinnamon rolls as per the box, you'll need a few other additions as well.  As always, always follow the directions of the recipe you're making. 

In a 1-gallon ziplock bag mix all ingredients, except the yeast.  Seal.  Can be stored in pantry 3-4 months or in freezer 6-8 months.

~Step 1.  Place all of the dry  mix in a large bowl.  Add the yeast.  Using a spoon, stir the yeast into the flour mixture and fashion a well in the center of the bowl.  In a 1-cup measuring container, heat 1 cup of water in the microwave.  Add butter to hot water and stir until butter melts.

~Step 2.  Pour water mixture into well of flour.  Using a fork, beat the egg in the measuring container, then add the egg to the well too.  Using the spoon, stir until a soft dough forms.

~Step 3.  Spread some bench flour on a large wooden pastry board.  Turn dough out onto board and knead until a smooth-surfaced ball of dough forms, adding a bit of extra flour, if necessary to reduce stickiness, about 5-6 minutes.  Cover the ball of dough with the bowl and rest, 5-6 minutes.  You will have 28 ounces of really-easy-to-work-with dough.  Amongst other things, this is enough to make 12 dinner rolls, or 12 cinnamon rolls, or 2 nut or poppyseed-type rolls.

Use a kitchen scale to divide dough into 2-12 portions:

Sub my mix & use as directed in recipes on box...

... like Pillsbury's glazed cinnamon roll recipe:

Or, use as directed in your own family recipes:

Nut & poppyseed rolls are two of my favorites:

About Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix & My Copycat Recipe:  Recipe yields 20 ounces dry, hot roll mix/28 ounces dough (after the addition of the wet ingredients).

Special Equipment List:  kitchen scale or measuring cups and spoons; ziplock bag; tablespoon; fork; large wooden pastry board

Cook's Note:  Here is a photo of the instructions, from the back of the box, for their dinner rolls.  Their cinnamon roll and pizza crust recipes are on the box too. Because of that, I recommend purchasing and using a box of the hot roll mix, at least once.  First, you will get "a feel" for how this mix works. Second, after clipping the box apart, you get a copy of all of the instructions that appear on the box for future reference.  Have fun! 

"We are all in this food world together." ~ Melanie Preschutti

(Recipe, Commentary and Photos courtesy of Melanie's Kitchen/Copyright 2019)

Comments

[KitchenEncounters]

Joann -- I assure you the amount of yeast is indeed correct. Trust me with certainty!

[Joann Strong]

Is the amount of yeast correct for 3 cups of flour? Looking at a few other recipes they only have I packet to 5 cups of flour ? Thanks

[KitchenEncounters]

Lois -- Agreed. If you can find it, go for it, it's a good product!

[Lois]

I bought a six pack this week on Amazon. It was not hard to find and now I have plenty for awhile. Good luck to all!

[KitchenEncounters]

Margaret -- I've heard the same thing from other folks. Trust me when I tell you, if you try my recipe, you will be very, very pleased!

[Margaret davis]

I found several boxes of the pillsbury roll mix in the store. However, they are definitely not the same taste. What has happened? I ordered some online and they were ok. Is the new company changing its recipe for the boxed mix??

[KitchenEncounters]

Cleon -- TWO packets of yeast. Use TWO packets of yeast, just as the recipe is written.

[Cleon Sykes]

yeast do you use 1 or 2 packets of yeast. Your recipe states use 2

[KitchenEncounters]

Jan -- It is indeed two packets of yeast. I did the weights and measurements carefully. The package of yeast that comes with the boxed mix is a "double pack".

[Jan]

Please clarify amount of yeast in your recipe. Is is 2 yeast packets @ 1/4 ounce each? The reason I ask is that 2 packets sounds like too much because someone posted that the Restar yeast that comes in the Pillsbury boxed mix is 12 grams. According to what I found online, that equates to just over one packet of yeast. Please confirm.

[KitchenEncounters]

Kathy -- Thanks for the feedback. Every seems to be VERY pleased with this recipe, but, you seem to be the only one who has tried substituting milk for water (in place of powdered milk). MANY thanks for letting us all know it works! ~ Melanie

[Kathy]

Thank you for the Hot Roll Mix copy cat recipe, like seemingly everyone else we have an old recipe that uses the mix, and not being able to find it is sooo frustrating! I did not have powdered milk so used 1 cup warm milk for the listed water, it worked great. It seemed slightly sweeter (ours is a savory bread) than what I remember from the original mix, but perhaps using all the fresh milk made it seem that way. I will not bother to look for the box again!

[Tracy]

An update: I contacted Pillsbury and was told that General Mills owns Pillsbury except for the dry baking mixes and frosting products which, as of September 2018, are owned by Hometown Food Company, a subsidiary of Brynwood Partners. Their website talks about the pandemic causing supply issues and how they have worked to increase supply in response. I would suggest that anyone having trouble finding the hot roll mix (or any product) in their grocery store should talk with the dry goods/grocery manager and ask them to put in a request for product.

[Tracy]

In Southern Nevada we are still able to buy Pillsbury Hot Roll mix in our 2 major store chains - Albertsons/Vons and Smiths/Kroger. It is still a Pillsbury product (as stated on the box). I came here because to me it has a slight chemical/preservative taste that in the more delicate recipes not using a lot of mix-ins I think is pronounced enough that I don't enjoy the final product as much as I'd like to. I wanted to be able to replicate the yeast rolls, pizza dough, and cinnamon rolls shown on the box with a fresher home-made flavor. I have to say that reading the comments here has made me wish there was somewhere I could find all the other recipes people make using this product - I think peach kuchen, paska, apricot bread with sunflower seeds, and Norwegian Christmas Bread made with this roll mix all sound amazingly good.

[Jenny]

I am wondering if anyone has tried substituting regular milk for the dry milk powder, and has feedback on how that worked? I know this subject has been brought up before in the comments - so before trying it myself, I thought I would ask if anyone else had tried this substitution! And thank you for the copycat recipe, Melanie!

[KitchenEncounters]

Steve -- So glad to be of service -- haha! Happy New Year!!!

[Steve G.]

Disappointed to find the subject box mix absent from local stores, I searched for alternatives, found your copycat process, and used it to realize my family nutroll recipe yesterday. It turned out great. Your shared IP saved the project, thanks! (BTW, love the website URL :)

[KitchenEncounters]

Gloria -- So glad I could help! Norwegian Christmas bread sounds wonderful!! Happy Holidays!!! ~ Melanie

[Gloria Bodin]

Can't find it at the stores here in Miami! so sad...but that you so much for posting this recipe. I use it only on Christmas to make my family's favorite Norwegian Christmas bread. It saves me tons of time in the kitchen when I used the Pillsbury Hot roll mix... So I am appreciative! Thanks again!

[KitchenEncounters]

Karen -- Happy baking and happy holidays (and thank-you for the kind words)! ~ Mel.

[KitchenEncounters]

Judy -- Glad to be of help. Happy baking and happy holidays! ~ Mel.

[Karen]

Thank you so much for this hack. I cannot find the Hot Roll mix in the stores anymore and my family loves a particular recipe with this as the base.

[Judy Anderson]

Can’t buy P Hot Roll Mix here any more! I have searched and could only find recipies for 20 or 10 Cups of flour. Tried this one and it is exactly what I was looking for! THX, THX, THX!

[KitchenEncounters]

Thank YOU Kelli for the thank-you. This recipe is a keeper, and, I'm quite proud of it. ~ Melanie

[Kelli]

Thank you for taking the time to recreate this and posting it so we all can enjoy it. I too haven't been able to find the Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix in the stores and I can't wait to try this!

[KitchenEncounters]

Pat -- I am so pleased, and, thank-you for taking the time to let me know. You made my day! ~ Melanie

[Pat G Morris]

Melanie --me again! After you answered my question; I felt confident to make a loaf of bread using your instructions for your copycat recipe for the Pillsbury hot roll mix. I thought about attaching a picture of it so you can see how delicious it looks; but since I can't attach one; just imagine a round loaf of Apricot Bread with Sunflower seeds. It is so pretty and yummy! Thank you so very much!!!! Pat

[Kathryn White]

So glad to find this post! For Susan Miller, would you be willing to share that peach kuchen recipe? Our family has lost ours and we would love to recapture the tradition.

[KitchenEncounters]

Yes Pat, you understood correctly. Just make my mix and proceed with your recipe. Happy baking! ~ Melanie

[Pat G Morris]

Good afternoon! Years ago when you could get the small Pillsbury cookbooks at the checkout stand of the grocery store (and by subscription); and easily find the Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix; I made a bread recipe that used the hot roll mix and had nuts,and fruit in the bread. Do I understand you correctly that if I used your recipe to replace the package of Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix; I could just add the other ingredients to the bread; nuts, fruit, fruit juice, egg and butter? I am excited that you developed the recipe; and I am looking forward to making the bread again. Thanks!!

[KitchenEncounters]

Cmdrthom -- I hadn't heard they sold it, but that would explain its absence. I guarantee you'll be pleased with my copycat version. ~ Mel.

[Cmdrthom]

Pillsbury sold off the Hot Roll Mix to another company last year.
I can't remember the name of the company, but I do remember them promising to continue with the product.
The only places I've been able to fine it is on-line at Amazon or Ebay -Both at outrageously exhorbitent prices (think $10 to $15 per box). Thanks for your recipe. I'm looking forward to trying it.

[KitchenEncounters]

Janelle -- I really have no idea how that would work, since dry milk powder is part of the dry ingredients weight. That said, dry milk powder is now available on-line (it was hard to get for a time, but, it's back). I just bought some via Amazon about a week ago.

[Janelle]

Thank you so much for sharing! Love the mix but it’s hard to find is there a way to use real Milk and maybe less water later? I don’t have powdered milk on hand

[B. Stewart]

My mom always used Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix for her pizza crust and it was fantastic! Their mix is getting harder and harder to find in the grocery stores here, so I am very happy to try your copycat recipe. I expect the absence from the shelves is most likely due to a lack of demand as fewer and fewer were opting for home baking over take-out. I hear the coronavirus quarantining has led to more home baking so, maybe, stores will begin stocking this again? Who knows? In any event, I’m happy to find your recipe! Thank You for creating and posting it. I’ll let you know how it turns out.

[Suzanne]

Thank you so much for posting this information. I had used the yeast package from my box of the Hot Roll Mix I had on hand when I need an extra package of yeast for a Challah bread recipe. Then when I wanted to use the box mix I wasn't sure exactly how much yeast was in that yeast package I had used. I did a search of the internet and your blog popped up. What a Blessing to find you and all the information you share on your website. Thank you, again and be safe.

[KitchenEncounters]

Caryl -- I'd have to experiment with it to be 100% certain, but, I would start by substituting 1 cup warm milk for the water. It should work fine, but, again, I would have to experiment to be 100% certain. If you do it and it works, would you please report back? Thanks!

[Caryl]

I am also trying to make my family's Paska bread for Easter and could not find Hot Roll Mix. I also don't have dry milk and was hoping to avoid another trip to the store (covid) and was wondering if I could use regular milk? And if so, I assume I would use less (or no) water?

[KitchenEncounters]

Melissa -- You made my day. Happy Easter to you and yours! ~ Melanie

[Melissa]

Melanie - I cannot thank you enough for sharing this recipe! The box mix is my go-to for Cinammon Rolls because the flavor and texture are perfect. I used your mix and the first batch is currently rising :). We cannot wait to enjoy them with a wonderful buttercream icing. It was very kind of you to post this for all to enjoy. Sending well wishes for health and blessings this Easter season!

[KitchenEncounters]

Amanda -- Happy Easter!

[AMANDA RANGEL]

I have used the Hot Roll mix for 2 of my grandmother's recipes as she found it to be a great time saver. I couldn't find the mix today and can no longer ask her (RIP) how to make our traditional Paska from scratch. It isn't Easter without it! Thank you for posting this!!!!

[KitchenEncounters]

Darci -- As per the back of the Pillsbury hot roll mix box:

INGREDIENTS: 1 package roll mix (or my recipe for roll mix); 1 1/4 cups hot water; 6 tablespoons olive oil (divided); no-stick cooking spray; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2/3 cup pizza sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

COMBINE: Roll mix and yeast packet in bowl. Stir in hot water and 3 tablespoons oil, until dough pulls away from sides of bowl. Knead on lightly-floured surface 2-3 minutes, or until smooth, adding additional bench flour if and as needed.

PLACE: Oven rack on lowest position. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Coat 2, 12"-round pizza pans with no-stick spray. Divide dough in half. Pat dough onto prepared pans. Pierce dough on each crust in several spots with a fork. Cover dough with plastic wrap and a towel. Let rise 15 minutes.

COMBINE: The 3 remaining tablespoons olive oil and garlic power. Uncover dough. Brush with oil mixture. Bake 5 minutes. Remove from oven. Top each crust with 1/3 cup pizza sauce, 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Bake 8-10 minutes or until crust is deep golden.

YIELD: 16 slices.

[Darci]

Does anyone have the instructions to make pizza dough?

[KitchenEncounters]

D. Morgan. Thank-you for your comment. That said, my mix recipe works, as written, without fail, and, I did not use rapid-rise yeast for these reasons: The granules of rapid-rise yeast are smaller than instant yeast granules. The yeast granules in the Pillsbury mix were not smaller. and, they weighed and measured the same as granulated yeast. Some amount of ascorbic acid must be added to yeast granules for preserving it; rapid-rise yeast does not have ascorbic acid. The side of the box reads: dry yeast (yeast containing sorbitan monostearate and ascorbic acid). MOREOVER: Pillsbury Hot Roll mix was on store shelves LONG before rapid-rise yeast was invented. Should you wish to experiment using rapid-rise yeast with my recipe, feel free to do so, and let me know how it goes. I'm guessing it will work just fine.

[D. Morgan]

I do believe the Pillsbury boxed roll mix uses rapid rise yeast. You mix the yeast with the flour and add water heated to 120-130 degrees. After kneading, you let the dough rise 5 minutes, then form your rolls. This is the rapid rise method. If you use regular yeast in this recipe, you will have to let the dough rise until double in size or at least an hour or so. Regular yeast also uses warm water, around 100-110. Some methods require you to proof your yeast before mixing it. You should be able to mix the regular yeast in flour mixture and add the warm water to the flour, regular yeast, butter and egg.Be sure to adjust your liquid temp and rising times depending on which yeast you use.

[KitchenEncounters]

Melissa -- I am so happy you found my copycat recipe. I can say with certainty you're gonna love it. Enjoy your freedom from trying to find the boxed mix! ~ Melanie

[Melissa]

My mom has made cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning with the Pilsbury Hot Roll mix, for as long as I can remember. Sadly, this Christmas, we couldn't find the mix at any of the local stores. A search on Amazon revealed we wouldn't receive the order until after Christmas. So, no cinnamon rolls this year. I'm so excited to show her your post and make some of these mixes for her to use anytime she wants! Thanks for posting!

[KitchenEncounters]

Denice -- Thank-you for your comment. I am so happy I posted my copycat recipe for this mix here on my blog. I decided to develop a recipe for it because I too was finding it increasingly hard to find the boxed mix on my stores shelves, and, I am confident you will be VERY happy with it (I like it BETTER than the mix). That said, I am confused as to why Pillsbury has discontinued its sales to stores, even though it is available on Amazon at all times. Happy baking and thanks for the nice comment. ~ Melanie

[Denice Stout]

I have been using this product in my Bakery for years. Having to scrimp and save to find it has been a terrible terrible thing for us. We have relied on this product for our jumbo cinnamon rolls we make every single day and help Hillsberry could pull such a great product when people are obviously using it is ridiculous please bring the product back I am having to go through food marketing company to purchase this product and I have to purchase 550 pound bags at a time. Also the inconvenience of a three week wait is just too much. Please bring the bags back in the boxes back to the shelves we need this product but I will say thank you for the recipe we will use this recipe starting today thank you so much for helping me save my Bakery’s number one seller much love

[KitchenEncounters]

Karryn -- I think you misunderstood the purpose of my post. I am a food blogger who is as outraged as you that the mix is off the store shelves. I am just trying to HELP all of US who can't find the mix!

[Karryn Birch]

About your Hot roll mix... WHY would you stop putting this product on the store shelves year round ? We have enjoyed this mix for Years... we eat it with every big meal we have !! And i am so disgusted and saddened by this ridiculous decision on your part.. please change this decision..

[KitchenEncounters]

Tami -- Sugar weighs more than powdered milk. Example: A cup of sand weighs more than a cup of cotton balls. As far as 15 1/2-16 ounces of flour -- that's a difference of a few teaspoons, not cups. My conversions are correct. Baking is a precise sport relying heavily on weight rather than measure. A kitchen scale is a remarkable tool. ~ Melanie

[Tami]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us all. I also had a hard time finding the hot roll mix and I guess pillsbury must have discontinued it. You call for 2 oz each of sugar and dry milk powder, but in your conversion you call for a 1/2 cup of powdered milk, but the sugar converts to a quarter cup. Also, the 16 oz of flour does that convert to 2 cups or 3 cups? Just need some clarity. Thank you.

[KitchenEncounters]

Margaret -- By weight and measure, the one (double-sized) packet found in the box contains the contents of the two (single sized) packets I used.

[Margaret]

Does this copy cat recipe double the amount of yeast? I know the store-bought boxed hot roll mix only came with one yeast packet. This copy cat recipe is calling for two packets?

[KitchenEncounters]

Cecilia -- I do hope you're not blaming ME because it so hard to find. I just solved the problem. ~ Melanie.

[Cecilia Patlovany]

I have used Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix for so many years to make a cinnamin roll like a strudel, adding sugar, cinnamin, golden raisins, walnuts(chopped) it is so good, my family loves it. I am very disappointed that it is not in the baking isle anywhere. WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO US....

[KitchenEncounters]

Deborah -- I am guessing there will be little add time in the AM as the rolls will rise slightly in the refrigerator overnight. Sounds like a fun time -- happy holidays!

[Deborah Lynne]

Hi there. I am making my cinnamon rolls Christmas morning and wondering how much time it will really save me by preparing Christmas Eve and after placing in the pans, refrigerate overnight before rising. The rise is only 40 minutes so wondering if I have to add time if it’s coming out of the fridge?

PS. I am making at my son’s in laws kitchen and everyone will be hungry Christmas morning.

[KitchenEncounters]

Enjoy your kuchen Susan and thank-you for the thank-you.

[Susan Miller]

Thank you for this recipe. We make a peach kuchen a recipe from my Grandmother. It starts with the hot roll mix. Having trouble finding it so I can't wait to try your copy cat mix.

[KitchenEncounters]

Mary -- You are most welcome. I do not use Rapid-Rise yeast, and, I do not recall that the boxed mix does either (it just uses Red Star and I use Fleischmann's). I noticed no difference it the time it takes to get the end product from box to table. ~ Melanie

[Mary]

Thanks so much for posting this! I too went to 5 stores looking for the Hot Roll Mix only to end up staying up past midnight to make from scratch with items I had on hand. Do you use the Rapid Rise yeast or just regular? The best thing the mix had going was getting from box to table in under and hour and half.

[KitchenEncounters]

Lisa -- Happy day after Thanksgiving. I took a photo of the boxed mix Glazed Cinnamon Roll recipe and added it to my post for you. Thank-you for the sort-of suggestion. I'm sure others will appreciate it too. Happy holiday! ~ Melanie

[Lisa]

I was so happy with this recipe! After hunting every store and finding out it was only available online.... I tried this one and I couldn’t be happier. I have used Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix for as long as I can remember. Well I can say I will be using this from now on. Only wish I had the box to check the cinnamon roll recipe.

[KitchenEncounters]

Yes Diane. My mix yields the same amount of dough as the 16 oz. box. Make my mix and use it as per any of the instructions on the box, or, use it in place of the boxed mix in your own recipes.

[Diane]

Does your above recipe equal the same amount as the box (small box) make. I used to bake two filled coffee cakes with one box.