Cloverleaf Rolls

Name: Cloverleaf Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 48 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup warm milk; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 egg; 4 tbsp melted butter, divided; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt

12 servings30 min prep18 min cookMedium

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Cloverleaf Rolls

Story updated September 18, 2026

Cloverleaf rolls, shaped from three small dough balls baked in a muffin tin to resemble a clover, became a popular decorative presentation for dinner rolls in American home baking and cookbooks, especially through the mid-20th century.

Ingredients

Scale:· 12 servings

1 cup warm milk
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
4 tbsp melted butter, divided
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt

Instructions

1Stir yeast and sugar into warm milk; let sit until foamy.
2Whisk in egg and 2 tbsp melted butter.
3Stir in flour and salt, then knead 6-8 minutes until smooth.
4Let rise 1 hour, until doubled.
5Divide into 36 small balls; place 3 in each greased muffin cup.
6Let rise 30 minutes, brush with remaining butter, and bake at 375°F for 16-18 minutes.

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