Buttery Soft Dinner Rolls That Are Perfect for the Holidays
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about the scent of freshly baked dinner rolls wafting through the house, especially during the holidays. Picture a golden-brown, fluffy roll emerging from the oven, its buttery tops glistening invitingly. Each roll is soft to the touch and warm enough to melt a pat of butter atop it. The moment you take your first bite, the pillowy texture and rich flavor dance on your palate, wrapping you in a comforting embrace.
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As I reflect on family gatherings from my childhood, I can still hear the joyful laughter around the table as we passed around these homemade buttery soft dinner rolls that are perfect for the holidays. They were never just an accessory to the feast; they were a centerpiece of comfort and connection, making every shared meal just a bit more special. So, whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion, I invite you to join me in creating these delightful rolls that will surely win hearts and please palates.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You’ll have these rolls ready in no time; prep takes just about 25 minutes!
- Irresistible Flavor: Expect warm, buttery goodness, with a slight hint of sweetness that balances perfectly.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These rolls rise beautifully and have that gorgeous golden-brown color that looks stunning on any table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday dinners, casual gatherings, or even breakfast—the possibilities are endless!
- Diet-Friendly Options: While this recipe is designed for traditional rolls, feel free to experiment with gluten-free flour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup whole milk, warm: Warm milk helps activate the yeast and contributes to a tender texture.
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet instant yeast): This helps the dough rise quickly; you can also use active dry yeast but will need to activate it first.
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and feeds the yeast for better rising.
- 1 large egg (room temp): Brings richness and aids in binding the dough.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, buttery flavor; always use unsalted for better control over the saltiness.
- 3 ¼ cups bread flour: Bread flour has higher protein, yielding soft and chewy rolls. All-purpose flour can work in a pinch.
- 1 ½ tsp salt: Balances the flavors; be sure not to skip this or the rolls may taste bland.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, for brushing after baking): Adds gloss and extra buttery flavor on top of freshly baked rolls.
- Flaky salt (optional): A sprinkle adds a nice pop of flavor and texture.
How to Make Buttery Soft Dinner Rolls That Are Perfect for the Holidays
Warm the Milk: Start by warming your milk to about 110°F, either in the microwave (about 30 seconds) or on the stovetop. Use a thermometer to check the temperature precisely; too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it.
Activate Yeast: If you’re using active dry yeast, now’s the time to mix it into the warm milk along with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes until it’s foamy. If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip this step!
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), combine the warm milk mixture, remaining sugar, egg, and softened butter. Mix until everything is well incorporated and the egg is fully blended with the liquid ingredients.
Add Dry Ingredients: Next, add the bread flour and salt to your wet mixture. Stir this until a soft dough begins to form. It should feel slightly tacky but not overly sticky—if needed, add a little more flour to achieve this texture, up to a total of 3 ½ cups.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface or using a stand mixer at medium speed for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth, elastic, and bounces back when you poke it. This step is crucial for developing that soft, pillowy texture.
First Rise: Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it’s doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1 and a half hours. This step is where the magic happens!
Punch and Shape: Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into 15 equal portions, approximately 50–55g each. Shape those portions into smooth balls and place them evenly in a greased 9×13 pan in three rows of five.
Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again for about 30–45 minutes until they’re puffy and nearly doubled in size. This is the final rise before baking, so be patient; it’ll be worth it!
Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake those rolls for about 17–18 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are cooked through. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!
Brush with Butter: After taking the rolls out of the oven, brush them with melted butter while they’re still warm and sprinkle with flaky salt if you like. This beautiful finish enhances the flavor and gives them that appealing shine.
Storing & Reheating
To store your buttery soft dinner rolls that are perfect for the holidays, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week; just make sure to use a container that can seal in moisture. For freezing, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore their lovely texture and warmth.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot; hot can kill yeast, ruining your dough.
- Room temperature eggs are best for mixing; if your egg is cold, it can shock the warm dough.
- Kneading well is crucial; under-kneaded dough will result in dense rolls.
- Keep an eye on your second rise; over-proofing can lead to flat rolls.
- To enhance sweetness, consider adding a touch more sugar or honey to the dough.
- These rolls can be shaped ahead of time and kept in the fridge overnight before baking!
Nothing quite compares to the joy of baking these buttery soft dinner rolls that are perfect for the holidays. Their tender, fluffy nature pairs beautifully with holiday dishes and makes gatherings feel extra special. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or additions—maybe herbs or cheese! The best part? These rolls are sure to bring smiles and warmth to every meal. Enjoy baking—and even more, enjoy sharing these delicious rolls with your loved ones!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Absolutely! While bread flour gives you that heavenly soft texture with a slight chew, all-purpose flour will still yield delicious rolls. Just keep an eye on the dough consistency and adjust the flour if needed.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Simply prepare the dough and let it rise. After the first rise, shape the rolls and place them in the pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Allow the rolls to come to room temperature and complete the second rise before baking.
What can I add to these rolls for extra flavor?
Herbs like rosemary or garlic powder can elevate these rolls if you’re looking to add a savory twist. You can also fold in shredded cheese before shaping for a cheesy delight or sprinkle cinnamon sugar for a hint of sweetness!
How can I tell when my rolls are done baking?
The best indicator is their golden-brown tops! You can also gently tap the top; if it sounds hollow, the rolls are likely cooked through. A kitchen thermometer can help; the internal temperature should be around 190°F.
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📖 Recipe Card
Buttery Soft Dinner Rolls That Are Perfect for the Holidays
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 15 rolls 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Experience the warm comfort of homemade buttery soft dinner rolls that are perfect for any festive occasion. With simple ingredients, these rolls are fluffy, tender, and an irresistible addition to your holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk, warm
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet instant yeast)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temp)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 ¼ cups bread flour
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, for brushing after baking)
- Flaky salt (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the milk to about 110°F.
- Mix yeast with warm milk and 1 tablespoon of sugar, let sit until foamy (if using active dry yeast).
- Combine warm milk mixture, remaining sugar, egg, and softened butter in a bowl.
- Add bread flour and salt to the wet mixture, stir until a soft dough forms.
- Knead dough by hand or with a mixer for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise covered in a greased bowl until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Punch down dough, divide into 15 portions, shape into balls, and place in a greased pan.
- Cover and let rise until puffy, about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F, bake for 17-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter and optionally sprinkle with flaky salt.
Notes
Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
Kneading is key for soft, fluffy rolls—don’t skip this step!
These rolls are versatile; consider adding herbs or cheese for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
