The aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen is one of life’s simple joys, especially when it comes to making Buttery Soft Dinner Rolls That Are Perfect for the Holidays. Picture these rolls, their golden-brown tops glistening with melted butter, inviting everyone to gather around the table. As they pull apart, the steam releases a comforting warmth, filling the room with a homey scent. Each bite delivers a soft, pillowy texture that is slightly sweet and oh-so-buttery — just the kind of comfort food that makes the holiday season feel truly special.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Buttery Soft Dinner Rolls That Are Perfect for the Holidays
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Buttery Soft Dinner Rolls That Are Perfect for the Holidays

Buttery Soft Dinner Rolls That Are Perfect for the Holidays

I remember the first time I made these rolls for our family Thanksgiving dinner. My grandma shared her secrets with me, and I’m not joking when I say we almost devoured the entire batch before dinner even started! Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy family gathering, these Buttery Soft Dinner Rolls That Are Perfect for the Holidays will undoubtedly steal the spotlight. They’re easy to prepare, incredibly delicious, and a delightful addition to any festive meal. So, roll up your sleeves—it’s time to get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just about 25 minutes of prep time and 17 minutes of baking, you’ll have warm rolls in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet; each roll melts in your mouth and pairs perfectly with butter or any holiday spread.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These golden-brown rolls are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion; serve them with dinner, as snacks, or even for breakfast with jam and butter.
Diet-Friendly Options: If needed, substitutions can easily be made to fit gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F): Warm milk helps activate the yeast, creating that pillowy texture we love in dinner rolls. If you don’t have whole milk, you can use 2% milk.
2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet instant yeast): Instant yeast works quickly without needing proofing, making the process smoother and faster for this recipe.
2 tbsp granulated sugar: A touch of sugar not only sweetens the rolls but also helps the yeast grow robustly.
1 large egg (room temperature): The egg enriches the dough, adding flavor and a lovely tender crumb. Be sure to take it out ahead of time!
¼ cup unsalted butter (softened): This adds richness and moisture, creating that buttery flavor. Don’t skip on the quality of your butter!
3 ¼ cups bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which contributes to a fluffier roll. If you’re in a crunch, all-purpose flour will work too.
1 ½ tsp salt: Salt enriches the flavor and strengthens the gluten network.
3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted for brushing after baking): Brushing with melted butter enriches the flavor and creates a beautiful glossy finish on your rolls.
Flaky salt (optional): A sprinkle on top enhances the overall flavor and adds a lovely finishing touch.

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. You can easily do this in the microwave or on the stove; just be sure to use a thermometer to prevent overheating. The warmth is crucial for activating the yeast. If it feels like a comforting hug, you know it’s just right!

Activate the Yeast: If you’re using active dry yeast, stir it into the warm milk along with 1 tablespoon of sugar. This step is vital; let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. If using instant yeast, you can skip this and move right along!

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl or a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook, combine the warmed milk mixture, egg, and softened butter. Whisk until everything is well mixed. You want that creamy, silky texture to develop beautifully right from the start.

Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Add in your bread flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough begins to form. The dough should feel slightly tacky, but not overly sticky. If it does, that’s okay! Just sprinkle in a bit more flour, up to ¼ cup, until it feels just right.

Knead the Dough: Now comes the fun part! Knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes or, if you’re using a mixer, on medium speed until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial as it develops the gluten, which gives your rolls their characteristic fluffiness. You’ll know you’re done when the dough is stretchy and soft!

Let It Rise: Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot. This should take about 1 to 1½ hours until it doubles in size. Enjoy this waiting time by daydreaming about how wonderful these rolls will be!

Punch Down and Shape: Once doubled, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide it into 15 equal pieces, about 50-55g each. Shape each piece into smooth balls, and arrange them in a greased 9×13 pan, forming three rows of five. This step is key for that beautiful, uniform look!

Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again until puffy, about 30-45 minutes. This second rise helps achieve that soft, airy texture that makes these rolls irresistible. Keep an eye on them — you want them to look just ready to bake!

Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F while the rolls are rising. Once they’re ready, pop the rolls into the oven and bake for 17-18 minutes. They’re done when they turn a beautiful golden brown on top. As they bake, the smell will begin to fill your home, and trust me, it will be hard to resist!

Brush with Butter: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter. If you like a little extra flair, sprinkle some flaky salt on top while they’re still warm. This little touch makes them utterly delicious!

Storing & Reheating

To store your buttery soft rolls, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to prolong their shelf life, refrigerate them in a sealed container or bag for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy some warm rolls again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Keep in mind that while they’ll still be delicious, the texture might be a bit different after freezing, but brushing with butter will refresh their buttery goodness!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overkneading your dough, as this can make the rolls tough instead of soft.
Use room temperature eggs to help the dough mix together easily and evenly.
Make a batch ahead of time, letting the dough rise in the fridge overnight, so you’re ready to bake fresh rolls for a special event.
If your dough doesn’t rise well, try placing it in a warmer area or in the oven with the light on.
For added flavor, mix in some herbs or garlic powder to the dough for a savory twist.

Prepare to be amazed by how these Buttery Soft Dinner Rolls That Are Perfect for the Holidays become a favorite in your household. They’re not just rolls; they’re tender, comforting pieces of kitchen joy. Invite friends and family over, and let the gatherings begin. Each bite will be a reminder of why homemade rolls are simply unbeatable!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Absolutely! While bread flour gives your rolls a chewier, fluffier texture, all-purpose flour works just fine if you’re in a pinch. Your rolls will still be deliciously soft!

How can I tell when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden-brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean, indicating they’re fully baked.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before shaping and allowing for the second rise.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover rolls?

For best results, reheat rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. If you want to maintain their buttery flavor, brush them with melted butter before serving!