If you’ve ever wondered how to bring that perfect fluffy, buttery goodness to your holiday table, this Thanksgiving Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, golden, and just the right amount of soft with a lightly sweet touch, these rolls are the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these rolls offer foolproof results and a crowd-pleasing texture that pulls apart effortlessly, making every bite a celebration of cozy, festive flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these dreamy Thanksgiving rolls, you’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in crafting that perfect texture, rich flavor, and inviting golden crust that make this recipe stand out.
- Milk (1 cup): Provides the moisture needed to create a tender crumb and helps activate the yeast.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the buttery richness.
- Kosher salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the rolls.
- Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, divided): Brings richness and a beautiful golden crust when melted and brushed on top.
- Instant yeast (2¼ tsp): The key to getting that perfect rise and airy texture.
- All-purpose flour (2½ cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
How to Make Thanksgiving Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Warm and Combine the Essentials
Start by gently heating the milk, sugar, salt, and half of the butter until the mixture reaches about 110°F. This is the sweet spot to activate the yeast without killing it, setting up the foundation for light and fluffy rolls.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
Once your milk mixture is warm, add in the yeast and give it a stir. Let it sit for a few minutes until you see a foamy layer on top—that’s your yeast waking up and ready to work its magic.
Step 3: Get Ready to Mix
Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer because it’s time to bring everything together smoothly and efficiently.
Step 4: Mix and Form the Dough
Add the flour in and mix on low for 3 to 4 minutes until the dough forms a smooth, elastic ball. This gentle kneading develops gluten without overworking, leaving you with soft rolls.
Step 5: First Rise
Cover your bowl with a kitchen towel and set it in a warm spot. When it doubles in size after about 30 minutes, you know you’re on the right track.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions, shaping each into a ball. Place them into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to give them space to rise and bake evenly.
Step 7: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F so it’s perfectly hot when your rolls are ready to bake.
Step 8: Second Rise for Fluffiness
Cover the dough balls with a towel again and let them rise another 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial—it adds the airiness you crave in a perfect roll.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Take off the towel and pop your rolls into the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown on top and irresistibly inviting.
Step 10: Butter Finish
Melt the remaining butter while the rolls bake so that you can brush each roll generously right out of the oven—this adds an extra layer of buttery indulgence and shine.
Step 11: Brush and Serve
Brush the tops with the melted butter, letting it soak in and add that signature rich flavor that makes this Thanksgiving Rolls Recipe a true standout.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these rolls, try tossing a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme on top right after you brush on the butter. This adds an herby aroma and an eye-catching touch that will impress your guests.
Side Dishes
These rolls are the perfect accompaniment to hearty dishes like roasted turkey, savory stuffing, or even a rich bowl of butternut squash soup. They’re great for mopping up all those delicious sauces and gravies that make Thanksgiving dinner so memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rolls in a basket lined with a festive cloth or arrange them on a wooden board with small ramekins of flavored butters—think honey cinnamon or garlic herb spreads—to invite everyone to customize their own bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any rolls left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’re great for snacking or frying up as mini grilled sandwiches the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze the rolls before or after baking. For unbaked dough, freeze the shaped rolls in the pan wrapped well with plastic wrap, then thaw and complete the second rise before baking.
Reheating
Warm leftover rolls in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave briefly with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and softness.
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, bread flour can be used to make the rolls chewier due to higher gluten content, but all-purpose flour works perfectly for a tender crumb.
Do I need a stand mixer to make these rolls?
While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can also knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Can I add herbs or spices directly into the dough?
Absolutely! Adding rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of cinnamon can give your rolls a unique twist that complements the rest of your Thanksgiving spread.
What’s the best way to know when the rolls are fully baked?
Look for a deep golden brown color on top and a hollow sound when you tap the bottom of a roll. The internal temperature should be around 190°F if you want to be precise.
Can I make the dough ahead and refrigerate it?
Yes, prepare the dough up to the first rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring it to room temperature and proceed with shaping and the second rise before baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the simple joys of baking your own rolls, especially when they turn out as delightful as these. This Thanksgiving Rolls Recipe isn’t just a recipe; it’s a chance to create warm memories, impress loved ones, and enjoy that perfect bite of buttery, fluffy happiness. Trust me, once you try them, these rolls will become an indispensable part of your holiday tradition.
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Thanksgiving Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These soft and fluffy Thanksgiving Rolls are a perfect addition to your holiday meal. Made with milk, butter, and a touch of sugar, these homemade rolls are tender, buttery, and deliciously golden brown. They rise twice for extra fluffiness and are brushed with melted butter for a rich finish.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (227g)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (25g)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (57g, divided: 2 tbsp melted for dough, 2 tbsp for brushing)
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast (7g, 1 envelope)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (300g, spooned and leveled)
Instructions
- Warm the milk mixture: Heat the milk, sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons of butter on the stove until the mixture reaches 110°F, making sure not to overheat to preserve the yeast’s effectiveness. Transfer the warm mixture to a stand mixer bowl.
- Add yeast and activate: Stir in the instant yeast and let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Attach dough hook: Fit the dough hook attachment to your stand mixer to prepare for kneading.
- Add flour and knead: Add the flour and mix on low speed for 3-4 minutes until a smooth and elastic dough ball forms.
- First rise: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Shape rolls: Divide the risen dough into 12 equal portions, approximately 51 grams each. Place these dough balls into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Preheat oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Second rise: Cover the dough balls again with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
- Bake the rolls: Remove the towel and bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until their tops turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Melt remaining butter: While the rolls bake, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter for finishing.
- Brush rolls with butter: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush their tops generously with the melted butter to give a shiny, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Ensure the milk mixture is at the correct temperature (110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Use fresh yeast for the best rise and texture.
- The dough should be kneaded until smooth but avoid over-kneading to maintain softness.
- The twice-rising process is key to getting fluffy rolls.
- Brush with butter immediately after baking to lock in moisture and add flavor.
- These rolls can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently before serving.
