Thanksgiving rolls are a staple at any holiday table, offering a soft, fluffy texture and buttery flavor that perfectly complements a festive meal. These rolls are simple to make, yet they bring a homemade touch that will leave your guests raving. Whether paired with turkey and gravy or enjoyed with butter and jam, these rolls are a must-have for your Thanksgiving feast.
What Are Thanksgiving Rolls?
Thanksgiving rolls are light, fluffy dinner rolls made with yeast, milk, and butter for a rich, tender crumb. The dough is kneaded to perfection, allowed to rise for optimal fluffiness, and baked to a golden-brown finish. Brushed with melted butter for extra flavor, they’re the ideal side dish for any holiday spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Straightforward steps make these rolls perfect for beginners.
- Irresistibly Soft: The texture is pillowy and light, thanks to a proper rise and knead.
- Versatile: Great for pairing with savory dishes or sweet spreads.
- Perfect for the Holidays: Homemade rolls add a warm, inviting touch to your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
- ⅓ cup (75 g) butter, softened
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough begins to form.
Kneading and Rising
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Shaping and Second Rise
- Punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into 16 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover and allow the rolls to rise again for 30-40 minutes, until they are puffy.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Immediately brush the tops with melted butter for a soft, flavorful finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite jam.
- Pair with savory dishes like roasted turkey, gravy, or soups.
- Use leftover rolls to make mini sandwiches with Thanksgiving leftovers.
Storing and Freezing
Storage Tips
- Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Warm them in the oven before serving for the best texture.
Freezing Instructions
- After baking, allow the rolls to cool completely. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat frozen rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through.
Recipe Variations
- Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Herbed Rolls: Add 1-2 tsp of dried herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or parsley) to the dough.
- Garlic Butter Rolls: Mix minced garlic into the melted butter before brushing the rolls.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg substitute.
FAQs
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Shape the rolls the next day, allow them to rise again, and bake as directed.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
You can mix the dough by hand using a sturdy spoon and knead it on a floured surface.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and the milk is the correct temperature (110°F/45°C). Cold or overly hot milk can inhibit yeast activity.
These Thanksgiving rolls are the perfect blend of softness and flavor, making them a standout addition to your holiday spread. Their warm, buttery aroma and tender crumb will have your guests reaching for seconds. Ready to give them a try? Let us know how they turned out and share your Thanksgiving memories!
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Thanksgiving Rolls: Soft and Buttery Perfection
- Total Time: 2 hours 18 minutes
- Yield: 16 rolls
Description
Soft, buttery, and fluffy, these Thanksgiving rolls are the perfect addition to your holiday table. Made with simple ingredients, they’re easy to prepare and pair wonderfully with all your favorite festive dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
- ⅓ cup (75 g) butter, softened
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, until frothy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Knead: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the dough, divide it into 16 equal pieces, and shape into balls. Arrange them in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30-40 minutes, until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.
- Finish: Brush the warm rolls with melted butter for a soft, shiny finish.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is the correct temperature (110°F/45°C) to properly activate the yeast.
- For a richer flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on the rolls before baking.
- Rolls are best served warm but can be reheated in the oven or microwave if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: ~150