Complete your holiday spread with these golden, buttery rolls that rise perfectly every time.
These traditional holiday dinner rolls are a timeless classic—soft, warm, and perfect for any festive meal. With a glossy crust and tender interior, they pair beautifully with mains like roasted turkey, herb-roasted chicken, or creamy mashed potatoes. This easy recipe requires just a few pantry staples and a quick rise, making it ideal for busy holiday hosts.
Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy family dinner, these rolls deliver a comforting, bakery-style finish. The secret lies in the buttery dough and a final brush of melted butter that creates a golden, flaky crust.
The recipe is designed for efficiency: mix, let rise, shape, and bake in under an hour. Perfect for those who want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.
From the moment they come out of the oven, the rolls exude warmth and aroma. Serve them warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of cranberry sauce for a festive touch.
Why This Recipe Works
Effortless Rise
The dough uses quick-rise yeast and warm water to activate fermentation rapidly, cutting down on waiting time while still achieving a light, airy texture.
Budget-Friendly
Made with just four ingredients—flour, yeast, butter, and sugar—this recipe keeps costs low while maximizing flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing
Each batch yields 24 rolls, making it perfect for large gatherings or family-style serving.
Quick Baking
Baked at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, these rolls develop a golden crust and stay soft in the center.
Traditional Holiday Dinner Rolls
Soft, buttery rolls with a golden crust for any festive meal
Ingredients
- - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (270g)
- - 1/2 cup warm milk (120°F/49°C)
- - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
- - 1 tbsp sugar
- - 1/2 tsp salt
- - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113g)
- - 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
💡 The milk should be warm (120°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
Mix Dough: Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
💡 Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for easiest mixing, or knead by hand for 8-10 minutes.
First Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth. Let rise in a warm place (75-80°F) for 45-60 minutes, until doubled in size.
💡 Place the bowl in a warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window to speed up rising.
Shape Rolls: Punch down the dough. Divide into 24 equal portions. Roll into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
💡 For even rising, use a kitchen scale to divide the dough precisely.
Second Rise: Cover and let rise for 20-30 minutes until puffy.
💡 Lightly brush with melted butter during this rise for extra flavor.
Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush rolls with egg wash (egg + 1 tbsp water) or melted butter. Bake 15 minutes until golden.
💡 For a softer crust, place a pan of hot water in the oven during baking.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour
Provides the right balance of protein for a tender yet structured roll. Substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture or cake flour for a lighter crumb.
Substitutions: Bread flour, cake flour, or gluten-free flour blend (add 1 tsp xanthan gum).
Active Dry Yeast
Quick-rise yeast can be used for faster rising. Fresh yeast (compressed) can be substituted at a 1:0.4 ratio.
Substitutions: Quick-rise yeast, fresh yeast.
Butter
Adds richness and flavor. Use salted butter for a more savory profile, or substitute with olive oil for a Mediterranean twist.
Substitutions: Olive oil, coconut oil (for a nutty flavor), or vegan butter.
Milk
Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb. Whole milk is ideal, but 2% or plant-based milk (almond, oat) can be used.
Substitutions: Whole milk, 2% milk, almond milk, oat milk.
Pro Tips for Perfect Rolls
Temperature Control
Keep your kitchen warm (70-80°F) during rising. Cold environments slow yeast activity. Place the dough in a turned-off oven with the light on for optimal rising.
Hydration Balance
Add milk gradually to avoid over-hydration. If the dough is too sticky, add 1-2 tbsp flour; if too dry, add 1-2 tbsp warm water.
Shaping Technique
Use the heel of your hand to gently press the dough into a ball, tucking the edges underneath. This creates a smooth top for even baking.
Baking Hack
For a glossy crust, brush rolls with melted butter immediately after baking. This creates a soft, flaky exterior.
Variations & Customizations
Herb Rolls
Add 1-2 tsp dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough. Brush with garlic butter after baking for extra flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Rolls
Toss shaped rolls in a mix of 1 tbsp cinnamon and 2 tbsp sugar before baking. Serve warm with butter for a sweet twist.
Cheese Rolls
Fold in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or parmesan during mixing. Add a sprinkle of herbs for a savory upgrade.
Gluten-Free Option
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum. Substitute milk with almond or oat milk for best results.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roast turkey or herb-roasted chicken—pairs perfectly with the buttery flavor.
- Creamy mashed potatoes—add a dollop of cranberry sauce for festive flair.
- Gravy or herb butter—enhances the richness of the rolls.
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Serve with a glass of Chardonnay, Riesling, or a spiced cider for a balanced holiday meal.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Shape the rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Freezer Storage
Freeze baked rolls in a single layer. Thaw at room temperature and reheat for 10-15 minutes.
Reheating Instructions
For maximum freshness, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Rolls didn’t rise properly.
A: Check the water temperature (should be 120°F) and ensure the yeast is fresh. Cold water or old yeast can prevent rising.
Q: Dough is too sticky.
A: Add 1-2 tbsp flour gradually. Avoid over-flouringing, as this can make the rolls dense.
Q: Rolls are too hard/crusty.
A: Brush with melted butter immediately after baking to create a soft crust. Avoid overbaking.
Q: Can I use bread flour?
A: Yes, bread flour creates a chewier texture. For a lighter roll, stick with all-purpose flour.
Final Thoughts
These traditional holiday dinner rolls are a must-have for any festive meal. With their golden crust and tender interior, they’re sure to impress guests and bring comfort to the table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is designed for success with minimal effort.
Save this recipe and share the warmth of homemade rolls with your loved ones. For best Pinterest visibility, post this side dish pin as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: anchor main dish first, followed by complementary sides, finishing with a dessert completion pin.
