The aroma of freshly baked bread is like a warm hug on a chilly holiday evening. Imagine pulling apart a golden-brown dinner roll, its soft, buttery interior just waiting to be slathered with a dollop of creamy butter or a swirl of homemade jam. These Buttery Soft Dinner Rolls That Are Perfect for the Holidays are not just a side dish; they’re a tradition waiting to happen, bringing family and friends together around the dinner table. As I recall fond memories of my grandmother kneading dough with flour-dusted hands, the anticipation of warm rolls cooling on the counter still brings a smile to my face.

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

The holidays are all about sharing warmth, love, and delectable food, and there’s nothing quite like these homemade rolls to set the mood. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy family gathering, serving these Buttery Soft Dinner Rolls That Are Perfect for the Holidays will surely elevate your meal. So, preheat your ovens and get ready to experience the joy of baking; these delightful rolls will have everyone coming back for seconds, or maybe even thirds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: These rolls come together in about 25 minutes of prep time, and with just a quick 17-minute bake, you can have warm, buttery rolls ready in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: Soft, pillowy, and perfectly buttery, every bite is a taste of holiday bliss.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their golden brown tops and fluffy interiors make them not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion, whether as a side at dinner, a snack, or even brunch!
Diet-Friendly Options: You can swap in gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F): This activates the yeast and helps create a soft texture. If you don’t have whole milk, 2% milk works, but avoid skim for the best results.
2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet instant yeast): Instant yeast is perfect for a quick rise; it’s easy to work with. Don’t have any? You can substitute with active dry yeast by first blooming it in the warm milk.
2 tbsp granulated sugar: This not just adds sweetness but also helps the yeast to thrive, giving your rolls that perfect rise.
1 large egg (room temp): An egg adds richness and a tender crumb. If you’re vegan, a flax egg can be a suitable alternative.
¼ cup unsalted butter (softened): Butter gives these rolls their unmistakable flavor and richness. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter.
3 & ¼ cups bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, yielding chewier rolls. All-purpose flour works if you’re in a pinch, but do note the texture will differ slightly.
1 ½ tsp salt: This enhances flavor and strengthens the dough.
3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, for brushing after baking): Brushing with melted butter after baking adds a delicious sheen and even more buttery goodness.
Flaky salt (optional): A tiny sprinkle of flaky salt on the warm rolls offers a delightful contrast to the sweetness.

How to Make Buttery Soft Dinner Rolls That Are Perfect for the Holidays

Warm Your Milk: Start by warming your milk to about 110°F, which you can easily check using a thermometer. This temperature is crucial for activating your yeast! If the milk is too hot, it could kill the yeast, so be sure to monitor it closely.

Combine Yeast and Sugar: For those using active dry yeast, stir it into the warm milk along with 1 tbsp of sugar, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. If you’re using instant yeast, feel free to skip this step as it doesn’t require blooming!

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl or your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix the warm milk with yeast, sugar, egg, and softened butter. Blend until everything is nicely combined, and the egg is fully integrated into the mixture.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the bread flour and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until a soft dough begins to form; it should feel slightly tacky but not sticky. If needed, you can add up to ¼ cup more flour to reach the right consistency.

Knead the Dough: Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface or in your stand mixer on medium speed for about 8-10 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth and elastic dough; it should feel stretchy when you pull it.

Let the Dough Rise: Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. This usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, so this is a perfect time to set the table or prepare your holiday feast!

Punch and Portion: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 15 equal pieces, about 50-55g each, and shape them into smooth balls. Arrange these in a greased 9×13 pan with three rows of five.

Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again until puffy and nearly doubled, which should take about 30 to 45 minutes. This step helps ensure that your rolls will be light and fluffy!

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F while the rolls rise. This way, by the time they’re ready, your oven will be nice and hot, perfect for baking!

Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls for about 17-18 minutes until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they are fragrant and the sides of the rolls are lightly pulling away from the pan.

Brush with Butter: As soon as they come out of the oven, brush the warm rolls with melted butter for that glorious shine and rich flavor. Sprinkle with flaky salt for an extra touch of deliciousness, if desired.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your buttery dinner rolls fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigeration can extend their shelf life to one week, but be sure to wrap them in plastic or foil to prevent drying out. For longer storage, freeze the rolls! They’ll last for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, and you’ll be right back to that soft, fresh-out-of-the-oven texture, even if they’ve been frozen. Just remember, reheating may change the texture slightly, so enjoy them as soon as you can!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid overly dense rolls, make sure your yeast is fresh and properly activated; old yeast can lead to disappointing results.
Ensure all your ingredients, especially the egg and butter, are at room temperature for the best integration.
Keep an eye on rising times; they can vary depending on the ambient temperature in your kitchen.
If the dough feels too sticky during kneading, resist the urge to add too much extra flour—it should remain slightly tacky.
To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs or garlic powder to the dough for a special twist.
You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours after the first rise—just remember to let it come to room temperature before shaping!

Soft, buttery rolls that practically melt in your mouth are the perfect way to elevate any meal. Experiment with flavors, enjoy the process, and bask in the praise from family and friends as they enjoy your delicious creation. Your kitchen will not only smell heavenly but will also create memories that will last long after the holidays are over.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can prepare the dough a day in advance! After kneading, simply cover it tightly and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready, allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping and completing the second rise, so they’re fresh for your gathering.

What makes these rolls so soft?

The secret to their soft texture lies in the combination of bread flour, a good amount of butter, and proper kneading. Kneading develops gluten, which helps create that lovely airy structure, while the fat from the butter adds richness.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover rolls?

To revive those yummy rolls, wrap them in foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps preserve their softness and prevents them from drying out.

Are there any variations I can try?

Definitely! You can experiment by adding different herbs, cheese, or even spices like garlic powder to the dough. For a sweet twist, try mixing in cinnamon and sugar to create delightful cinnamon rolls—perfect for breakfast or brunch!