There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread filling the house during the holidays—it just screams warmth, love, and celebration. And let me tell you, these Christmas rolls? They’re the *star* of every festive gathering I’ve ever hosted. Soft, fluffy, and buttery, they practically melt in your mouth. I can still picture my grandma pulling a tray of golden rolls out of the oven, the steam rising as she brushed them with melted butter. Everyone would hover around the kitchen, sneaking bites before dinner even started. That’s the kind of magic I want in my home every December.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is—no fancy techniques, just good old-fashioned baking. Whether you’re serving them alongside a holiday ham, using them to mop up gravy, or slathering them with cinnamon butter for breakfast, these rolls disappear fast. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a non-negotiable part of your holiday spread. And hey, if my nephew—who usually survives on chicken nuggets—can’t resist them, you know they’re good.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Rolls Recipe for Delicious Festive Gatherings
These Christmas rolls aren’t just bread – they’re little pockets of holiday joy that’ll have your guests begging for the recipe. Here’s why they’re my go-to for every festive gathering:
- Effortless magic: Just 7 simple ingredients transform into pillowy-soft rolls that look like you spent all day baking (your secret’s safe with me)
- Crowd-pleaser: Kids and grandparents alike fight over the last one – I’ve seen it happen at three Thanksgivings running
- Holiday-perfect: That golden-brown crust and buttery aroma scream “Christmas morning” better than any store-bought roll ever could
- Versatile: Equally happy next to your glazed ham or toasted with jam for Boxing Day breakfast
Pro tip: Make a double batch. They freeze beautifully and disappear twice as fast as you’d expect.
Ingredients for the Best Christmas Rolls Recipe
Grab these simple ingredients – I bet you’ve got most in your pantry right now! The magic happens when ordinary items come together just right.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled – don’t pack it!)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast (check that expiration date!)
- 1/4 cup sugar (regular granulated works perfectly)
- 1 tsp salt (I use fine sea salt)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F) – test it on your wrist like baby formula
- 1/4 cup melted butter, cooled slightly (unsalted is best)
- 1 large egg at room temperature (take it out 30 mins early)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Yeast note: Active dry needs that warm milk bath to wake up. If using instant yeast, you can mix it right with the dry ingredients. Milk alternatives work too – I’ve used almond milk with great results when we had dairy-free guests. Butter alternatives: While nothing beats real butter, coconut oil can substitute in a pinch (use refined for no coconut taste). And if you’re out of eggs? A flax egg works, though the texture changes slightly.
How to Make Christmas Rolls for Delicious Festive Gatherings
Okay, let’s get our hands doughy! This is where the magic happens – follow these steps and you’ll have perfect Christmas rolls every time. I’ve made this recipe so often I could do it in my sleep (and honestly, I probably have after too much eggnog).
- Wake up that yeast: In your mixing bowl, combine the warm milk (110°F is perfect – too hot kills the yeast, too cold won’t activate it), sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it looks frothy like a cappuccino. This is your sign the yeast is alive and ready to work!
- Build the base: Add the melted (but slightly cooled) butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Give it a good whisk – you’ll see it start to come together beautifully.
- Flour power: Gradually add the flour about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Once it gets too thick for a whisk, switch to a wooden spoon or dough hook if using a stand mixer.
- Knead with love: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked – like a plump little pillow.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. It should double in size – my favorite spot is near (not on) the warm oven.
- Shape your rolls: Punch down the dough (so satisfying!) and turn it out onto a clean surface. Now comes the fun part…
Shaping the Rolls
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (I use a kitchen scale for precision, but eyeballing works too). Roll each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath – imagine you’re shaping little doughy Christmas ornaments. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart – they’ll become best friends as they rise together.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Rolls Every Time
After making these rolls every holiday season for a decade, I’ve learned all the tricks to guarantee perfection. First, always test your yeast – if it doesn’t foam in the warm milk after 10 minutes, start fresh. Over-flouring is the enemy of fluffy rolls – the dough should be slightly tacky, not dry. For the best rise, create a cozy spot by placing the bowl on a warm (not hot) heating pad or near the oven vent. And here’s my secret: brush the rolls with melted butter twice – right when they come out of the oven and again just before serving. That double dose gives them that irresistible bakery-style shine!
Serving Suggestions for Your Christmas Rolls
Oh, the possibilities! These Christmas rolls are like the perfect holiday guest – they get along with everyone at the table. For dinner, tuck them next to a glazed ham or roast turkey – they’re born to soak up all those delicious juices. At breakfast, split them warm and slather with cinnamon honey butter (my personal weakness). They’re dreamy with creamy soups too – imagine dunking them into a velvety butternut squash soup on a cold December night. And for the ultimate holiday treat? Toast them lightly and top with orange marmalade – the citrusy sweetness plays beautifully with the buttery roll. However you serve them, just be ready with extra napkins!
Storing & Reheating Your Christmas Rolls
These rolls stay wonderfully fresh if stored properly – if they last that long! At room temperature, keep them in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 3 days (though they’re best within 48 hours). To freeze baked rolls, wrap them tightly in foil then place in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Here’s my favorite trick: freeze the shaped dough balls before the second rise – just pull them out the night before you need them, let them rise on the counter, then bake fresh!
For reheating, skip the microwave (it makes them tough). Instead, wrap rolls in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes – they’ll taste just-baked. If they’re a bit dry, brush with melted butter before reheating. Frozen unbaked dough? Let it complete its second rise at room temperature (about 4-5 hours), then bake as usual. Trust me, your future holiday self will thank you for stashing some away!
Christmas Rolls Recipe FAQs
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You’ve got two great options: 1) Prepare the dough through the first rise, then refrigerate overnight (it’ll develop even more flavor!). Just let it come to room temp before shaping. 2) Bake completely, then freeze – they reheat beautifully wrapped in foil at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Why are my rolls dense?
Usually means the yeast was old or the milk was too hot (yeast killers!). Next time, test your yeast first in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Also, don’t rush the rises – cold kitchens need extra time. And resist adding too much flour – sticky dough makes fluffier rolls!
Can I use bread flour instead?
You bet! Bread flour gives slightly chewier rolls – I actually love it for holiday meals. Just add 1-2 tbsp extra milk since it absorbs more liquid. All-purpose still gives that classic soft texture though, so it’s really personal preference.
How do I get that golden-brown top?
My grandma’s trick: brush with an egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water) before baking. For extra shine, do a second butter brush right when they come out of the oven. And don’t overbake – 18 minutes is usually perfect in my oven.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per roll (based on standard ingredients, but amounts may vary slightly depending on brands and exact measurements):
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 5g
Remember: These are estimates – actual values change based on specific ingredients and brands. For precise dietary needs, consult a nutritionist. Now go enjoy those warm, buttery rolls guilt-free – it’s Christmas after all!
Tag me in your holiday baking photos – I’d love to see your beautiful Christmas rolls!
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Irresistible Christmas Rolls Recipe for Delicious Festive Gatherings
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and fluffy Christmas rolls perfect for festive gatherings. These rolls are easy to make and add a warm touch to any holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir well.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a roll and place on a baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- For extra flavor, brush rolls with melted butter after baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze unbaked rolls for later use.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Christmas rolls, holiday bread, festive recipe, homemade rolls