Fluffy Thanksgiving Rolls Recipe ✨ | Easy & Homemade Holiday Bread

Table of Contents: Thanksgiving Rolls

The Secret to the Softest, Most Buttery Thanksgiving Rolls You’ll Ever Make!

Picture this: golden-brown, pillowy-soft rolls fresh from the oven, their buttery aroma filling your kitchen as your family gathers around the table. These Fluffy Thanksgiving Rolls are more than just bread—they’re a warm, comforting hug on a plate. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-time roll-maker, this recipe guarantees success with minimal effort.

Did you know that rolls have been a staple at Thanksgiving feasts since the 19th century? Back then, they were a symbol of abundance and gratitude. Today, they remain a must-have side dish, and this homemade version will outshine any store-bought alternative.

Unlike my Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders: Irresistibly Sweet & Spicy Dinner Idea, which is sweet and crumbly, these rolls are light, airy, and perfect for soaking up gravy. The best part? They’re ready in under two hours, making them ideal for busy holiday cooking. So, roll up your sleeves—let’s bake the fluffiest Thanksgiving rolls your table has ever seen!


What Are Thanksgiving Rolls?

Ever wondered why we call them Thanksgiving Rolls and not just… dinner rolls? Well, it’s simple—these buttery, cloud-like beauties are practically synonymous with Thanksgiving feasts! Some say the name stuck because no holiday table is complete without them. Others joke that the way to a guest’s heart is through their stomach, and these rolls do the job perfectly.

Think of them as the MVP of holiday bread—soft, slightly sweet, and brushed with melted butter for that irresistible golden shine. Whether you serve them warm with honey butter or use them to mop up leftover cranberry sauce, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ready to make your own batch? Let’s get baking!


Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Rolls Recipe

1. Pillowy Perfection – These rolls are impossibly soft, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The secret? A touch of honey and a perfect rise.

2. Budget-Friendly & Homemade – Skip the expensive bakery rolls! With simple pantry staples, you can make two dozen fluffy rolls for a fraction of the cost.

3. Buttery, Golden Goodness – Brushed with melted butter right out of the oven, these rolls have a rich, irresistible flavor that pairs with everything from turkey to mashed potatoes.

If you loved my Garlic Knot Chicken Breasts Recipe – The Best Crispy Cheesy Twist, you’ll adore these—they’re just as easy but with a sweeter, more holiday-appropriate twist.

Pro Tip: Double the batch—they freeze beautifully for future meals!


How to Make Thanksgiving Rolls

Thanksgiving Rolls
Thanksgiving Rolls

Quick Overview

Prep Time: 20 mins
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 mins
Bake Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 2 hours 10 mins
Servings: 24 rolls

These rolls require minimal kneading and rise beautifully, making them foolproof for beginners.


Key Ingredients for Thanksgiving Rolls

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
¼ cup honey (for a touch of sweetness)
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (110°F)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
1 large egg
1 tsp salt


Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast – In a bowl, mix warm milk, honey, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

2. Make the Dough – Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead & Rise – Knead for 5 minutes, then let rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour (or until doubled).

4. Shape the Rolls – Divide dough into 24 balls, place in a buttered baking dish, and let rise another 30 minutes.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection – Bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes. Brush with melted butter immediately after baking.


What to Serve Thanksgiving Rolls With

These rolls are the ultimate sidekick to your holiday spread. Serve them alongside roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, or homemade cranberry sauce. For a sweet twist, slather them with cinnamon honey butter or dunk them in gravy.

Looking for more inspiration? Try pairing them with my Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese for the ultimate comfort food feast.


Top Tips for Perfecting Thanksgiving Rolls

Use a kitchen scale for precise flour measurements—too much flour makes dense rolls.
Don’t skip the second rise—this ensures maximum fluffiness.
Brush with butter twice—once before baking for a golden crust, and again after for extra richness.
Substitute milk with warm water + powdered milk if needed.


Storing and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.


People Also Ask: Thanksgiving Rolls

Thanksgiving Rolls
Thanksgiving Rolls

How do you make homemade Thanksgiving rolls?

Mix yeast, warm milk, honey, butter, egg, and flour to form a soft dough. Let it rise, shape into rolls, rise again, then bake until golden. Brush with butter for extra flavor!

What are the best rolls for Thanksgiving dinner?

Fluffy, buttery rolls like this recipe are ideal—soft enough to pair with savory dishes but sturdy enough to hold gravy. Brioche or potato rolls also work well.

Can you make Thanksgiving rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough a day ahead, refrigerate, then shape and bake on Thanksgiving. Or freeze baked rolls and reheat before serving.

How do you reheat Thanksgiving rolls?

Wrap in foil and warm at 350°F for 10 minutes. For a quick fix, microwave with a damp paper towel for 20 seconds.


Final Thoughts

These Fluffy Thanksgiving Rolls are the ultimate holiday side—easy, affordable, and downright delicious. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just craving homemade bread, this recipe is a game-changer.

Ready to bake? Tag me @CrystalRecipes on Pinterest with your golden rolls—I’d love to see your creations!

For more holiday favorites, try my Pumpkin Pie Bars: The Best Fall Dessert You’ll Ever Bake next! Happy baking! 🍞✨

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Fluffy Thanksgiving Rolls Recipe ✨ | Easy & Homemade Holiday Bread
Fluffy Thanksgiving Rolls Recipe ✨ | Easy & Homemade Holiday Bread
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Thanksgiving Rolls

Thanksgiving Rolls Recipe


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including rise time)
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Fluffy, buttery Thanksgiving rolls that are soft on the inside with a golden crust — the perfect side for your holiday table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add sugar, softened butter, salt, and egg. Mix well.
  3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down dough and divide into equal portions. Shape into rolls.
  7. Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Bake rolls for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Brush warm rolls with melted butter before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle sea salt or fresh herbs on top before baking. These rolls freeze well, so you can make them ahead.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: thanksgiving rolls, dinner rolls, holiday bread, soft rolls