How to Make Thanksgiving Rolls: Soft and Fluffy Homemade Bread

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without soft, fluffy homemade rolls! These buttery, pillow dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up gravy, making mini turkey sandwiches, or enjoying with a smear of honey butter.

This easy step-by-step recipe will guide you through making the best homemade Thanksgiving rolls, ensuring they’re golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and irresistibly delicious.

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a basket of warm, fluffy rolls on the table! These homemade Thanksgiving rolls are buttery, soft, and perfectly golden, making them the ideal holiday side for sopping up gravy, cranberry sauce, and everything in between.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make Thanksgiving rolls step by step, including yeast-proofing tips, kneading techniques, and baking tricks to ensure light, airy rolls every time. Whether you love them classic, herbed, or slightly sweet, these homemade rolls will be a holiday favorite.

Let’s get baking!

1. Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Rolls

1. Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Rolls

✔ Super Soft & Fluffy – Perfect texture with a slightly chewy bite.
✔ Buttery & Lightly Sweet – The best balance of flavors.
✔ Easy to Make Ahead – Perfect for stress-free Thanksgiving prep.
✔ Perfect for Leftovers – Great for making mini turkey sandwiches!
✔ Freezes Well – Make them in advance and reheat for fresh rolls anytime.

The Secret to the Best Dinner Rolls

1. Use warm milk & butter – Creates the softest texture.
2. Knead the dough well – Develops the gluten for elasticity.
3. Let them rise twice – Ensures light, airy rolls.
4. Brush with butter before & after baking – Adds moisture and flavor.
5. Bake until golden brown – For the perfect balance of softness and crispness.

2. Ingredients for Soft & Fluffy Thanksgiving Rolls

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chewiness)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C) 🥛
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg 🥚
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For Brushing:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing before & after baking)

3. How to Make the Best Thanksgiving Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk (110°F), sugar, and yeast.
2. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy (this means the yeast is active).

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg.
3. Stir with a wooden spoon or mix with a stand mixer until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

1. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook on medium speed for 5-6 minutes.

Step 4: First Rise (Let Dough Double in Size)

1. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

1. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12-15 equal portions.
2. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place on a buttered baking sheet or in a greased 9×13 pan.
3. Cover and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush the rolls with melted butter before baking.
3. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown on top.

Step 7: Finish & Serve

1. Remove from oven and brush again with melted butter.
2. Serve warm and enjoy!

4. Pro Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Rolls

🔥 Use warm ingredients – Cold ingredients slow down yeast activation.
🔥 Check dough consistency – If too sticky, add a little more flour.
🔥 Let them rise fully – Don’t rush the rising process! It creates fluffiness.
🔥 Don’t overbake – Rolls should be golden brown but still soft inside.
🔥 Use a thermometer – Rolls are fully baked when the internal temp is 190°F (88°C).

5. Variations & Customizations

Make It Garlic Butter Rolls

🧄 Brush rolls with garlic butter & parmesan before serving.

Make It Whole Wheat

🌾 Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour.

Make It Extra Fluffy

🥛 Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for ultra-tender rolls.

Make It Vegan

🌱 Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).

6. How to Make These Rolls Ahead of Time

✔ Refrigerate the Dough – Make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight.
✔ Freeze Before Baking – Shape the rolls, then freeze. Thaw, let rise, and bake fresh.
✔ Freeze After Baking – Let rolls cool, then freeze in an airtight bag for up to 3 months.

Reheat frozen rolls: Wrap in foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes.

7. Best Thanksgiving Pairings for These Rolls

🦃 Roast Turkey & Gravy – The perfect way to soak up extra sauce!
🥔 Mashed Potatoes – Fluffy rolls + creamy potatoes = heaven.
🍯 Cinnamon Honey Butter – A sweet topping for warm rolls.
🍷 Cranberry Sauce & Brie – A fancy, tangy spread for extra flavor.

8. Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

❌ Rolls Are Too Dense? – Dough wasn’t kneaded enough or didn’t rise fully.
❌ Rolls Didn’t Rise? – The yeast was old or the room was too cold.
❌ Rolls Are Too Dry? – Overbaked! Pull them out when lightly golden.
❌ Dough Is Too Sticky? – Add 1 tablespoon flour at a time until manageable.
❌ Rolls Are Hard? – Too much flour! Always measure correctly.

9. Leftover Ideas for Thanksgiving Rolls

🥪 Mini Turkey Sliders – Use rolls to make turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce.
🍞 Breakfast French Toast – Soak leftover rolls in egg mixture and fry.
🥓 Savory Bread Pudding – Cube rolls, mix with eggs, cheese, and bacon, then bake.
🍲 Homemade Croutons – Cube and bake for crunchy salad toppings.

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FAQs

1. What’s the best flour to use for soft rolls?

All-purpose flour works well, but bread flour gives a slightly chewier texture.

2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! Skip the yeast activation step and mix directly into the flour.

3. How do I make my rolls extra buttery?

Brush with melted butter before and after baking for rich flavor.

4. Can I make these rolls without eggs?

Yes! Substitute with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg.

5. How do I store leftover rolls?

Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.

6. Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Simply double all ingredients and use two baking sheets or pans.

7. How do I get the best golden brown color?

Brush with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water) before baking for a shiny top.

8. Can I make these in a bread machine?

Yes! Use the dough setting, then shape and bake as instructed.

9. What’s the best way to keep rolls warm for serving?

Wrap in a clean kitchen towel or place in a warmed slow cooker on low.

10. Can I make cinnamon rolls with this dough?

Yes! Roll out, spread with butter, sugar, and cinnamon, then bake!