These homemade yeast rolls are fluffy, buttery, and perfect for any holiday meal. Make-ahead and freeze so you’ll have fresh rolls ready to bake on Thanksgiving Day!
Ingredients:
- 4-5 cups bread flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm milk (110°F)
- 5 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 package rapid-rise yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing on baked rolls)
Instructions:
- Make the Dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or large mixing bowl if using a hand mixer or spoon), combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, salt, warm milk, and rapid-rise yeast.
- Attach the dough hook (or use a spoon/hand if no stand mixer) and mix until ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add softened butter and egg and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup flour (or more as needed) and continue mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but should pull away cleanly from the bowl.
- First Rise:
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a dish towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm area for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls:
- Once risen, punch down the dough. Pinch off small portions and shape into balls of equal size.
- Place the rolls close together in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the rolls with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes, watching closely, until they turn golden brown on top.
- Finish with Butter:
- Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter for an extra soft and flavorful finish.
Freezing Instructions:
- To Freeze: After shaping the rolls but before the second rise, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer bag.
- To Bake: Thaw the rolls in the refrigerator overnight, then place them in the baking pan and let rise before baking as directed.
Enjoy these delicious rolls with family and friends this Thanksgiving! 🍁🦃