Flaky Buttermilk Dinner Rolls for Thanksgiving
Flaky Buttermilk Dinner Rolls for Thanksgiving are soft, buttery, and have a tender, flaky texture that makes them absolutely irresistible. These rolls have a gentle tang from the buttermilk and…
Tip: save now, cook later.Flaky Buttermilk Dinner Rolls for Thanksgiving are soft, buttery, and have a tender, flaky texture that makes them absolutely irresistible. These rolls have a gentle tang from the buttermilk and a golden crust that just begs to be pulled apart. They’re the perfect side for mopping up gravy or buttering up for a little extra cozy comfort on the side of your holiday meal.
I love making these rolls because they’re surprisingly easy to pull together, and the buttermilk gives them such a nice flavor that makes them feel special, yet still homey. They’re one of those recipes that remind me of family gatherings and the warm, comforting feeling of being around the Thanksgiving table. I usually make a batch ahead of time and warm them up when dinner’s ready – nothing beats the smell of fresh rolls straight from the oven.
These rolls also freeze beautifully, so I always make extra to save for later. My favorite way to serve them is with a little pat of butter and a drizzle of honey. They’re just perfect for soaking up all the gravy or adding a little softness alongside your turkey and sides. If you’re looking for a roll recipe that’s fluffy, flaky, and packed with flavor, these are the ones I always come back to around the holidays.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Buttermilk: This adds a nice tang and helps the rolls stay soft. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute with 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Yeast: Active dry yeast is easy to find and works well here. If you’re in a hurry, instant yeast can be used but skip the proofing step and add it directly to the flour.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and flavor. You can replace unsalted butter with margarine or a neutral oil, but butter gives the best classic taste and texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the best choice for these rolls for that soft but sturdy texture. Bread flour can be used to get a chewier roll, and cake flour might make them too soft.
How Do I Get the Rolls Flaky and Tender?
The secret to flaky, tender rolls lies in the kneading, shaping, and layering of butter.
- Kneading: Knead just until smooth and elastic—about 8-10 minutes. Too much flour or over-kneading can make rolls tough rather than soft.
- Shaping: Tuck the dough edges under each ball to create surface tension. This helps the rolls rise evenly and form smooth tops.
- Brushing: Brushing melted butter over the tops right out of the oven keeps them soft and adds a golden, shiny finish you’ll love.
- Rising: Letting the rolls rise twice is key. The first rise develops flavor and texture. The second rise creates that pillowy fluffiness.
Following these steps with care will give you dinner rolls that pull apart in soft, flaky layers—perfect for your Thanksgiving table.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – roomy enough for dough to rise without spilling over.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts, important for baking success.
- Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula – great for mixing wet and dry ingredients together.
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap – to cover the dough while it rises and keep it moist.
- 9×13 inch baking pan or dinner roll pan – holds the rolls snugly so they bake with soft, tender sides.
- Pastry brush – for brushing melted butter on top to get that beautiful, golden shine.
- Cooling rack – lets your rolls cool evenly without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary to the dough for a fragrant, herby twist perfect with savory meals.
- Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add nutty flavor and extra fiber; rolls will be slightly denser but still tender.
- Mix shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese into the dough for cheesy rolls that make a tasty side or snack.
- Try adding 1-2 tablespoons of honey to the dough for subtly sweeter rolls, great if you like a touch of sweetness with butter.
Flaky Buttermilk Dinner Rolls for Thanksgiving
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm buttermilk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- Optional: 1 tbsp honey for brushing tops (for extra shine and flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Plan for about 20 minutes of active prep time. You’ll need roughly 1 to 1.5 hours for the first dough rise, plus another 30-40 minutes for the second rise. Baking will take about 18-22 minutes. All together, you’re looking at around 2.5 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, stir together the warm buttermilk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy – this means the yeast is ready to work its magic!
2. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk the flour and salt. Then add the melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Stir everything until it comes together into a rough dough.
3. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding a little flour if it’s too sticky.
4. First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it loosely with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise somewhere warm until doubled in size—around 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. Shape the Rolls
Punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by folding the dough underneath itself to create tension on top.
6. Second Rise
Set the rolls snugly side-by-side in a greased 9×13 inch pan. Cover loosely again, and let them rise until puffy, about 30-40 minutes.
7. Bake and Finish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Right after baking, brush the tops with melted butter (and honey if you like) for that soft, shiny finish.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Let the rolls cool a bit, then serve warm. They’re perfect with butter, honey, or for soaking up all those delicious Thanksgiving sauces.
Can I Use Regular Milk Instead of Buttermilk?
Yes! To mimic buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This gives the tangy flavor and acidity needed for tender rolls.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! After the first rise, you can cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it overnight. Let it warm and rise again before shaping and baking for fresh rolls the next day.
How Should I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh, warm them in the oven or microwave with a damp paper towel to keep them soft.
Can I Freeze These Dinner Rolls?
Yes, these rolls freeze very well! Freeze them once cooled, either individually wrapped or in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving for best results.