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10 Festive Ways to Make Christmas Rolls

With the holiday season just around the corner, the air is filled with the excitement of festive cooking. Among the cherished customs during Christmas feasts are homemade rolls — soft, fluffy, and a joy to customize. These versatile treats are perfect whether you're hosting a cozy family dinner or contributing to a potluck. Here are ten creative ideas for Christmas rolls that add flair and flavor to your holiday table.


1. Traditional Dinner Rolls


Every Christmas feast needs classic dinner rolls. These soft, buttery delights are essential for soaking up gravy and cranberry sauce.


Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)

  • 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)

  • 1 egg

  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 1 teaspoon salt


Combine these ingredients, and let the dough rise until it doubles in size — this usually takes about an hour. Shape the dough into rolls and bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.


Fluffy traditional dinner rolls
A batch of golden brown dinner rolls perfect for Christmas dinner.

These rolls are sure to please every guest at your gathering.


2. Herb and Garlic Rolls


Take your rolls to a new level of flavor with herbs and garlic. The aroma while baking is simply irresistible.


Ingredients:

  • Basic roll dough

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley

  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil


Blend the herbs and garlic into your dough before shaping and baking.


Fresh herb and garlic rolls
Herb and garlic rolls that bring a festive touch to your holiday meal.

Perfect with your holiday roast, these rolls are great for scooping up savory sauces.


3. Cranberry Orange Rolls


Bring a cheerful twist to your dinner rolls with cranberry and orange. This festive combination is both sweet and tangy.


Ingredients:

  • Basic roll dough

  • 1 cup dried cranberries

  • Zest of 1 large orange

  • 4 tablespoons sugar

  • 2 tablespoons butter for filling


This burst of flavor will delight your guests. Serve them warm to enhance their irresistible taste.


Cranberry orange rolls
Cranberry orange rolls adding a festive color to your Christmas spread.

These rolls make a delightful breakfast or dessert option, perfect for holiday gatherings.


4. Cinnamon Roll Twists


Fill your home with the warm scent of cinnamon with festive roll twists.


Ingredients:

  • Sweet roll dough

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • Cream cheese frosting for drizzling


After rolling out your dough, sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture, twist, cut, and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.


Cinnamon roll twists
Cinnamon roll twists creating a festive centerpiece for your Christmas brunch.

These sweet rolls are perfect for holiday brunches and guarantee smiles all around.


5. Pecan Pie Rolls


Combine the flavors of pecan pie with soft rolls for a unique twist.


Ingredients:

  • Basic roll dough

  • 1 cup chopped pecans

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup


After shaping the rolls, drizzle them with a homemade pecan pie glaze right before serving.


Pecan pie rolls
Pecan pie rolls that capture the essence of your favorite holiday dessert.

These rolls offer a nutty flavor that will leave everyone wanting more.


6. Sweet Potato Rolls


Sweet potato rolls are a delightful addition that brings color and flavor to the table.


Ingredients:

  • Basic roll dough

  • 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes

  • 4 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons honey


Incorporate sweet potatoes for naturally sweet and moist rolls.


Sweet potato rolls
Soft and fluffy sweet potato rolls, a colorful addition to your Thanksgiving spread.

These rich rolls pair wonderfully with savory dishes at your holiday meal.


7. Chocolate-Stuffed Rolls


For those who crave a sweet surprise, chocolate-stuffed rolls are the answer.


Ingredients:

  • Sweet roll dough

  • 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks


Wrap your dough around a piece of chocolate, allow it to rise, and then bake until golden.


Chocolate-stuffed rolls
Decadent chocolate-stuffed rolls, the perfect treat for chocolate lovers.

A dusting of powdered sugar makes a lovely finishing touch.


8. Apple Cinnamon Rolls


Invite the tastes of fall to your Christmas celebration with apple cinnamon rolls.


Ingredients:

  • Sweet roll dough

  • 2 cups sliced apples

  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

  • 1/4 cup sugar


Layer the sliced apples in the dough and sprinkle with cinnamon before baking.


Apple cinnamon rolls
Warm and gooey apple cinnamon rolls, great for a Christmas breakfast.

Serve warm for a comforting holiday treat.


9. Festive Focaccia Rolls


Add an Italian flair to your festivities with colorful focaccia rolls.


Ingredients:

  • Focaccia dough

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes

  • 1 cup olives

  • Fresh herbs for decoration


Shape the focaccia dough into small rolls and top with fresh veggies and herbs before baking.


Festive focaccia rolls
Vibrant focaccia rolls topped with seasonal vegetables and herbs.

These eye-catching rolls not only taste great but add visual appeal to your dining table.


10. Holiday Breadsticks


Complete your holiday meal with flavorful breadsticks made from classic dough.


Ingredients:

  • Breadstick dough

  • 4 tablespoons garlic butter

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese


Twist and shape the dough, brush with garlic butter, and sprinkle with cheese before baking.


Holiday breadsticks
Garlic butter breadsticks ready to complement any festive meal.

These breadsticks are a crowd-pleasing side that will have everyone asking for seconds.


Wrapping up, the ten festive roll recipes shared here will add not just delicious flavors but also stunning presentations to your Christmas feast. From traditional dinner rolls to sweet treats like chocolate-stuffed and cranberry-orange varieties, there’s something for every taste. These rolls are perfect for holiday celebrations and sharing with loved ones.


So, gather in the kitchen this holiday season, enjoy the scents of freshly baked rolls, and create warm memories with family and friends. Happy baking!

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