Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *Christmas rolls*! They’re not just any rolls; they’re fluffy, warm little bundles of joy that fill your kitchen with the most delicious aroma as they bake. Honestly, there’s something so magical about pulling these out of the oven and watching them disappear at festive gatherings. I remember the first time I made them, I could hardly wait for them to cool. The combination of sweet raisins and crunchy nuts just makes my heart sing! Trust me, once you try these rolls, you’ll want to make them a holiday tradition. They’re perfect alongside your holiday dinner or even as a delightful breakfast treat. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get baking! You won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (your choice, like walnuts or pecans)
How to Prepare *Christmas Rolls*
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, let’s activate that yeast! In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and the packet of active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it’s frothy. This step is super important because it ensures your rolls will rise beautifully!
- While the yeast is doing its magic, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. This blend is the foundation for your rolls, so make sure it’s well mixed. I love using my hands to give it a little toss!
- Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the melted butter, eggs, and that frothy yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix it all up until it forms a soft dough. Trust me, it’ll start to feel like a dream under your fingertips!
- Once the dough is mixed, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is where the magic happens, so don’t rush it! If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Time to fold in those delightful raisins and nuts! Just gently knead them into the dough until they’re evenly distributed. You want those little bursts of sweetness and crunch in every bite!
- Cover your dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. It’s like a little nap for the dough—so cozy!
- After it’s risen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough gently (this is my favorite part!) and shape it into rolls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them some space to grow.
- Cover the shaped rolls again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. They’ll puff up nicely, and your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Finally, bake those beauties for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Oh, the smell is going to drive you wild! Let them cool a bit before serving, but I won’t blame you if you sneak one while they’re still warm!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re quick and easy to make, perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen newbies!
- These *Christmas rolls* are wonderfully fluffy and light, making them a delightful addition to any holiday meal.
- With sweet raisins and crunchy nuts, each bite is a burst of festive flavor that everyone will adore.
- They’re incredibly versatile—enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or use them for breakfast the next day with a bit of butter or jam.
- These rolls are a fantastic way to bring family and friends together during the holidays, filling your home with warmth and joy.
- You can easily make them ahead of time, letting you focus on other delicious dishes for your festive gathering!
- They’re also great for sharing—your guests will be asking for the recipe, trust me!
Tips for Success
- Perfect Dough Consistency: When kneading, the dough should be soft but not sticky. If it sticks to your hands, sprinkle a bit more flour. But don’t go overboard—too much flour can make your rolls dense!
- Warm Rising Environment: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is chilly, you can turn on your oven for a minute, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside.
- Timing is Key: Keep an eye on your rolls as they bake! Oven temperatures can vary, so check for that golden brown color around the 20-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Let Them Cool: Resist the temptation to dive in right away! Letting the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before serving allows the flavors to settle and makes them easier to handle.
- Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to switch up the raisins and nuts! Try adding dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or even herbs for a savory twist—get creative and make it your own!
- Brush with Butter: For an extra touch of deliciousness, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter right after they come out of the oven. It adds a beautiful shine and enhances that buttery flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your scrumptious *Christmas rolls*, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To store them, simply place the rolls in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They’ll keep well at room temperature for about 2 days, but if you want to extend their life, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember, they taste best fresh!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze! You can warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until they’re warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 15-20 seconds in the microwave works too—just be careful not to overdo it, or they might turn chewy. Serve them warm with a pat of butter, and you’ll be in *Christmas roll* heaven all over again!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional values for these delightful *Christmas rolls*. Keep in mind that these are estimates based on typical values and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. Each roll is a little bundle of joy!
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 4g
These rolls are not only delicious but also bring a bit of joy to your festive table without too much guilt. Enjoy every bite knowing you’re treating yourself and your loved ones to something special!
FAQ Section
Can I make these *Christmas rolls* ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape the rolls and store them in the fridge overnight. Just let them come to room temperature and rise again before baking the next day.
What can I substitute for raisins in the rolls?
If raisins aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips for a sweet twist. The possibilities are endless!
Why didn’t my rolls rise as expected?
There are a couple of reasons this might happen! Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the warm milk isn’t too hot or too cold when activating the yeast. If your kitchen is chilly, try placing the dough in a warmer spot to help it rise.
Can I freeze *Christmas rolls*?
Yes, you can! Just let the rolls cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
What’s the best way to serve *Christmas rolls*?
These rolls are best served warm, straight from the oven! You can enjoy them plain, or slather them with butter, jam, or even a drizzle of honey. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy breakfasts!
Call to Action
Wow, look at you! You’ve just created these delicious *Christmas rolls*, and I can’t wait to hear all about your baking adventure! If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a moment to leave a comment below and share your thoughts. Did you tweak anything? What did your family think? I love hearing your stories!
And if you’re feeling extra generous, why not give this recipe a rating? It really helps others discover these festive delights. Plus, sharing is caring! Snap a photo of your beautiful rolls and tag me on social media. I’d be thrilled to see your creations and celebrate together!
Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with warmth and joy! Let’s keep the holiday spirit alive, one roll at a time!
Print
Christmas Rolls That Will Make Your Heart Sing
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas rolls perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Knead until smooth.
- Fold in raisins and nuts.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape the dough into rolls and place on a baking sheet.
- Let rolls rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas rolls
