Christmas Rolls: 7 Heartwarming Ways to Celebrate Family

Name: Christmas Rolls: 7 Heartwarming Ways to Celebrate Family
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup raisins; 1/2 cup chopped nuts

November 19, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Ah, the holiday season! There’s something magical about gathering around the table with family and friends, and nothing makes those moments more special than warm, freshly baked Christmas rolls. Trust me, there’s just something about the smell of these rolls wafting through the house that gets everyone in the festive spirit. I remember making them with my grandma, and her secret ingredient was always a sprinkle of love. These rolls are fluffy, slightly sweet, and filled with delightful bits of raisins and nuts that make each bite a treat! So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into making your own batch of these delicious Christmas rolls that will surely become a holiday favorite in your home.

Ingredients for Christmas Rolls

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Christmas rolls. Gather these ingredients, and let’s get started!

4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our rolls, making them fluffy and perfect for soaking up all that goodness.
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast: This little packet is what makes your rolls rise and become light and airy.
1 cup warm milk: The warmth helps activate the yeast, giving your rolls that lovely lift.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the flavors and help the rolls brown nicely.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness and flavor, making each bite oh-so-decadent.
1 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors and make them pop!
2 large eggs: These are essential for binding everything together and adding moisture.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This is where the holiday magic happens! It adds a warm, inviting flavor that’s perfect for Christmas.
1/2 cup raisins: A sweet surprise in every roll, these little gems bring a chewy texture.
1/2 cup chopped nuts: I love using walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch, but feel free to use your favorite nuts!

How to Prepare Christmas Rolls

Okay, let’s get our hands a little floury and dive into the steps for making these scrumptious Christmas rolls! I promise, each step is simple and so worth it. Ready? Let’s go!

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining your warm milk and active dry yeast in a bowl. Make sure the milk is warm, not boiling—think a cozy bath for the yeast! Let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s all frothy and bubbly. That’s your yeast waking up and getting excited to make those rolls rise!

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Once the yeast is all bubbly, stir in the granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and the eggs. I like to mix them in this order for a smoother blend. Just whisk it all together until it’s nice and combined. The smell of butter and sugar? Absolutely heavenly!

Step 3: Form the Dough

Now, it’s time to add in the flour and cinnamon! Gradually mix them into your wet ingredients. You’ll want to keep stirring until a dough starts to form. It should be slightly sticky, but that’s okay—don’t worry, we’ll knead it shortly!

Step 4: Kneading the Dough

Sprinkle a bit of flour on your countertop and turn out the dough. Knead it for about 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens—work it until it’s smooth and elastic. You’ll feel the dough come together beautifully. Trust me, it’s a great workout too!

Step 5: First Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. You want it to double in size—I always get giddy when I see it puffing up!

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

After the first rise, roll out your dough on a floured surface. Sprinkle the raisins and chopped nuts over the dough, then roll it up tightly like a delicious burrito! Cut the rolled dough into 12 pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Let them rise again for another 30 minutes. You want those rolls to get nice and plump!

Step 7: Bake the Rolls

Finally, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake your rolls for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should be golden brown and smell absolutely divine! Once they’re done, let them cool slightly before serving. Your kitchen will smell like a holiday dream!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying these delightful Christmas rolls, it’s nice to know what you’re getting in each serving! Here are the typical nutritional values per roll. Keep in mind, these are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredients!

Calories: 180
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 4g

These rolls are not just a treat for the taste buds, but they also bring some joy to your holiday gatherings without too many worries about your diet. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, and you won’t be disappointed!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re all set to make these Christmas rolls, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

Check Your Yeast: Always make sure your yeast is fresh! If it doesn’t foam up in the warm milk, it might be expired. No rise equals no fluffy rolls!
Temperature Matters: When activating your yeast, ensure the milk is warm but not hot—about 110°F (43°C) is perfect. Too hot can kill the yeast, and we don’t want to do that!
Don’t Skip the Kneading: Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the rolls that lovely structure. It’s tempting to rush through this, but take your time to really work that dough!
Rising Time: If your kitchen is a bit chilly, try placing your dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off, of course) to help it rise better. Just cover it well!
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or try different nuts—almonds or pecans work wonderfully too!
Brush with Butter: For an extra touch of luxury, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter right after they come out of the oven. It adds a delicious gloss and extra flavor!
Serve Warm: These rolls are best enjoyed warm from the oven, but if you do have leftovers, reheat them in the oven for just a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked taste.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delightful Christmas rolls that your family and friends will be raving about for years to come!

Variations on Christmas Rolls

Ready to shake things up a bit with your Christmas rolls? There are so many delicious ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste or to surprise your guests! Here are some of my favorite variations that keep things festive and exciting:

Dried Cranberries: Swap out the raisins for dried cranberries for a tart and sweet twist. They add a beautiful pop of color and a zingy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays!
Different Nuts: While I love walnuts and pecans, you could also try chopped almonds or hazelnuts for a different crunch. Each nut brings its unique flavor and texture!
Spiced Orange Zest: Add a tablespoon of fresh orange zest to the dough for a lovely citrus aroma that complements the cinnamon beautifully. It’s like bringing a little sunshine to your holiday table!
Chocolate Chips: For the chocolate lovers out there, toss in some semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of nuts or alongside them. It’s a delightful surprise that will make everyone smile!
Maple Glaze: Drizzle a simple maple glaze over the warm rolls after baking for an extra layer of sweetness. Just mix powdered sugar with a bit of maple syrup and a splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Pumpkin Spice: In the spirit of holiday flavors, mix in 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and an extra teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas!
Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Before baking, sprinkle a mixture of sugar and cinnamon on top of the rolls for a sweet crust that adds a delightful crunch.

Feel free to mix and match these variations to come up with a combination that feels just right for your holiday celebrations. Each tweak brings a unique twist to the table, making your Christmas rolls even more special!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After enjoying your delicious Christmas rolls, you might be wondering how to store any leftovers. Trust me, you’ll want to keep them fresh for as long as possible! Here’s how to do it:

Storing: Allow the rolls to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge, and they should last about a week.
Freezing: If you have more rolls than you can eat, freezing is a fantastic option! Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label them so you don’t forget what’s inside!

When it’s time to enjoy those leftover rolls, reheating is super easy:

Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps them nice and soft!
Microwave Method: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the rolls! Just place one roll on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 15-20 seconds. Be cautious, as they can get hot quickly!

With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor those Christmas rolls for days to come, making your holiday memories last even longer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have homemade rolls ready to impress your family and friends!
Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of cinnamon, raisins, and nuts creates a warm, comforting flavor that screams holiday cheer.
Perfect for Gatherings: These rolls make a fantastic addition to any holiday table, bringing everyone together for a delicious treat.
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add your favorite mix-ins to make these rolls your own!
Great for Leftovers: They store well and can be enjoyed days later, so you can keep the festive spirit alive long after the celebrations are over.
Family Tradition: Making these Christmas rolls can become a cherished holiday tradition, just like it was for me with my grandma.

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.