10 Freshly Baked Roll Recipes For Christmas

No matter what's on the holiday menu this year, don't skip out on the rolls.

Updated on September 3, 2024

There is one dish that should have a spot on every Christmas table and that's freshly baked rolls. The rolls don't have to be made from scratch (who can turn down a buttery, flaky crescent roll, even if it's made with canned dough?) but they do need to be freshly baked and served hot, preferably with pats of butter on the side. And who could forget the sweeter rolls that we crave during the holiday season (hello cinnamon rolls!) Thankfully, we've gathered up all the roll recipes you'll need ahead for a lovely Christmas holiday, whether you're serving them for breakfast, dinner, or dessert.

01 of 10

Pull-Apart Butter Roll Loaves

This isn't the standard bread basket option, but it's one we think you'll agree is incredibly flavorful and tender. This recipe makes two loaves, so you can have one for dinner and one with leftovers the next day. Just warm the loaf before serving.

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02 of 10

Make-Ahead Yeast Rolls

Southern Living Make Ahead Freezer Friendly Yeast Rolls in a basket to serve — Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Micah Morton, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner

This recipe from reader Carole Miller Radford is dependable, easy, and delicious. She recommends making the dough the previous day and then allowing it to rise again before baking. The dough can be shaped into balls for standard rolls but is supple enough to form any shape.

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03 of 10

Sweet Potato Rolls

Have a surplus of sweet potatoes? Why not make use of them with a delectable sweet potato roll recipe that only requires an hour of rising time? Between the harvest gold color and a drizzle of sparkling honey, these will brighten your table and your guests' faces.

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04 of 10

Parker House Rolls

The soft, buttery rolls are sweetened with brown sugar. Dust with sea salt and poppy seeds and make them the star of your holiday table as well.

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05 of 10

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Nothing says Christmas brunch like a tray of cinnamon-scented red velvet rolls. You can even play with the filling, trying a sumptuous hazelnut spread instead. The cream cheese icing adds a tanginess that pairs perfectly with your cup of coffee.

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06 of 10

Southern Butter Rolls

Biscuits and cinnamon rolls meet in the middle to make a sweet and luscious breakfast bread the whole family will adore on Christmas morning. Thanks to its biscuit-like ingredients, there is no need to wait for the dough to rise.

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07 of 10

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

The thing about cinnamon rolls is that they never go out of style, and on Christmas morning, they're kind of expected. This recipe might just be entitled "the best yet" by your loved ones. After all the rolls are gone, you'll be spooning up the remnants of the silky smooth vanilla glaze. Serve with coffee or hot cocoa for the perfect warming companion.

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08 of 10

Spiced Orange Rolls

Southern Living Orange Rolls in the dish to serve — Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

These buttery rolls are spiked with a spiced orange marmalade mixture, that makes each bite taste like Christmas day. A quick powdered sugar and orange glaze ties all the ingredients together while adding a bit more sweetness.

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09 of 10

Caramel Rolls

If you're looking for a cozy sweet roll to serve, these caramel rolls are the perfect option. They have the spice you desire during the holidays, thanks to brown sugar and cinnamon, plus caramel, which coats each roll.

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10 of 10