Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without soft and fluffy Thanksgiving buns that practically melt in your mouth. These little pillows of joy are the perfect accompaniment to your turkey and gravy, soaking up all those delicious flavors. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked buns. She’d always make a double batch, knowing they’d disappear in no time. I can still hear the laughter of family gathered around the table, reaching for those golden-brown buns, slathered with butter. Trust me, once you experience the joy these buns bring to your Thanksgiving dinner, you won’t want to celebrate a holiday without them! They truly enhance the whole experience, making each meal feel even more special.
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 (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Buns
Making these Thanksgiving buns is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma. I promise, once you get started, you won’t want to stop! Here’s how to bring those fluffy, soft buns to life in just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
First, let’s wake up that yeast! In a bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk (not too hot, just warm enough to the touch) and sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy. This is crucial because it activates the yeast and makes your buns rise beautifully!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
While the yeast is getting cozy, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures that the flavors blend evenly.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to mix things up! Add the melted 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and 2 large eggs to the frothy yeast mixture. Then, pour this wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until everything is just combined; don’t overmix, or your buns may turn out tough!
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Next, it’s time to knead! Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is so important because it develops the gluten, giving your buns that soft and fluffy texture we all love!
Step 5: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. This is when the magic happens—watch it double in size!
Step 6: Shape the Buns
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a bun. I like to roll them in my hands until they’re round and smooth—this helps them rise evenly.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the shaped buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them again with a towel. Let them rise for another 30 minutes. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Step 8: Baking
Finally, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the buns for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown. The smell will be incredible, and you’ll want to resist the urge to dive in right away—let them cool for just a few minutes before serving!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Thanksgiving buns turn out perfectly every time! First off, make sure your milk is warm but not hot—hot milk can kill the yeast, and we definitely don’t want that! Also, if your kitchen is a bit chilly, you can turn on your oven for a minute, then turn it off and let your dough rise in there. It creates a cozy environment for the yeast to work its magic!
When shaping your buns, try to keep them uniform in size for even baking. And if you want an extra touch of flavor, brush the tops with melted butter right after they come out of the oven. Trust me, that buttery sheen is irresistible! Lastly, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and fluffy for days!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each of these delightful Thanksgiving buns. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, but they should give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 4g
These estimates make it easy to plan your Thanksgiving feast, ensuring you know exactly what you’re serving. With these buns on your table, everyone can enjoy a delightful, fluffy addition to their meal without any guilt!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these buns ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and complete the second rise before shaping and baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh, warm Thanksgiving buns without all the last-minute fuss!
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
No worries! If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead. Just substitute it in the same quantity—2 1/4 teaspoons—and skip the proofing step with warm milk. Instant yeast is a little more potent, so your buns may rise a bit faster. Just keep an eye on them during the rising times!
Can I freeze the buns?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these Thanksgiving buns! Once they’re baked and cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. You can warm them up in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy texture that practically melts in your mouth.
- Simple ingredients that are easy to find and use.
- Quick preparation with minimal fuss—perfect for busy holiday planning.
- Perfectly pairs with turkey, gravy, and all your favorite sides.
- Great for soaking up all those delicious sauces and flavors on your plate.
- Kids and adults alike will love these buns, making them a family favorite.
- Can be made ahead of time and frozen for ultimate convenience.
- Impressive enough to serve at any gathering, yet simple enough for everyday meals.
Thanksgiving Buns: 7 Delicious Reasons to Bake Them
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 buns 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Soft and fluffy buns perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
Składniki
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Instrukcje
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Knead until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a bun and place on a baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Uwagi
- For a sweeter bun, add more sugar.
- You can substitute milk with almond milk for a dairy-free version.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Breads
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 bun
- Kalorie: 180
- Cukier: 5g
- Sód: 200mg
- Kwasy: 7g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 2g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 25g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Słowa kluczowe: thanksgiving buns, dinner rolls, holiday bread, soft buns
