It’s Day 4 of our “12 Days of Christmas Recipes,” and today, we’re bringing a touch of whimsy to the holiday table with Bird-Shaped Sweet Dinner Rolls! These soft, buttery rolls are not only delicious but also charmingly festive, shaped like little birds with knotted bodies, pinched beaks, and feathered tails. Whether you’re hosting a formal Christmas dinner or a cozy family brunch, these sweet dinner rolls will impress both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into the recipe and uncover the secrets to crafting these delightful bread creations.
Ingredients
To make these adorable and delicious sweet dinner rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Dough:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 8 cups bread flour
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
Toppings:
- Chocolate chips (for eyes)
- Melted butter (for brushing)
Best Tips for Perfect Sweet Dinner Rolls
1. Activate the Yeast for a Fluffy Dough
Before you start, activate your yeast properly. Combining warm water, warm milk, and a little sugar gives the yeast the energy it needs to create the light and fluffy texture we all love in dinner rolls.
2. Don’t Overwork the Dough
Knead the dough just enough to make it smooth and elastic—overworking it can lead to tough rolls.
3. Keep an Eye on Rising Times
Letting the dough rise twice is essential: once after mixing and kneading and again after shaping the rolls. This gives the yeast plenty of time to do its magic, resulting in tender rolls with a beautiful rise.
How to Make Bird Shaped Sweet Dinner Rolls
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 18 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long, thin log, about 8–10 inches in length.
- Create the bird shape by tying each log into a loose knot. The top end of the knot becomes the bird’s head, and the bottom becomes its tail.
Step 5: Add Finishing Details
- For the bird’s head, pinch the top of the knot to form a beak.
- To create feathers, use a small knife to make three or four gentle cuts on the tail end.
- Place a chocolate chip into each bird head to serve as the eyes.
Step 6: Second Rise
- Place the shaped rolls onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Cover with a towel and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes.
Step 7: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the rolls with melted butter before baking for a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden and cooked through.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, brush the rolls with a little more melted butter while still warm. Serve these charming bird-shaped sweet dinner rolls alongside your holiday meal or as a standalone treat.
Bread Making Tips
Why Didn’t My Dough Rise?
Several factors can prevent your dough from rising:
- Inactive Yeast: Always check the expiration date of your yeast and activate it in warm (not hot) liquid. Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast.
- Cold Environment: Yeast needs warmth to activate. If your kitchen is cool, let the dough rise near a warm oven or wrap it in a towel.
How Can I Make My Rolls Softer?
For softer rolls, avoid adding too much flour during the kneading process, as this can make the dough dense. Also, don’t skip brushing the rolls with melted butter—it locks in moisture and creates a tender crust.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
How Do I Know When the Rolls Are Done Baking?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use an instant-read thermometer—the internal temperature should be about 190°F (88°C).
Can I Freeze These Sweet Dinner Rolls?
Yes! Bake the rolls as directed, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
Day 4 of our “12 Days of Christmas Recipes” has brought us these whimsical Bird-Shaped Sweet Dinner Rolls. Not only are they a joy to look at, but they’re also buttery, soft, and perfect for the holidays. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty Christmas roast or as part of a festive breakfast spread, these rolls are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Making bread from scratch can seem like a daunting task, but with a little practice and patience, it’s a deeply rewarding experience. Shaping the dough into little birds adds a playful touch to your table, making these sweet dinner rolls a memorable addition to any holiday gathering.
Stay tuned for more festive recipes as we continue counting down to Christmas! Happy baking!
Sweet Dinner Rolls (Bird Shaped)
Equipment
- Hand Mixer
- Blender/Food Processor
- 9x13 Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 8 cups bread flour
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
Topping
- Cloves for eyes
- Salted Melted Butter for topping
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
- Prepare Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Stir to dissolve. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Mix the Dough
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, remaining granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the bread flour, 4 cups at first, mixing with a hand mixer or dough hook attachment. Then add one cup at a time while mixing with the hook attachment until a slightly sticky dough forms.
- Double in Size: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Rolls
- Divide the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 18 equal portions.
- Shape into Logs: Roll each portion into a long log, about 8–10 inches in length.
- Form the Bird Shape: Tie each log into a loose knot. Position the knot so the top loop becomes the bird’s head and the tail end becomes the bird's tail.
- Create the Beak: Pinch one end of the top loop to form a pointed beak.
- Indent the Tail Feathers: Use a knife or kitchen scissors to make small cuts at the other end to resemble feathers.
Second Rise and Bake
- Let Rise: Place the shaped rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a clean towel and let them rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Add Finishing Touches
- Decorate: While the rolls are still warm, press a clove into each bird's head for eyes. Brush the rolls lightly with melted butter for a shiny finish.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. These adorable bird-shaped sweet rolls are perfect for festive gatherings or a whimsical treat!
