Every Thanksgiving table needs warm, buttery rolls. They’re perfect for soaking up gravy, enjoying with cranberry sauce, or simply snacking on between courses. But if you’ve ever tried making homemade rolls from scratch, you know how time-consuming the yeast process can be — waiting for dough to rise, punching it down, and hoping it bakes up fluffy instead of dense.
Good news: You can skip the yeast and still have light, tender, and delicious rolls that everyone will love. These vegan Thanksgiving rolls without yeast come together in less than 30 minutes, using simple pantry ingredients. No kneading, no rising, no stress — just easy, cozy holiday baking at its best.
In this post, we’ll walk through the full recipe, pro tips for texture, make-ahead instructions, and flavor variations that’ll make these rolls a Thanksgiving favorite year after year.
Why Make Vegan Rolls Without Yeast?
Yeast-free baking is all about convenience. During Thanksgiving, oven space and time are both precious. No-yeast vegan rolls offer several advantages:
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Quick prep: No proofing or waiting for dough to rise.
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Fail-proof: No need to worry about yeast activating or dough over-proofing.
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Lighter texture: These rolls are soft, biscuit-like, and flaky — perfect for savory spreads or sides.
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Beginner-friendly: Great for new bakers or anyone juggling multiple holiday dishes.
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Diet-friendly: 100% plant-based, dairy-free, and egg-free.
With a few key ingredient swaps, you’ll get the same comforting flavor and softness of traditional dinner rolls — without the yeast or extra time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for your vegan no-yeast rolls. Most ingredients are already in your kitchen.
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2 cups all-purpose flour (or use half whole wheat for a heartier version)
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1 tablespoon baking powder – this gives lift and replaces yeast
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1 tablespoon sugar – balances the flavor and helps browning
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon baking soda (for extra fluffiness)
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¾ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat work well)
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (creates a vegan “buttermilk”)
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¼ cup vegan butter or coconut oil, melted
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1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra moisture)
Optional toppings:
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Melted vegan butter + flaky salt
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Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) for garnish
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Garlic powder or nutritional yeast for a savory twist
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make Vegan “Buttermilk”
In a small bowl, combine the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle — this creates a vegan “buttermilk” that helps your rolls stay tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed — this ensures consistent rising and texture.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the vegan buttermilk and melted vegan butter (or coconut oil). Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing — it should be soft and slightly sticky, not dry.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Lightly flour your hands and divide the dough into 8–10 equal portions. Gently shape each into a ball. Place them in a greased 9-inch round baking dish or a parchment-lined sheet pan.
Step 5: Brush & Bake
Brush the tops with a little extra melted vegan butter or olive oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and firm to the touch.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Remove from the oven, brush once more with vegan butter, and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt or herbs. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Texture & Flavor Tips
Getting fluffy, soft rolls without yeast is all about a few key baking techniques.
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Don’t overmix: Stir until combined. Overmixing activates too much gluten, making rolls dense.
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Measure correctly: Spoon and level your flour — too much will make the dough dry.
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Use fresh baking powder: Old leavening agents won’t rise properly.
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Warm your milk: Slightly warm plant-based milk (not hot) helps create softer dough.
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Bake close together: Placing rolls close to each other in the pan encourages them to rise up instead of spreading out, mimicking that fluffy pull-apart texture of yeast rolls.
Flavor Variations
These vegan no-yeast rolls are delicious as-is, but you can easily customize them for different flavor profiles. Here are a few ideas:
1. Garlic Herb Rolls
Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 2 teaspoons chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary or parsley) to the dough. Brush with garlic butter before baking.
2. Sweet Maple Rolls
Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup to the wet ingredients and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a subtly sweet twist.
3. Cheesy Rolls
Mix in 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or vegan shredded cheese for a savory, cheesy flavor that pairs perfectly with Thanksgiving gravy.
4. Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour and add an extra tablespoon of plant milk for softer texture.
5. Stuffed Rolls
Before shaping, flatten each dough ball slightly and fill with caramelized onions, mashed potatoes, or cranberry sauce. Seal the edges and bake — it’s like a built-in Thanksgiving bite.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Holiday mornings can be chaotic, so here’s how to save time with this recipe:
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Prep the dough ahead: Make the dough up to 24 hours before Thanksgiving. Wrap tightly and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before baking.
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Freeze before baking: Shape into balls, freeze on a tray, and transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Bake straight from frozen — just add 5–7 minutes to the baking time.
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Freeze after baking: Once cooled, store baked rolls in the freezer for up to a month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to refresh them.
Pairing Ideas for Thanksgiving
These fluffy vegan rolls without yeast are incredibly versatile and go with everything on your holiday table.
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Serve with:
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Vegan mushroom or brown gravy
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Cranberry sauce
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Whipped vegan butter
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Olive tapenade or herbed hummus
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Pair with main dishes like:
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Lentil loaf
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Stuffed squash
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Vegan pot pie
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Roasted vegetables
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Breakfast leftovers: Toast them the next morning with almond butter or leftover cranberry sauce for a sweet treat.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Rolls too dense?
You may have added too much flour or overmixed the dough. Try adding a splash more plant milk next time and handle the dough gently.
Rolls too dry?
Brush them with melted vegan butter as soon as they come out of the oven — it locks in moisture and adds shine.
Rolls not browning?
Brush the tops with a bit of oil or vegan butter before baking, and make sure your oven is fully preheated.
Flat rolls?
Check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh — expired leaveners lose their power to rise.
Serving Presentation: Making It Festive
A big part of Thanksgiving charm comes from presentation. Here’s how to make your vegan rolls look as beautiful as they taste:
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Arrange rolls in a basket lined with a linen napkin or rustic towel.
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Garnish with a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme for a pop of green.
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Brush with vegan butter right before serving for an irresistible sheen.
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Add a small dish of herbed butter or maple glaze on the side.
If you’re hosting a large gathering, double the recipe — these rolls tend to disappear fast!
Why These Rolls Fit a Vegan Thanksgiving Perfectly
These vegan Thanksgiving rolls without yeast check all the boxes for a stress-free holiday meal:
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Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes.
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Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples.
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Inclusive: Dairy-free, egg-free, and easily made gluten-free (with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend).
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Comforting: Buttery, flaky, and nostalgic — with zero animal products.
They’re also perfect for hosts managing multiple dishes since they don’t need to share oven space for long or wait hours to rise.
Sustainability & Holiday Mindfulness
Thanksgiving isn’t just about food — it’s about gratitude and mindfulness. Choosing plant-based recipes like this one helps make the holiday more compassionate and eco-friendly. Every small choice, from cooking vegan dishes to reducing food waste, contributes to a kinder planet.
And if you love celebrating your vegan lifestyle beyond the kitchen, check out The Dharma Store — they offer vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton. It’s a thoughtful way to express your values or find a meaningful gift for another vegan in your life this season.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade rolls doesn’t have to be complicated. These vegan Thanksgiving rolls without yeast prove that you can have soft, fluffy, buttery bread in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re cooking for vegans, gluten-free guests, or traditional eaters, no one will miss the yeast — or the dairy.
Serve them warm, pass them around the table, and enjoy that satisfying moment when everyone reaches for seconds. Because sometimes, the simplest recipes bring the most joy.