Donna Kelce Just Told Us Her Family’s Favorite Dessert

The Kelce family is synonymous with the Royal Family for American football fanatics. Fans of NFL stars Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce have tuned in to their games, commentary and podcast for years, but the women supporting them have been key to their fame: Jason’s wife Kylie Kelce, Travis’ pop star girlfriend Taylor Swift and, of course, their mother Donna Kelce.

Donna’s holiday recipes have been raved about by the brothers. In a fitting partnership with Pillsbury, the home cook shares that she has been whipping up dishes from the brand’s annual Bake-Off competition for decades, including her family-favorite dinner rolls.

This year, Donna co-hosted the contest and helped announce the winner, AKA these mouthwatering Mini Beef Wellingtons with Smoked Gouda Dipping Sauce. Through this opportunity, we were given the chance to ask Mama Kelce herself a few questions, including her favorite holiday dessert and her advice for first-time hosts. Read on for her favorite recipes and tips below.

Do you have any fun holiday traditions for either Thanksgiving or Christmas, food related or not?

When it comes to food, my dinner rolls are our biggest tradition and a must-have on our dinner table, but we look for all kinds of ways to spend time together during the holidays. We have to be careful not to eat them all before the meal! And then, of course, for us it wouldn’t be the holidays without football!

Favorite dessert to make during the holidays?

My chocolate chip cookies are a year-round staple but I also bring them out during the holidays because it brings me memories of spending time in the kitchen with my kids. If you need a short cut, using [store-bought] cookie dough makes it even easier to whip up these delicious treats, allowing you to focus more on creating those special moments with family. 

Do you have any tips for any first-time holiday hosts this year, as someone who’s been hosting for decades?

My biggest tip is to find a few simple, easy to make dishes that you feel confident making so you’re not stressing in the kitchen in addition to all your other duties. 

Could you talk more about your Pillsbury partnership and how the Magic Marshmallow Crescent Puffs has been a staple over the years?

I’m thrilled to join up with Pillsbury to co-host their beloved contest and announce this year’s “Holiday Family Favorites” winning recipes! The bake-off prompts bakers to share their best family recipes, and I loved seeing all the creativity and innovation in this year’s contest. One of my family’s favorite recipes that I make each year—Mama Kelce’s Dinner Rolls—are actually based on a Pillsbury Bake-Off winning recipe from 1969! They’ve been a staple at our holiday table since Jason and Travis were young so working with Pillsbury was a natural fit. There’s something so special about a recipe that stands the test of time and brings joy to the table every holiday season. 

What’s an easy appetizer that you’re looking to serve this Thanksgiving?

I’m so inspired by this year’s Pillsbury Bake-Off contest winner, Julie McIntire, and have decided to add her recipe—Mini Beef Wellingtons with Smoked Gouda Dipping Sauce—as a tangy, smoky appetizer. Jason in particular is such a fan of savory dishes that I think he is going to love this recipe.

What does “eating well” mean to you?

“Eating well” means my family is happy and satisfied from my cooking. It’s all about bringing a smile to their faces—and their stomachs!

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for clarity and length.