Honey butter dinner rolls are soft yeast rolls with a gentle sweetness, baked until golden and brushed with warm honey butter the moment they come out of the oven. The dough is simple, made with milk, sugar, butter, flour, and yeast, and the honey butter glaze gives the tops a glossy, sticky finish. The recipe makes 16 rolls.
These rolls are a little sweeter and richer than a plain dinner roll, which makes them a nice partner for savory dinners. If you prefer a more traditional roll, try the fluffy homemade dinner rolls, or for a cinnamon twist, the soft yeast rolls with cinnamon honey butter.
Table of Contents
Why These Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Work
The dough is balanced so it stays soft, and the honey butter is added at the right moment.
- Milk gives the rolls a tender, fine crumb, and butter in the dough keeps them soft.
- A modest amount of sugar feeds the yeast and gives a mild sweetness without making the rolls taste like dessert.
- A dough that is soft and just a bit tacky bakes up lighter than a stiff, floury one.
- Brushing honey butter on hot rolls lets it melt in and leaves a shiny, flavorful top.
Ingredients for Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
For the rolls:
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the work surface
For the honey butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons honey
How to Make Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
1. Proof the yeast. Stir the warm milk and sugar together in a large bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until foamy. If it does not foam, start over with fresh yeast.
2. Mix the dough. Stir in the melted butter and salt. Add 3 1/2 cups of the flour and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Add more flour a little at a time, only until the dough is soft and just slightly tacky.
3. Knead. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface, or with a dough hook, for 5 to 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. First rise. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turn it once, and cover. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled.
5. Shape. Punch down the dough and divide it into 16 equal pieces. Roll each into a smooth ball and arrange the balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Second rise. Cover and let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes, until puffy. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while they rise.
7. Bake. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown on top.
8. Brush with honey butter. While the rolls bake, whisk the melted butter and honey together. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the honey butter. Serve warm.
How to Serve Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
Serve the rolls warm from the pan with extra honey butter on the side. They go well with soups and stews, such as the chicken rice soup, and with roasted chicken, ham, or a holiday spread. Leftover rolls make good small sandwiches the next day. For another soft roll to compare, the soft and buttery homemade rolls are worth a look.
How to Store and Reheat Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To freeze, wrap them well and freeze for up to 3 months. Warm thawed rolls in a low oven, covered with foil, until soft and hot.
Ohio State University Extension’s tips on getting a good rise out of bread dough note that hot water kills yeast and that milk gives a finer texture than water, which is why this recipe uses warm, not hot, milk.
Tips and Variations
- Check the milk temperature. Warm milk activates yeast, but hot milk can kill it.
- Add flour slowly. A little too much flour makes dense rolls, so stop when the dough is soft.
- Brush while hot. The rolls absorb the honey butter best straight from the oven.
- Add a pinch of flaky salt. A little on top of the honey butter balances the sweetness.
- Add spice. Stir a pinch of cinnamon into the honey butter for a warm flavor.
- Make ahead. Shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and finish rising before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do these rolls take to bake?
They bake in about 15 to 20 minutes at 350°F, until golden on top. Check them at 15 minutes, since ovens vary.
How do I know the dough has risen enough?
The dough should look about twice as big. Press two fingertips lightly into the dough, and if the dent stays, it is ready.
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes. Instant or rapid-rise yeast works, and the dough may rise a little faster, so watch the dough instead of the clock.
Why did my rolls turn out dry?
Too much flour or overbaking usually causes dry rolls. Keep the dough soft and tacky, and pull the rolls as soon as they are golden.
Can I use something other than honey?
Maple syrup works in the glaze, and it gives a slightly different flavor. Use the same amount.
Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk warmed to about 110°F
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 to 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus more for the work surface
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted, for the honey butter
- 3 tbsp honey for the honey butter
Instructions
Cooking
- Stir the warm milk and sugar together in a large bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until foamy.
- Stir in the melted butter and salt. Add 3 1/2 cups of the flour, then more a little at a time, until the dough is soft and just slightly tacky.
- Knead for 5 to 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled.
- Punch down, divide into 16 pieces, roll into balls, and arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while they rise.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown.
- Whisk the melted butter and honey together and brush over the hot rolls. Serve warm.
