Honey Butter Dinner Rolls (Print)

Pillowy rolls brushed with honey butter, ideal for holiday tables or everyday meals.

# Components:

→ Dough

01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
03 - 1 cup whole milk, warm (approximately 110°F)
04 - 1/4 cup honey
05 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - 1 large egg, room temperature

→ Honey Butter Topping

08 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
09 - 2 tablespoons honey

# Directions:

01 - Combine warm milk and honey in a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and allow to bloom for 5 minutes, until foamy.
02 - Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine thoroughly.
03 - Gradually incorporate flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
04 - Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
05 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm environment for 60-75 minutes, or until doubled in volume.
06 - Gently punch down the dough. Divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and arrange in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
07 - Cover the shaped rolls and allow them to rise for 30-40 minutes until visibly puffy. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
08 - Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes, until they achieve a golden-brown hue.
09 - Whisk together the melted butter and honey for the topping. Brush the warm rolls generously immediately after removing them from the oven.
10 - Serve rolls warm for optimal enjoyment.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Requires basic pantry ingredients you likely already have
  • Perfect make ahead option that freezes beautifully
  • Creates that bakery quality result without professional equipment
  • Versatile enough for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts
02 -
  • These rolls stay soft for days when properly stored
  • The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for the first rise
  • Using bread flour creates an even chewier, more substantial roll
  • Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough creates wonderful savory variations
03 -
  • Let your shaped rolls rise until they're visibly puffy but not quite doubled for the perfect texture
  • Brush with honey butter immediately after baking while still hot for maximum absorption
  • Use a kitchen scale to divide dough evenly for professional looking rolls that bake uniformly
  • For extra richness substitute half and half or heavy cream for the milk in extremely special occasions

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