Let me tell you, these Homemade Honey Dinner Rolls Recipe are truly a game-changer when it comes to soft, slightly sweet rolls that everyone can’t stop talking about. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner or just craving fresh, pillowy rolls, this recipe hits all the right notes – fluffy, golden, and with a delicate touch of honey that makes them irresistibly good. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my little tips that helped me nail this recipe every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Soft Texture: The dough is tender and fluffy, making every bite melt in your mouth.
- Subtle Honey Sweetness: Just the right amount of honey adds warmth and flavor without overpowering.
- Hands-On and Rewarding: It’s a fun process that turns simple ingredients into bakery-level rolls at home.
- Great for Beginners: Step-by-step instructions that helped me get it right on my first try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Homemade Honey Dinner Rolls Recipe plays an important role, and when combined, creates that rich buttery flavor and perfect soft crumb. Don’t skimp on using room temperature eggs and butter because they blend better for a smooth dough!
- Honey: I like warming it slightly to help it dissolve fully into the water – it really infuses the dough.
- Water: Be sure it’s about 110°F; too hot and you’ll kill the yeast, too cold and the dough won’t rise well.
- All-purpose flour: It gives the structure while staying soft enough for those light rolls.
- Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s at room temperature and cut into small cubes for easier mixing.
- Eggs: Divided for richness – one in the dough and the other for that glossy egg wash finish.
- Instant yeast: Because it’s easy to use, and I’ve found it gives consistent rising every time.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness just right.
- Flaky salt (like Maldon or fleur de sel): Optional but hands down my favorite final touch for bursts of salty crunch on top.
Variations
I love how versatile this Homemade Honey Dinner Rolls Recipe is. Sometimes I tweak it just a bit to fit the occasion or mood, and you should definitely feel free to make it your own.
- Whole Wheat Twist: I swapped half the flour for whole wheat once, and the rolls had a lovely nutty flavor – a bit heartier without losing softness.
- Herbed Honey Rolls: Adding fresh rosemary or thyme into the dough took these to the next level for a fancy dinner.
- Dairy-Free Option: You can replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and swap the eggs with a flax egg – it still comes out wonderfully soft.
- Sweet Cinnamon Swirl: Before rolling into balls, I rolled the dough flat, spread butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar, then rolled it back into balls for a cinnamon roll style surprise.
How to Make Homemade Honey Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Warm the Honey and Water, Mix Your Dough
Start by warming the honey for about 15 seconds in the microwave until it’s loosened up – trust me, this little trick makes a big difference in how well the honey dissolves into the water. Then, stir together the honey and warm water in your mixing bowl. I always check that the water is around 110°F with an instant-read thermometer to protect the yeast. Add in 3½ cups of flour, room temperature butter cubes, one egg, yeast, and salt. If you’re using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and knead on medium-low for about 3 minutes until you get a smooth dough that pulls away from the bowl. Not using a mixer? No worries! Just get your hands in and knead on a lightly floured surface. Expect it to be a bit sticky at first, but with about a quarter cup more flour added gradually, it’ll become soft and manageable.
Step 2: First Rise in a Warm Spot
Once you’ve got a nice dough ball, toss it into a greased bowl and cover with a clean dish towel. Set it somewhere warm for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough looks noticeably puffed and soft to the touch—this quick rise adds the fluffiness factor that makes these rolls irresistible.
Step 3: Shape Up Those Rolls
After that first rise, give the dough a gentle punch down—like a friendly reminder to wake up—and divide it into 12 equal portions (roughly 2.7 ounces each). Here’s a trick I learned: when you roll each piece into a ball, do it under your palm on a clean surface, moving in small circles to create a nice tight skin. This tight shaping helps the rolls hold their shape and rise beautifully. Arrange your dough balls snugly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover again with your dish towel, and let them rise for another 15 minutes until puffy. You’ll be amazed at how much they puff up!
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake to Golden Perfection
While your rolls are having their second rise, preheat the oven to 400°F. Beat that second egg until smooth and brush it generously over the tops of the rolls. This gives them that shiny, golden crust that just screams “freshly baked.” Don’t forget to sprinkle flaky salt on top—this little extra crunch is my family’s favorite finishing touch. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until perfectly golden and cooked through. I usually test by gently tapping the top – it should sound hollow. Once out of the oven, let the rolls sit in the pan for 10 minutes; this lets the crumb settle so they’re not too soft when you cut into them.
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Honey Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Check Water Temperature: I once ruined a batch by using water that was too hot—always test with a thermometer around 110°F for yeast to thrive.
- Roll Tight for Tender Rolls: The trick to those smooth tops is rolling each piece under your palm with gentle pressure in the circular motion.
- Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: That glossy sheen and golden crust angels your rolls straight to “bakery quality.”
- Let Them Rest Before Serving: Cooling in the pan helps the rolls hold their shape and texture, so resist the urge to cut right away!
How to Serve Homemade Honey Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I’m hooked on finishing these rolls with flaky salt, which gives a lovely salty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the sweet honey notes. Sometimes, when I’m feeling extra indulgent, I brush a little melted butter mixed with fresh herbs right after baking for a fragrant finish that wows guests every time.
Side Dishes
These rolls are my go-to alongside hearty soups like butternut squash or creamy chicken stew. I’ve also served them with classic Thanksgiving dinners or a simple salad and roasted veggies for a comforting meal you’ll want to repeat.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I arrange the rolls in a circular wreath shape on a platter and add sprigs of fresh rosemary and small edible flowers. It’s a simple touch that turns these humble rolls into a festive centerpiece everyone loves reaching for.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After they’ve completely cooled, I store leftover rolls in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag at room temperature. They stay soft for a couple of days, perfect for those quick snacks or sandwiches.
Freezing
When I want to prep ahead, I freeze the rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked softness, I pop frozen or leftover rolls in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. You can brush a little water or butter on top before warming for extra moisture and flavor. This always makes them taste almost as good as fresh!
FAQs
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Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely! If you only have active dry yeast on hand, just dissolve it in the warm water with the honey and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy before mixing with the other ingredients. This helps activate the yeast properly.
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What’s the secret to soft, fluffy rolls?
Aside from proper kneading and warm water temperature, shaping your rolls tightly and letting the dough rise twice help create that tender crumb and fluffy texture that we all love.
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Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?
Definitely! Though a stand mixer makes things easier, you can knead by hand on a lightly floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes.
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Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Yes, fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even a bit of cinnamon can be mixed into the dough for added flavor. Just keep the quantity moderate so the rolls still rise well.
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How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
Look for a deep golden brown color and lightly tap the top; it should sound hollow. If you’re unsure, you can check with a thermometer—the internal temperature should be around 190°F.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how these Homemade Honey Dinner Rolls come together every time—they’ve honestly become a staple in our household. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a holiday feast, these rolls make everything better. I hope you’ll enjoy baking and sharing them as much as I do—it’s truly one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the oven. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking!
Print
Homemade Honey Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 dinner rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These homemade dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweetened with honey for a perfect dinner accompaniment. Easy to make with simple ingredients, these rolls are brushed with egg wash and sprinkled with flaky salt for a beautiful golden finish and delightful texture.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup water at 110°F
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature, cut into ¼-inch cubes
- 2 large eggs at room temperature, divided
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast*
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Topping
- Flaky salt such as Maldon or fleur de sel
Instructions
- Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent the rolls from sticking during baking.
- Warm the Honey: Measure the honey into a microwave-safe container and microwave for 15 seconds until warm and fluid, which helps it dissolve easily into the water.
- Mix Ingredients: In a standing mixer bowl with dough hook or a large mixing bowl, combine the warm honey, water (at 110°F), 3 ½ cups flour, cubed butter, 1 egg, instant yeast, and kosher salt. Stir until combined.
- Knead the Dough: Using a stand mixer on medium-low speed, knead the dough until smooth and soft, about 3 minutes, adding up to ¼ cup more flour if needed until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides. If kneading by hand, turn the shaggy dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and no longer sticky.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover with a dish towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 15 minutes until the dough looks puffy.
- Shape Dough Balls: Punch down the dough gently to release air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces (about 2.7 ounces each). Roll each piece into a tight, smooth ball on a clean surface using your palm.
- Arrange and Second Rise: Arrange the balls evenly in the prepared baking dish. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for about 15 minutes until puffy.
- Prepare Egg Wash: Beat the remaining egg until smooth and evenly combined for brushing.
- Brush and Season: Uncover the dish, brush the rolls with the egg wash and sprinkle flaky salt on top for a flavorful crust.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F and bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Place the dish on a wire rack and allow the rolls to cool in the dish for 10 minutes before serving to let the texture set perfectly.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the water is warm but not hot to activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for slightly chewier rolls.
- Adding flaky salt on top before baking gives a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
- Make sure eggs and butter are at room temperature to blend evenly into the dough.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
