Honey Dinner Rolls has always been synonymous with comfort in my kitchen. I remember as a child, the warm, sweet aroma of baking bread would fill our home, signaling a special family meal. My grandmother, with flour dusting her apron, would pull a tray of these golden, fluffy rolls from the oven, and I swear I could taste the love in every bite. This easy honey yeast roll recipe brings back all those cherished memories, delivering a tender crumb and a delicate sweetness that makes them truly irresistible. You’ll love how simple it is to achieve these perfect, melt-in-your-mouth rolls from scratch. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Honey Dinner Rolls

I genuinely believe these honey dinner rolls will become a staple in your home, just like they are in mine. There’s so much to adore about them!

They offer an incredible balance of subtle sweetness and rich, buttery flavor that complements any meal.
This is an easy honey yeast roll recipe, making it perfect for beginners and busy home cooks.
Making them from scratch means you control the ingredients, avoiding artificial additives found in store-bought versions.
You’ll discover the joy of baking fluffy honey rolls from scratch that are far superior to anything pre-made.
These homemade rolls are surprisingly budget-friendly, using common pantry ingredients.
The process is a wonderful family activity, and everyone will love eating the results!

Ingredients for Delicious Honey Dinner Rolls

Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step to making these incredible honey dinner rolls. I’ve carefully selected each component to ensure the best flavor and texture for your homemade honey rolls. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup warm milk (105-115°F) – essential for activating the yeast.
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast – the magical ingredient that makes these rolls rise and become fluffy.
¼ cup granulated sugar – a touch of sweetness and food for the yeast.
¼ cup honey – this is where the distinct sweet flavor of your honey dinner rolls truly shines.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted – adds richness and helps create that tender crumb.
1 large egg – binds everything together and contributes to a beautiful golden color.
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting – the structural base for your soft honey bread rolls.
1 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – for brushing on top, giving them a lovely sheen and extra buttery taste.

These honey dinner rolls ingredients are simple, yet they combine to create something truly special!

How to Make Honey Dinner Rolls from Scratch

Making these delightful honey dinner rolls is a truly rewarding experience, and I’m here to guide you through every step. Follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll soon have a batch of soft, sweet rolls filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This is how to make honey dinner rolls that everyone will rave about!

Step 1: Start by preparing your yeast. In a large bowl, combine the 1 cup warm milk (ensure it’s between 105-115°F, not too hot or cold), 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, and a pinch of the granulated sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a foamy layer appears on top, indicating the yeast is active and happy.
Step 2: Once your yeast is foamy, stir in the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup honey, ½ cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 large egg. Mix these wet ingredients together until they are well combined. The honey will add that signature sweetness and a beautiful golden hue to your dough.
Step 3: Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt to the wet mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. It will look a bit rough at this stage, but don’t worry!
Step 4: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Now comes the kneading! Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, gradually adding the remaining 1 cup of all-purpose flour as needed. You want to achieve a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when you gently poke it. This crucial step develops the gluten, making your honey dinner rolls wonderfully soft and fluffy.
Step 5: Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. I love watching the dough grow; it’s a sign of good things to come!
Step 6: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 to 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth, tight ball. This ensures your honey dinner rolls have a lovely, uniform shape.
Step 7: Arrange the rolled dough balls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover the dish again with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for a second time for 30-45 minutes, or until they look noticeably puffy and have nearly doubled again. This second rise contributes to their incredible lightness.
Step 8: While the rolls are completing their second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature for baking honey dinner rolls.
Step 9: Bake the honey dinner rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them; ovens can vary! The aroma filling your kitchen right now is simply divine.
Step 10: As soon as you pull the warm rolls from the oven, brush them generously with the 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter. This adds a lovely sheen, extra flavor, and keeps the crust soft. Serve your homemade honey dinner rolls warm and enjoy!

Irresistible Honey Dinner Rolls fresh from the oven, golden brown and fluffy, ready to be served

Pro Tips for the Best Honey Dinner Rolls

I’ve baked countless batches of these delicious honey dinner rolls, and along the way, I’ve picked up a few tricks that guarantee success every time. These expert tips will help you achieve the softest, most flavorful homemade honey rolls possible, making your baking experience even more enjoyable.

Always ensure your warm milk is the correct temperature (105-115°F) to properly activate the yeast. Too hot will kill it, too cold won’t activate it.
Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added; over-kneading can lead to tough rolls. Mix until just combined, then knead to develop gluten.
Allow ample time for both rises. A slow, gentle rise contributes significantly to the fluffy texture of your honey dinner rolls.
For an extra golden top, you can brush the rolls with an egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) before baking.
Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. This allows the internal structure to set, resulting in perfectly soft honey bread rolls.

What’s the secret to perfect soft honey bread rolls?

The real secret to incredibly soft honey bread rolls lies in two things: proper kneading and sufficient rising time. Kneading develops the gluten just enough for structure without making them tough, and allowing the dough to double in size for both rises creates that airy, cloud-like texture we all crave in our honey dinner rolls.

Can I make Honey Dinner Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough for these honey dinner rolls the night before. After the first rise, punch down the dough, form the rolls, and arrange them in the baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Take them out about an hour before baking to come to room temperature and proof slightly.

How do I avoid common mistakes with yeast rolls with honey?

To avoid common pitfalls with yeast rolls with honey, first, make sure your yeast is fresh and active by checking for foam. Second, resist the urge to add too much flour during kneading; a slightly sticky dough is better than a dry, tough one. Lastly, always let your honey dinner rolls rise in a warm, draft-free place for the best results.

Close-up of golden Honey Dinner Rolls in a baking dish, brushed with melted butter, showcasing their fluffy texture

Best Ways to Serve Honey Dinner Rolls

Once you’ve baked these incredible honey dinner rolls, you’ll find they are incredibly versatile and complement almost any meal. Their subtle sweetness and fluffy texture make them a perfect addition to both savory and sweet dishes. I love serving them warm, straight from the oven, for the ultimate comforting experience.

For a classic pairing, you absolutely must try them with a savory roast chicken or a hearty beef stew. The light sweetness of the rolls beautifully cuts through richer flavors. Another fantastic option is to create a simple honey butter spread; it’s the perfect complement, making these rolls even more irresistible. A good recipe for honey butter rolls is simply melting some butter with a drizzle of honey and a pinch of salt.

Don’t forget about breakfast or brunch! These honey dinner rolls are wonderful enjoyed with jam, preserves, or even as a base for a small breakfast sandwich. They truly elevate any dining occasion.

Nutrition Facts for Honey Dinner Rolls

I know many of you like to keep an eye on what you’re eating, so here are the estimated nutrition facts for one of these delicious honey dinner rolls. These figures are based on the full recipe yielding 12 rolls, giving you a good idea of the goodness packed into each fluffy serving:

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 250
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 200mg
Cholesterol: 25mg

Please remember that these nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used for your homemade honey dinner rolls.

How to Store and Reheat Homemade Honey Rolls

Once you’ve enjoyed your freshly baked homemade honey rolls, you might find yourself with a few leftovers – a delightful problem to have! Proper storage is key to keeping them soft and fresh for as long as possible. I always recommend letting them cool completely on a wire rack before storing.

For short-term storage, place your cooled homemade honey rolls in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They will stay wonderfully fresh for 3-4 days. If you’ve made a larger batch, these rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months, ready for whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating is simple. For fresh rolls, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave often does the trick. From frozen, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This brings them back to that lovely, soft texture, making your homemade honey rolls taste almost as good as day one!

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Dinner Rolls

What are honey dinner rolls?

Honey dinner rolls are a type of soft, slightly sweet yeast bread, characterized by the inclusion of honey in the dough. This gives them a distinctive subtle sweetness and often a beautiful golden-brown crust. They are typically served as a side dish with meals, much like traditional dinner rolls, but with that special honey flavor that makes them truly stand out.

Why add honey to dinner rolls?

Adding honey to dinner rolls serves multiple purposes beyond just sweetness. Honey helps to tenderize the dough, resulting in incredibly soft honey bread rolls. It also acts as food for the yeast, contributing to a better rise, and helps achieve that desirable golden-brown color during baking. Plus, it infuses the rolls with a unique, subtle floral note that granulated sugar alone can’t quite replicate, making these honey dinner rolls exceptionally flavorful.

Can I use different types of honey in my honey dinner rolls?

Yes, you absolutely can! While any liquid honey works well, using different varieties can subtly change the flavor profile of your honey dinner rolls. For example, a light clover honey will yield a milder flavor, while a darker buckwheat or wildflower honey might add richer, more complex notes. Experimenting with local honeys is a fun way to personalize your sweet dinner rolls recipe and discover new favorite flavors.

What’s the best way to ensure my honey dinner rolls are fluffy?

Achieving fluffy honey dinner rolls depends on a few key factors. First, ensure your yeast is active and the milk is at the correct temperature. Second, don’t over-flour the dough during kneading; it should be slightly tacky but not sticky. Lastly, allow the dough to complete both its first and second rises in a warm, draft-free place. This gives the yeast ample time to work, creating those wonderful airy pockets that make for truly soft honey bread rolls.

Variations of Honey Dinner Rolls You Can Try

While my classic honey dinner rolls recipe is perfect as is, sometimes it’s fun to experiment! These variations can add new dimensions to your sweet dinner rolls recipe, catering to different tastes or dietary needs. I’ve found these twists can make an already beloved recipe even more exciting.

Whole Wheat Honey Rolls: For a heartier version, substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You might need a tiny bit more liquid, but the result is a wonderfully wholesome roll.
Garlic Herb Honey Rolls: Before the second rise, brush the tops of your honey dinner rolls with melted butter mixed with minced garlic and dried herbs like rosemary or thyme. This creates a savory-sweet delight.
Southern Honey Dinner Rolls with a Glaze: For an extra touch of decadence, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a tablespoon of honey for a simple glaze. Drizzle over the warm rolls right after brushing with butter.
Cinnamon Swirl Honey Rolls: Roll out the dough after the first rise, spread with a mixture of softened butter, cinnamon, and a little brown sugar, then roll up and slice before the second rise. These become sweet, cinnamony honey dinner rolls perfect for breakfast!

Honey Dinner Rolls: 1 Devourable Secret to Amazing Fluff

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Author: Margaret
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 12–16 honey dinner rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These homemade honey dinner rolls are soft, slightly sweet, and irresistibly good. They are fluffy, golden, and have a delicate touch of honey.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup honey
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Stir in the remaining sugar, honey, melted butter, and egg into the yeast mixture.
Gradually add 3 cups of flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, adding the remaining cup of flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 12-16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
Arrange the honey dinner rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the honey dinner rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Brush the warm honey dinner rolls with melted butter immediately after removing them from the oven.
Serve your delicious homemade honey rolls warm.

Notes

For extra soft honey rolls, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
If your kitchen is cold, proof the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) to help it rise.
These honey-sweetened dinner rolls can be made ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For a quick honey dinner roll recipe, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for kneading.
These fluffy honey rolls from scratch are excellent with a honey butter spread.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American