Dinner Rolls with Honey Butter

Introduction

Dinner rolls are the soft, pillowy bread that make any meal feel complete. They’re warm, buttery, and perfect for soaking up gravies, soups, or sauces. These homemade dinner rolls with honey butter are extra special because they’re brushed with a sweet, glossy honey butter glaze that gives them a rich golden color and irresistible flavor.

There’s something magical about homemade bread—the aroma while baking, the warm rolls straight from the oven, and the joy of tearing into that soft interior.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines two of my favorite things: soft, fluffy rolls and the subtle sweetness of honey butter. Unlike store-bought rolls, these have a freshness and tenderness that can only come from baking at home. The honey butter glaze makes them slightly sweet, buttery, and addictive—you’ll want to eat them straight out of the pan.

They also bring back cozy memories of family gatherings, where everyone reaches for a warm roll as soon as the bread basket hits the table.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Soft & fluffy texture—like bakery-style rolls, but better.
• Honey butter glaze adds sweetness without overpowering.
• Perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner.
• Beginner-friendly bread recipe that’s easy to follow.
• Versatile—works with savory or sweet meals.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time (including rising): 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: ~2 hours 35 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories per Serving: ~180 kcal

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Side dish / Bread

Ingredients

For the Dinner Rolls:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Honey Butter:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Pinch of salt

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Activate yeast in warm milk with sugar.
2. Mix with egg, butter, and flour to form dough.
3. Knead until smooth and let rise.
4. Shape into rolls, rise again, then bake.
5. Brush with honey butter before serving.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

1. Activate the Yeast

• In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
• Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the Dough

• Add egg, softened butter, and salt.
• Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough

• Knead on a floured surface (or with a dough hook) for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. First Rise

• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape the Rolls

• Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal portions.
• Shape into balls and arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

6. Second Rise

• Cover and let rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.

7. Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake rolls for 18–20 minutes, until golden brown.

8. Honey Butter Glaze

• Mix melted butter, honey, and a pinch of salt.
• Brush generously over warm rolls before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve warm, fresh out of the oven.
• Pair with holiday meals, soups, or roasted meats.
• Perfect for spreading with extra honey butter, jam, or even garlic butter for a savory twist.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use bread flour for an even fluffier texture.
• Don’t add yeast to hot milk—it will kill the yeast.
• Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot.
• Brush rolls with honey butter while hot so it soaks in.

Variations

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Lasts up to 5 days (reheat before serving).
• Freezing Rolls (Baked): Freeze baked rolls up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm.
• Freezing Dough (Unbaked): Freeze shaped rolls before the second rise. Thaw overnight in the fridge, rise, then bake.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Pastry brush

Conclusion

Dinner Rolls with Honey Butter are the perfect combination of soft, buttery bread and a touch of sweetness. They elevate any meal, from holiday feasts to casual family dinners. Simple to make, versatile, and universally loved, they’re a recipe worth mastering.

With their pillowy texture and glossy honey butter finish, these rolls aren’t just bread—they’re a comfort food centerpiece that makes every table feel a little warmer and more inviting.