Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

The Fluffiest Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe Ever

Golden, pillowy soft honey butter dinner rolls have been my go-to comfort bread for weekend gatherings.

Grandma’s secret recipe whispers comfort from her tiny kitchen in montana.

Warm, fragrant aromas drift through the house, promising delectable moments ahead.

Each roll carries a delicate sweetness that melts on your tongue.

Fluffy interiors promise pure satisfaction with every single bite.

Eager hands will reach across the table, drawn by irresistible golden surfaces.

These rolls guarantee smiles and connection around your dining space.

Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls with Fluffy, Sweet Perfection

  • Create restaurant-quality rolls at home with minimal baking skills.
  • Soft, pillowy rolls that bring families together around the dinner table, guaranteed to make everyone smile.
  • Simple step-by-step instructions ensure success for even novice bakers, with forgiving techniques that produce consistently delicious results.
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or potluck events, these rolls complement virtually any main course and wow guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

Bread Base:
  • Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the dinner rolls.
  • Yeast: Essential for making the rolls rise and creating a soft, airy texture.
  • Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Milk, Vegetable Oil, Melted Butter: Provide moisture and contribute to the tender crumb of the rolls.
  • Honey, Vanilla Extract: Enhance the flavor and add a subtle sweetness to the rolls.
Seasoning and Binding:
  • Sugar, Salt: Enhance the overall flavor and help control yeast fermentation.

How to Make Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Combine warm milk and sugar in a small bowl.

Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

Watch for the mixture to become frothy and alive with tiny bubbles, signaling the yeast is ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Craft the Dough Foundation

Combine the activated yeast mixture with:
  • Melted butter
  • Vegetable oil
  • Salt

Gradually fold in flour, stirring until a cohesive dough emerges.

Add the egg and continue mixing until the texture becomes smooth and silky.

Step 3: Knead with Love

Transfer the dough to a flour-dusted surface.

Knead by hand for 5-7 minutes, developing a soft and elastic consistency.

Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook, kneading for 4-5 minutes until the dough feels smooth and responsive.

Step 4: Allow the First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.

Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours.

The dough should double in size, becoming puffy and light.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Gently deflate the risen dough.

Divide into 12 equal portions.

Roll each piece into a perfect ball.

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving slight spaces between them.

Step 6: Second Rise and Preparation

Drape a towel over the rolls and let them rise for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the rolls into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until they transform into a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 8: Create Liquid Gold Butter

In a small bowl, blend:
  • Melted butter
  • Honey
  • Vanilla extract

Generously brush the warm rolls with this heavenly mixture.

Step 9: Serve and Delight

Present the rolls while they’re warm, offering extra honey butter for those who want an extra touch of sweetness.

Prepare for pure culinary bliss!

Handy Tips for Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

  • Use milk between 100-110°F to ensure the yeast activates without killing it, creating a fluffy texture.
  • Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, which creates soft and stretchy rolls with a tender crumb.
  • Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven or on top of a warm appliance for consistent rising.
  • Cover rising dough with a damp cloth to maintain moisture and prevent a hard surface from forming.
  • Apply honey butter immediately after baking to create a glossy, golden-brown finish that enhances flavor and appearance.

Saving and Reheating Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

  • Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Place completely cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Preheat oven to 300°F. Wrap rolls in aluminum foil to prevent further browning. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Brush with extra honey butter for restored softness.
  • Wrap individual rolls in a damp paper towel. Microwave for 10-15 seconds. Check temperature and add 5-second intervals if needed. Avoid overheating to prevent toughness.

Serving Ideas for Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

  • Enhance Flavor Companions: Pair these soft honey butter dinner rolls with roasted chicken or herb-crusted turkey for a comforting main dish that highlights the rolls' subtle sweetness.
  • Wine and Beverage Match: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Chardonnay to complement the rolls' buttery texture and honey undertones, creating a balanced dining experience.
  • Spread and Dip Suggestions: Create a rich accompaniment by serving the rolls with whipped herb cream cheese, garlic aioli, or homemade strawberry jam to elevate their delicate flavor profile.
  • Seasonal Side Pairing: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like honey-glazed carrots or caramelized Brussels sprouts to enhance the rolls' natural sweetness and provide a delightful contrast.

Unique Twists on Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

  • Whole Wheat Wonder: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more nutritious roll with added fiber and a hearty texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend and add xanthan gum to help bind the dough, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Herb-Infused Rolls: Mix dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano directly into the dough for a savory version that pairs beautifully with soups and main courses.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use almond milk instead of regular milk and coconut oil in place of butter to create a roll that's friendly for those avoiding dairy products.

FAQs

  • Why do I need to activate the yeast first?

Activating the yeast helps ensure it’s alive and working properly. This process, called proofing, allows the yeast to dissolve and become foamy, which is crucial for the rolls rising and developing a soft, fluffy texture.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, you can cover and refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature and complete the second rise before baking.

  • What if my dough isn't rising properly?

Check that your yeast is fresh and your environment is warm enough. The ideal rising temperature is around 75-80°F. If the area is too cold, the dough will rise slowly or not at all.

  • How do I know when I've kneaded the dough enough?

The dough should become smooth, elastic, and spring back when you press it. In a stand mixer, this takes about 4-5 minutes. By hand, it’s typically 5-7 minutes of consistent kneading.

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Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Warm, pillowy honey butter dinner rolls bring comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Homemade yeast-risen dough brushed with golden honey butter promises a delightful side that melts in your palate and fills hearts with pure deliciousness.


Ingredients

Scale

Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

Main Ingredients:

  • 3.4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk (warm, around 110°F/43°C)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)

Wet Ingredients and Flavoring:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the yeast activation liquid by combining lukewarm milk and sugar in a small container. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and allow to bloom for 5-10 minutes until frothy and aromatic.
  2. Create the initial dough mixture by incorporating the activated yeast with melted butter, vegetable oil, and salt. Gradually integrate flour, mixing thoroughly until a cohesive texture develops. Introduce the egg and continue blending until smooth and uniform.
  3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured workspace. Knead vigorously for 5-7 minutes, developing elasticity and smoothness. The dough should feel soft and responsive when pressed.
  4. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, ensuring complete surface coverage. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and position in a warm, draft-free environment for 1-1.5 hours until volume doubles.
  5. Deflate the risen dough by gently pressing down. Divide into 12 equal segments, rolling each into a compact spherical shape. Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking vessel, maintaining slight separation between portions.
  6. Drape a kitchen towel over the rolls, allowing a secondary proofing period of 30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) for precise temperature.
  7. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown exterior and consistent coloration. Remove from oven when achieving desired appearance.
  8. Craft the honey butter by melting butter and blending with honey and vanilla extract. Generously brush the warm rolls, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  9. Serve immediately while rolls maintain optimal warmth, offering additional honey butter for personalized enhancement.

Notes

  • Ensure milk is lukewarm (not hot) to activate yeast correctly without killing the live cultures.
  • Use fresh yeast for guaranteed rising and soft, fluffy texture in dinner rolls.
  • Add flour gradually to control dough consistency and prevent dense, heavy rolls.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add xanthan gum for better structure.
  • Allow sufficient rising time in a draft-free, warm area like near a preheated oven to help dough develop optimal volume.
  • Brush rolls with egg wash before baking for a shiny, golden-brown exterior that looks professionally baked.
  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat briefly in oven to maintain softness and fresh-baked taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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