Oh, the smell! Is there anything better than the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen? For me, nothing beats it, especially when it’s the sweet, comforting scent of my Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls. These aren’t just any rolls, folks. They’re incredibly soft, just dripping with buttery goodness, and honestly, ridiculously easy to whip up. I remember making a batch of these on a chilly autumn evening when we had unexpected guests. Within an hour, the entire house smelled like pure heaven, and those rolls were gone faster than you can say ‘pass the butter!’ They’re my go-to for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy Tuesday night because they always bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Why You’ll Love These Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
Seriously, these rolls are a game-changer! Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:
- Incredibly Soft Texture: The secret is in the right amount of fat and milk, which makes them melt-in-your-mouth tender. You won’t believe how soft they are!
- Deliciously Sweet and Buttery Flavor: That little bit of honey and all that butter? Pure magic. They’re just sweet enough without being overpowering.
- Easy to Follow Instructions: I’ve broken it down so even if you’re new to baking bread, you can totally nail these. No fancy equipment needed!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast, a simple weeknight dinner, or a backyard barbecue, these Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls are always the perfect accompaniment.
Gather Your Ingredients for Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
Alright, let’s get our ducks in a row and gather everything we need for these amazing Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls. Having everything prepped makes the whole process so much smoother, trust me!
First up, for the dough itself:
- 1 cup warm milk – Make sure it’s between 105-115°F. Too hot and you’ll kill your yeast, too cool and it won’t wake up!
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast – The little magic makers that make our dough rise.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – This feeds the yeast AND adds a touch of sweetness to the rolls.
- 1 teaspoon salt – So important for flavor, don’t skip it!
- 2 large eggs – Lightly beaten, these add richness and help with structure.
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted – Melted is key here for easy incorporation.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour – Plus a bit extra for dusting our surface when we knead.
And for that irresistible topping:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened – Softened is best so it mixes easily with the honey.
- 2 tablespoons honey – This is where we get that lovely sweet flavor!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
Alright, let’s get baking! This is where the magic really happens. Don’t you worry, I’ll walk you through every single step so you end up with the most amazing rolls imaginable.
Activating the Yeast: The First Step for Soft Rolls
First things first, grab a big bowl. Pour in your warm milk – remember, warm like a cozy bath, not hot! Whisk in the yeast and sugar. Give it a little swirl and then just let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll see it get all foamy and bubbly. If it doesn’t foam up, it means your yeast might be too old, so sadly, you’ll have to start over with fresh yeast. That’s my little trick to make sure things are going to rise beautifully!
Mixing and Kneading the Dough for Your Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
Once your yeast is happy and foamy, stir in the salt, those lightly beaten eggs, and the melted butter. Now, it’s time for the flour! Start adding it in gradually, mixing as you go until a lovely, soft dough starts to form. Turn that dough out onto a lightly floured counter and get ready to knead! You’ll want to do this for about 5 to 7 minutes until the dough feels smooth, soft, and elastic. It should spring back a little when you poke it. If you’re ever unsure about flour measurements, this guide on flour substitutions can be super helpful, though stick to all-purpose for this recipe!
The First Rise: Letting Your Dough Double
Now, find a nice, cozy spot for your dough. Pop it into a lightly greased bowl, cover it up with a clean kitchen towel or some plastic wrap, and let it chill out for about 1 to 1.5 hours. The goal here is for it to double in size. Sometimes my kitchen is a bit cool, so I’ll pop it in my oven that’s turned off but been on for just a minute or two to give it a little warmth. It sounds silly, but it works wonders!
Shaping and Second Rise for Perfect Soft Rolls
Once your dough has had a good nap and doubled up, give it a gentle punch down to release some of that air. Now, divide it into 12 equal pieces. I usually just eyeball it, but if you want them super uniform, a kitchen scale is your best friend here! Roll each piece into a nice smooth ball. Arrange these little dough balls close together in your greased 9×13 inch baking pan, like they’re having a slumber party. Cover them up again and let them have another rise for about 30-45 minutes. They’ll puff up nicely and get close enough to touch.
Baking and The Honey Butter Finish
Get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C) while the rolls are having their second rise. Once they’re beautifully puffed, pop them in the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden brown color on top. While they’re baking, quickly mix up your softened butter and honey in a small bowl until it’s smooth and delicious. As SOON as those rolls come out of the oven, brush that glorious honey butter mixture all over the hot tops. It melts right in and makes them taste absolutely divine!
Tips for Perfectly Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, you’re following the steps, but how do you get those *chef’s kiss* perfect results every time? I’ve learned a few little tricks over the years that really make a difference in achieving the ultimate soft roll. These are my go-to tips for my Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls!
First, measuring your flour is super important. Instead of scooping directly from the bag, which packs it in there tight, try spooning the flour into your measuring cup and then leveling it off with a straight edge. This ensures you don’t end up with too much flour, which can make your rolls tough. Also, don’t be afraid of the dough feeling a little sticky before the second rise; that stickiness is your friend for softness! And always apply that honey butter mixture right when they come out of the oven – it’s like giving them a warm, buttery hug that seals in all that goodness.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Rolls
Sometimes you might be missing an ingredient or just want to tweak things a bit. For these rolls, I get asked about a few common things! If you don’t have whole milk, you can totally use 2% milk, or even a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened! If you’re out of eggs, a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for a few minutes) can work as a substitute, though the texture might be a tad different. And that melted butter? You could swap in a good quality vegetable oil for a similar richness. Just remember, the magic really happens with the ingredients listed!
Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
Got questions about whipping up these amazing Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common things people ask:
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
You bet! You can let the dough do its first rise in the fridge overnight. Then, just let it warm up a bit on the counter before shaping and doing the second rise as usual. They’re freshest when served warm, though!
Why are my rolls not fluffy?
Usually, this happens if your yeast wasn’t active, or you used too much flour, or didn’t let them rise long enough. Make sure your milk is the right temperature for the yeast, and try to be precise with your flour measurement. Those fluffy results are worth it!
Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes, you can! Bake them completely, let them cool, and then I like to freeze them in a zip-top bag. You can reheat them gently in the oven or microwave. They’re not quite as fluffy as fresh, but still pretty darn delicious!
How do I get the honey butter topping to soak in?
The trick is to brush it on IMMEDIATELY after the rolls come out of the oven. The heat helps the butter and honey melt and soak right into those warm tops. Don’t let them sit around!
Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?
Absolutely! Most bread machines have a dough cycle. Just add your ingredients in the order recommended by your machine’s manual, and let it do the kneading and first rise. Then, you can shape and bake them from there.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just so you know, the following nutritional info is an estimate for one of these tasty rolls. Things can vary a bit depending on the exact brands you use and how you measure things out, but this should give you a good idea!
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 5g
Share Your Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Creations!
Okay, now it’s your turn! I absolutely LOVE seeing your baking adventures. If you make these yummy Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out! Did you add a special touch? Did your family gobble them up? A quick rating is super helpful too! And if you snap a pic, tag me on social media – I’d be thrilled to see your beautiful rolls!
Print
Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy to make, tender, and slightly sweet dinner rolls perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- For the Honey Butter Topping:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in the salt, beaten eggs, and melted butter.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball.
- Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the honey butter topping by mixing the softened butter and honey.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the warm honey butter mixture over the tops.
Notes
- Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the honey butter for extra flavor.
- These rolls are best served warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: dinner rolls, honey butter rolls, soft rolls, homemade bread, easy bread recipe