How to Make Sweet Honey Butter Rolls at Home
If you love soft, fluffy rolls that melt in your mouth and are packed with delicious flavor, look no further! Sweet honey butter rolls are the perfect treat for breakfast, dinner, or even as a snack. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and with a few simple ingredients, you’ll have golden, delicious rolls fresh out of the oven before you know it.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create sweet honey butter rolls. Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe will show you that homemade bread can be simple and fun. So put on your apron and get ready to bake!
What You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients for the rolls:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (you can use bread flour for slightly chewier rolls)
- 1 packet of active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (not too hot, just warm to the touch)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the honey butter glaze:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon honey
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Yeast makes the rolls rise and become light and fluffy, so it’s important to activate it properly. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Add one teaspoon of honey to give the yeast something to feed on. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is active when bubbles or foam form on the surface. If nothing happens, your yeast may be expired, so it’s best to start over with fresh yeast.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and the rest of the honey (from the 1/4 cup). Stir until everything is well mixed. Add the melted butter, egg, and activated yeast mixture. Use a spoon, your hands, or a stand mixer with a dough hook to mix everything together until a soft dough forms.
The dough should be moist but not sticky. If it feels too wet, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it feels too dry, add a splash of warm milk.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Once the dough comes together, it’s time to knead. Kneading helps the dough become smooth and stretchy so your rolls turn out fluffy. If you’re kneading by hand, sprinkle a clean surface with a little flour and push the dough with the heel of your hand. Fold it over, turn it, and repeat for about 8–10 minutes.
If you’re using a stand mixer, knead the dough on medium speed for 5–6 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels smooth and bounces back when you press it gently.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size.
Pro tip: If your kitchen is cold, turn on your oven at its lowest temperature for a couple of minutes, then turn it off. Place the bowl inside the warm oven to help the dough rise.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. To do this, cut the dough in half, then divide each half into six pieces.
Roll each piece into a smooth ball by pinching the edges underneath and rolling it with the palms of your hands. Place the rolls on a greased baking sheet or in a greased 9×13-inch pan, leaving a little space between each roll so they have room to rise.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30–40 minutes. They should puff up and become slightly larger.
Step 7: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18–22 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. Check them after 15 minutes—if they’re browning too quickly, you can cover them lightly with aluminum foil to prevent them from burning.
Step 8: Make the Honey Butter Glaze
While the rolls are baking, melt the butter and honey together in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir until fully combined.
Once the rolls come out of the oven, brush the honey butter glaze generously over the tops. The heat from the rolls will help the glaze soak in, making them shiny and irresistibly delicious.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Let the rolls cool for a few minutes, then serve while they’re still warm. These sweet honey butter rolls pair perfectly with soups, salads, or just a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh yeast: If your yeast is old, the rolls may not rise properly.
- Don’t skip the second rise: This step ensures your rolls are fluffy and soft.
- Store leftovers carefully: Place leftover rolls in an airtight container or bag to keep them from drying out. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just reheat them in the oven before serving.
You don’t have to be a professional baker to make these sweet honey butter rolls. With this simple, foolproof recipe, you’ll be impressing family and friends in no time! Why not give it a try today? Your kitchen will smell amazing, and the rolls will taste even better. Happy baking!
