Irresistible Honey Butter Dinner Rolls in 90 Minutes

There’s nothing like the smell of warm, homemade bread filling your kitchen—especially when it’s these golden honey butter dinner rolls. Every time I pull them out of the oven, my family magically appears, drawn in by that sweet, buttery aroma. It’s our little tradition, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or Thanksgiving feast. The secret? A glossy honey butter glaze brushed on right after baking, giving them that irresistible shine and just the right touch of sweetness. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and disappear faster than I can set them on the table. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to too.

Why You’ll Love These Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

These rolls aren’t just good—they’re the kind of bread that makes people hover around the oven, waiting impatiently for the first bite. Here’s why they’ve become my most-requested recipe:

Perfect for Any Occasion

I’ve served these at everything from casual Tuesday night soups to fancy holiday dinners—they always steal the show. Last Christmas, my cousin actually hid a few in her purse “for later.” (I pretended not to notice.) They’re that versatile.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

No fancy ingredients here! Just pantry staples like flour, yeast, and honey transformed into something magical. The honey butter glaze takes 30 seconds to whip up but makes all the difference—that sweet, golden finish is what dreams are made of.

Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients – I promise you probably have most in your pantry right now! Just a heads up: temperature matters here. That milk should feel like a warm bath (about 110°F), not hot, or you’ll shock the yeast. And don’t skip softening the butter properly – leave it out until it gives easily when pressed.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 packet active dry yeast (that’s 2 1/4 teaspoons if you’re using bulk)
• 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F – test it on your wrist like baby formula)
• 1/4 cup honey (I like wildflower for its mild flavor)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (salted or unsalted both work)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg (room temp blends better)
• For the glaze: 2 tbsp softened butter + 1 tbsp honey (mix while rolls bake)

How to Make Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

Don’t let the word “homemade” scare you—these rolls are easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have golden, buttery perfection in no time. I’ve made this recipe so often I could do it in my sleep, but I still check the clock for rise times (learned that lesson the hard way).

Preparing the Dough

First, wake up that yeast! Pour your warm milk into a big mixing bowl (I use my grandma’s old stoneware one) and sprinkle the yeast over it. Let it sit for 5 minutes—you’ll know it’s working when it gets foamy like a little science experiment. Then stir in the honey, melted butter (cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the egg), salt, and egg. Now the fun part: add flour gradually. I start with a wooden spoon, then get my hands in there when it gets thick. The dough should be slightly sticky but not gluey—too much flour makes tough rolls, so resist the urge to keep adding!

Shaping and Baking the Rolls

After your dough doubles in size (about an hour—I use this time to clean up or, let’s be real, scroll through my phone), punch it down (so satisfying) and turn it onto a floured surface. Divide into 12 equal-ish pieces—a bench scraper works great for this, but a sharp knife does the trick too. Roll each piece into a smooth ball between your palms (like Play-Doh!) and arrange them in a greased 9×13 pan. They should just barely touch—this helps them stay soft as they bake. Let them rise again for 30 minutes while your oven preheats to 375°F. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re golden on top and sound hollow when tapped.

Glazing with Honey Butter

Here’s where the magic happens! While the rolls bake, mix your softened butter and honey in a small bowl (microwave for 5 seconds if needed to make it spreadable). As soon as the rolls come out of the oven—and I mean immediately—brush this glaze all over the tops. The heat helps it soak in and creates that gorgeous, sticky-sweet crust. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some flaky salt on top or add a dash of cinnamon to the glaze. Just try to let them cool for 5 minutes before serving—though in my house, that never happens.

Tips for Perfect Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

After making hundreds of these rolls (yes, really!), I’ve picked up some tricks that make all the difference:

• Find the warmest spot in your kitchen for rising – near the oven or on top of the fridge works great. Cold dough takes forever to rise!
• No whole milk? I’ve used 2% in a pinch, but add an extra tablespoon of butter for richness.
• Dough too sticky? Resist adding more flour! Instead, lightly oil your hands when shaping the rolls.
• For extra-fluffy rolls, let the shaped dough rise until just barely peeking over the pan edges before baking.
• Golden brown perfection: If tops brown too fast, tent loosely with foil during the last 5 minutes.

Trust me, these little tweaks take your rolls from good to “can I have the recipe?” status!

Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these fun twists: For a cozy fall version, mix 1 tsp cinnamon into the dough and add chopped pecans. Savory lovers can fold in rosemary or garlic powder. My kids go wild when I sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on the glaze—so good with soups!

Serving and Storing Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

These rolls are best served warm when they’re at their peak – that honey butter glaze practically glistens! They’re perfect alongside holiday roasts (my family fights over who gets the last one at Thanksgiving) or dunked into cozy soups. Leftovers? Ha! But if you somehow have any, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Quick tip: revive day-old rolls by microwaving for 10 seconds or toasting lightly – the honey caramelizes beautifully.

Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Nutrition

Nutrition varies by ingredients, but here’s the estimate per roll: 180 calories, 6g fat, 28g carbs. Keep in mind, these numbers might shift slightly depending on your exact measurements and ingredient brands.

Common Questions About Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

I get asked about these rolls all the time—here are the answers to the most common questions that pop up:

Can I freeze honey butter dinner rolls? Absolutely! Freeze them before glazing. Once cooled, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. They’ll keep for 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before adding the honey butter glaze.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry? Yes! Skip the initial proofing step—just mix it right in with the dry ingredients. The rise times might be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on your dough.

Why didn’t my rolls rise properly? Two likely culprits: old yeast (check the expiration date!) or milk that was too hot (it should feel warm, not hot, to your wrist). I always test my yeast in a bit of warm water with a pinch of sugar before starting—if it doesn’t foam within 5 minutes, it’s time for fresh yeast.

Can I make these ahead? You bet! After shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temp for 30 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as usual. Perfect for holiday mornings!

Share Your Results!

I’d love to see your golden, buttery honey butter dinner rolls! Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram or leave a star rating – your feedback makes my day!

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