There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked rolls filling your kitchen, especially when they’re brushed with warm, golden honey butter. These Honey Butter Rolls are soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, making them the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving them as a side for dinner, pairing them with a cozy breakfast, or enjoying them as a sweet snack, these rolls are sure to impress.
What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity—using everyday ingredients, you can create bakery-quality rolls right at home. The touch of honey adds a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the buttery glaze, elevating these rolls to something extraordinary. If you’re new to baking bread, don’t worry—this recipe includes step-by-step instructions to guide you every step of the way.
Get ready to bake the softest, most irresistible rolls you’ve ever tasted!
Why You’ll Love These Honey Butter Rolls
These Honey Butter Rolls are a perfect blend of soft, fluffy texture and irresistible flavor. The dough rises beautifully to create light, pillowy rolls with a tender crumb, while the rich combination of melted butter and natural honey adds just the right touch of sweetness and buttery goodness. Despite their bakery-quality results, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, using simple, everyday ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
These versatile rolls are ideal for any occasion—whether you’re serving them as a side dish for dinner, pairing them with a hearty breakfast, or showcasing them as the star of your holiday table, they’re sure to impress. Loved by kids and adults alike, these rolls are true crowd-pleasers. Be warned: they disappear quickly, so you might want to make a double batch!
Ingredients For Making Honey Butter Rolls
These Honey Butter Rolls come together with simple pantry staples, but there’s also an easier option if you’re short on time. Each ingredient contributes to creating soft, flavorful rolls with a sweet honey butter glaze.
- All-purpose flour – The foundation for soft and fluffy rolls.
- Active dry yeast – Helps the dough rise to perfection.
- Milk – Adds richness and keeps the rolls tender.
- Unsalted butter – Used in the dough and for the irresistible honey butter glaze.
- Honey – The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and flavor.
- Eggs – Provide structure and moisture to the dough.
- Salt – Balances and enhances the flavors.
- Optional toppings – Sea salt flakes or an extra drizzle of honey for added texture and sweetness.
Additional Option: If you’re short on time, use pre-made dinner roll dough from the store. Simply bake according to the package instructions, then brush the warm rolls with the honey butter glaze for that homemade flavor with less effort.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make soft, fluffy Honey Butter Rolls from scratch. If you’re new to baking, don’t worry—this recipe is simple and foolproof!
- Activate the Yeast
Warm the milk to about 110°F (just warm to the touch, not hot).
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 2 teaspoons of honey, and the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to use.
- Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), combine the flour and salt.
Add the yeast mixture, eggs, softened butter, and remaining honey.
Mix until a sticky dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment.
- Knead the Dough
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
If the dough is too sticky, add small amounts of flour, one tablespoon at a time. If using a mixer, knead for 5–7 minutes on low speed.
- First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls
Punch down the risen dough to release air.
Divide the dough into 12–15 equal portions (depending on the size you prefer) and shape each portion into a smooth ball.
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Second Rise
Cover the rolls again and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes, until puffy and almost doubled in size.
- Bake the Rolls
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Make the Honey Butter Glaze
While the rolls are baking, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and mix it with 2 tablespoons of high quality, single source honey.
- Brush with Honey Butter
Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the warm rolls with the honey butter glaze. This helps the butter soak into the rolls and adds a beautiful shine.
- Serve and Enjoy
Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt flakes or drizzle extra honey. Serve warm and enjoy the soft, buttery goodness!
Optional Tip: If you want to prepare the rolls ahead, you can refrigerate the shaped dough overnight after the second rise. Bake them fresh the next day for the best results!
Tips for Perfect Honey Butter Rolls
- Activate Your Yeast Properly
Make sure the milk is warm (around 110°F) to activate the yeast. If it’s too hot, it will kill the yeast; if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate. Look for a foamy texture after 5–10 minutes as a sign that it’s ready.
- Measure Flour Carefully
Avoid packing the flour into the measuring cup. Instead, spoon the flour into the cup and level it off with a knife to prevent using too much, which can make the rolls dense.
- Knead the Dough Thoroughly
Kneading is key to developing gluten for a soft, elastic texture. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky. If using a stand mixer, let it knead for 5–7 minutes on low speed.
- Be Patient with Rising Time
Allow the dough to rise fully during both rises. The first rise gives the rolls their structure, and the second rise ensures they are light and fluffy. If the dough hasn’t doubled in size, give it a little extra time.
- Don’t Skip the Honey Butter Glaze
Brushing the warm rolls with honey butter immediately after baking locks in moisture, adds flavor, and gives the rolls a beautiful golden shine.
- Bake Evenly
Place the rolls in the center of the oven to ensure even browning. If the tops brown too quickly, tent them loosely with foil.
- Make Ahead for Convenience
To save time, prepare the dough and shape the rolls the night before. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then allow them to come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking.
- Serve Warm for the Best Taste
These rolls taste best fresh out of the oven, when they’re warm, soft, and topped with that luscious honey butter glaze. Reheat leftover rolls gently to enjoy the same softness.
How To Make Creamed Honey Butter
Creamed honey butter is a luxurious spread that combines the rich creaminess of butter with the natural sweetness of honey, creating a smooth, whipped texture that melts perfectly on warm rolls, toast, or biscuits. To make this delightful spread, start with softened unsalted butter—room temperature is key for a smooth consistency.
Combine the butter with a generous amount of honey in a bowl, using a 2:1 butter-to-honey ratio as a guide. For added flavor, consider a pinch of sea salt or a splash of vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the butter and honey together on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until light, fluffy, and completely combined.
The result is a creamy, spreadable honey butter with a velvety texture and perfectly balanced flavor. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, but let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften. For a fancier presentation, you can pipe the creamed honey butter into a dish or roll it into a log using parchment paper.
Whether you’re spreading it on fresh Honey Butter Rolls, pancakes, or muffins, this homemade creamed honey butter is a simple yet indulgent addition that elevates any meal.
Storage and Reheating
To keep your Honey Butter Rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 2 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
To reheat, warm the rolls in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes until soft and heated through. For a quick option, microwave individual rolls for 10–15 seconds. If reheating frozen rolls, allow them to thaw at room temperature first for the best texture. Brushing them with a little extra honey butter before serving will bring back that freshly baked flavor and shine.
Enjoy Delicious Honey Butter Rolls
These Honey Butter Rolls are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy bread and rich, sweet honey butter glaze, making them a treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, as a cozy breakfast companion, or as a simple yet satisfying side dish, their irresistible flavor is sure to impress. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, this recipe brings the comfort of homemade baking right to your table.
For the best results, use high-quality honey, like Ames Farm Honey. Known for its pure, raw, and locally sourced honey, Ames Farm offers a variety of single-source honeys that enhance the flavor of any recipe. Whether you’re whipping up honey butter, drizzling honey on warm rolls, or enjoying it straight from the jar, Ames Farm delivers exceptional quality and taste. Make your baking shine with the natural sweetness of Ames Farm honey—your rolls will never be the same!
Frequently Asked Questions about Honey Butter Rolls
Is it better to butter rolls before or after baking?
It’s best to butter rolls after baking for the most flavor and shine. Brushing honey butter on the warm rolls right out of the oven allows it to soak into the bread, keeping them soft and adding a rich, sweet glaze. If you prefer a softer crust, you can also lightly butter them before baking and finish with a final glaze afterward!
What is honey butter made from?
Honey butter is made from just two simple ingredients: butter and honey. Unsalted butter is typically used to control the saltiness, and honey provides natural sweetness and flavor. For an extra touch, some recipes include a pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the taste. The mixture is whipped together until smooth, creating a creamy and spreadable consistency.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough feels too sticky while kneading, add a little flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Be careful not to add too much flour, as it can make the rolls dense
Can I freeze the baked rolls?
Yes, these rolls freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes, brushing with extra honey butter before serving.
