Creamy, slightly sweet, and irresistibly soft, these Honey Butter Rolls are the kind of comfort bread that melts smiles into faces at the dinner table. They bake up golden on the outside and tender inside, brushed with melted butter and a hint of honey that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Fun fact: many home bakers say the warm aroma of fresh rolls can make any meal feel like a celebration.
This recipe is special because it’s easy to follow, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and delivers bakery-quality results without the fuss. If you love buttery quick breads, you’ll find this recipe just as comforting as my other favorites—try pairing them with my Cinnamon Honey Butter for an extra indulgent twist. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining friends, or making weeknight dinners feel extra cozy, these rolls are a quick win. Let’s get baking and bring a little buttery joy to your table!
What is Honey Butter Rolls?
Ever wondered why they’re called Honey Butter Rolls? Is it because bees moonlight as bakers? Probably not, but the name does conjure up an image of sweet, buttery clouds you can spread and devour. These rolls are named for their charming combination of honey-sweetened dough and a buttery finish that glistens on top. Rumor has it the rolls were created to lure picky eaters to the table—after all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Try them once and you’ll understand why. Go ahead, bake a batch and see which family member claims the most.
Why You’ll Love This:
- Buttery, tender center: The highlight is the soft, pillowy crumb that soaks up butter and honey, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Budget-friendly and fresh: Making these at home saves money compared to bakery or store-bought rolls and yields multiple servings for leftovers or parties.
- Flavor boosters: Simple additions like a honey-butter glaze, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or serving with a flavored butter make these rolls stand out.
If you enjoy bold flavor pairings, these rolls are a great companion to savory mains like my Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos. Try them warm, and you’ll understand why they’re an instant family favorite. Don’t wait—preheat that oven!
How to Make:
Quick Overview
This recipe is delightfully simple: a warm milk-and-yeast activation, gentle mixing and kneading, a comfortable rise, shaping, and a short bake. Expect soft, slightly sweet rolls with a lightly golden exterior and a buttery finish. Prep and rise time combined is about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours; active hands-on time is around 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup Milk, warmed to lukewarm (see directions for temperature details)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 4 Tablespoons Melted Butter, divided (3 tablespoons for dough, 1 tablespoon for brushing), melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large Egg, at room temperature
- ¼ cup Honey
- 4 cups All-purpose Flour, or Bread Flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoon Active Dry Yeast, (or 1 packet)
Directions
- Bring the milk to a near boil. Remove it from heat when you see it begin to steam and small bubbles form on the side of the pan. Let it reduce to lukewarm, between 80-90 degrees.
- Mix the milk, yeast, and honey in a small bowl until well combined. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of the butter, the milk mixture, the room temperature egg, and 2 cups of flour. Mix slowly until smooth. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour and mix until a dough has formed.
- Add salt, and mix/knead for 8 minutes. Then drop the dough onto a floured surface and knead for a few more minutes.
- Spray a large bowl with cooking spray and drop the dough inside. Cover the bowl and let it rise for an hour in a warm place.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out on a flat, floured surface until it’s about ½ inch thick. Fold it in half and gently seal.
- Cut into 24 squares of even size and place on 2 lightly greased cookie sheets. Cover them and let them rise for 30-40 minutes, until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the top is a light golden brown.
- Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and brush the top of the rolls.
- Serve with Copycat Texas Roadhouse Butter.
What to Serve With:
- Classic comfort: Serve alongside roasted chicken, meatloaf, or pot roast to sop up gravies and sauces.
- Salad pairings: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the rolls’ richness.
- Seafood match: These are surprisingly great with buttery shrimp—try them with my Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp for a sweet-and-spicy combo.
- Drinks: Warm tea, milk, or a chilled glass of cider complement the rolls beautifully.
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- Temperature matters: Make sure milk is lukewarm (80-90°F). Too hot and the yeast dies; too cold and it won’t activate.
- Flour choices: Bread flour yields chewier rolls; all-purpose flour makes them lighter. Adjust based on texture preference.
- Knead time: Knead for a full 8 minutes for good gluten development. Under-kneaded dough can be dense.
- Even cuts: Use a bench scraper or ruler if you want perfectly even rolls—24 squares give consistent baking.
- Rise environment: For a reliable rise, place the covered bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window.
- Don’t overbake: Golden tops mean done—overbaking dries them out.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled rolls in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
- Reheating: Warm rolls in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes or microwave a single roll for 15-20 seconds with a damp paper towel to preserve softness.
- Refreshing: Re-brush with melted butter after reheating to revive flavor and shine.
FAQs
What if my yeast doesn’t bubble after I mix it with warm milk and honey?
If your yeast doesn’t show bubbles or foam after 5-10 minutes, the yeast may be old or the liquid too hot/cold. Start over with fresh yeast and fresh lukewarm milk.
Can I substitute sugar for honey?
Yes. Use ¼ cup granulated sugar or brown sugar instead of honey. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
Absolutely. Use the dough hook on low speed while combining and increase slightly for kneading. Monitor the dough texture; it should be soft and slightly tacky.
How do I keep the rolls soft the next day?
Store them in an airtight container or zip bag once cool. Re-warm and brush with melted butter before serving to restore softness.
Can I add herbs or cheese to the rolls?
Yes—fold in chopped fresh herbs, shredded cheese, or mix a savory butter glaze for variety. Just avoid overloading the dough or it may not rise as well.
Conclusion
These Honey Butter Rolls are an approachable, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings warmth to any meal—simple enough for weeknights, special enough for holidays. With a soft crumb, subtle honey sweetness, and buttery finish, they’re a keeper in any home baker’s repertoire. If you’d like to see a slightly different take from a trusted source, check out Sally’s tried & true Honey Butter Rolls recipe for technique variations and inspiration. Give this recipe a try, share a basket warm from the oven, and enjoy the smiles at your table.
Honey Butter Rolls
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Whisk
- Rolling Pin
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1.25 cups Milk, warmed to lukewarm Temperature should be between 80-90°F.
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 4 tablespoons Melted Butter, divided 3 tablespoons for dough, 1 tablespoon for brushing.
- 1 large Egg, at room temperature
- 0.25 cups Honey
- 4 cups All-purpose Flour or Bread Flour
- 2.25 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (or 1 packet)
Instructions
- Bring the milk to a near boil. Remove it from heat when you see it begin to steam and small bubbles form on the side of the pan. Let it reduce to lukewarm, between 80-90 degrees.
- Mix the milk, yeast, and honey in a small bowl until well combined. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of the butter, the milk mixture, the room temperature egg, and 2 cups of flour. Mix slowly until smooth. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour and mix until a dough has formed.
- Add salt, and mix/knead for 8 minutes. Then drop the dough onto a floured surface and knead for a few more minutes.
- Spray a large bowl with cooking spray and drop the dough inside. Cover the bowl and let it rise for an hour in a warm place.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out on a flat, floured surface until it’s about ½ inch thick. Fold it in half and gently seal.
- Cut into 24 squares of even size and place on 2 lightly greased cookie sheets. Cover them and let them rise for 30-40 minutes, until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the top is a light golden brown.
- Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and brush the top of the rolls.
- Serve with Copycat Texas Roadhouse Butter.