Golden Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe: Fluffy Joy

My weekend gatherings always feature these mouthwatering rosemary honey butter dinner rolls that transform an ordinary meal into something special.

Soft pillows of warmth emerge straight from the oven, promising comfort in every delicate bite.

Fragrant herbs dance through buttery layers, creating a sensory experience that beckons everyone to the table.

Each roll carries a delicate balance between sweet honey notes and earthy rosemary essence.

Kneading dough becomes a meditation, connecting you with generations of home bakers who understand true nourishment.

Warm bread signals welcome, comfort, and shared moments around the table.

Let these golden, pillowy rolls become the star of your next meal.

Smart Tips for Rosemary Honey Butter Rolls

• Activate Yeast Precisely: Ensure milk and water are warm (110-115°F) to help yeast bloom perfectly without killing its active cultures.
• Knead with Confidence: Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, creating a smooth, elastic texture that guarantees soft, fluffy rolls every time.
• Rise in Warm Spots: Choose draft-free areas like near a warm oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on to help dough rise consistently.
• Brush Butter Generously: Apply rosemary honey butter immediately after baking to lock in moisture and infuse maximum flavor into the rolls.
• Store and Reheat Smartly: Wrap cooled rolls in foil and warm at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore freshness and maintain their soft, pillowy texture.

How to Keep Rosemary Rolls Fresh

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and soft.
• Wrap rolls individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month to preserve texture and flavor.
• Warm rolls at 325°F for 5-7 minutes, wrapped in foil to prevent drying out and maintain softness.
• Heat rolls for 10-15 seconds, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent them from becoming tough.

What to Serve with Rosemary Dinner Rolls

• Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
• Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir or Sangiovese to complement the rolls' herbal rosemary notes and sweet honey undertones, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
• Select soft goat cheese or herbed cream cheese to enhance the rolls' buttery texture, adding a tangy counterpoint to the sweet and savory profile.
• Serve alongside roasted chicken or herb-crusted lamb, allowing the rolls to soak up delicious meat juices while providing a delightful textural contrast.
• Add a crisp mixed greens salad with light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the buttery rolls, bringing brightness and freshness to the meal.

Try These Styles of Rosemary Honey Rolls

• Vegan Herb Rolls: Replace egg with flax egg, use plant-based milk, and swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version packed with herbal flavors.
• Gluten-Free Garden Rolls: Substitute wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, adding xanthan gum for better texture and maintaining the rosemary essence.
• Whole Wheat Rustic Rolls: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a heartier, more robust bread experience.
• Low-Carb Almond Rolls: Use almond flour mixed with coconut flour, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the aromatic rosemary butter coating.

Got Questions About Rosemary Honey Rolls?

• What makes the yeast activate properly?

Warm milk and water between 100-110°F create the perfect environment. The sugar feeds the yeast, helping it foam and become active within 5-10 minutes.

• How do I know if I've kneaded the dough correctly?

The dough should become smooth, elastic, and spring back when gently pressed. It shouldn’t be sticky or dry, but have a soft, pliable texture after 6-8 minutes of kneading.

• Why is the first and second rise important?

The first rise develops flavor and allows gluten to relax, making the rolls softer. The second rise helps rolls become light and fluffy, creating a beautiful, puffy texture before baking.

• Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes, absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface. The key is consistent, gentle kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Why Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Are Special

• Perfect for beginner bakers with straightforward steps and basic ingredients, making bread-making feel totally achievable.
• Warm, soft rolls with aromatic rosemary and sweet honey guarantee instant family excitement and potential dinner table cheers.
• From start to finish, these rolls demand just under 3 hours, with most time spent allowing dough to rise while you tackle other tasks.
• Excellent alongside roasted meats, holiday feasts, weekend dinners, or as a standalone weekend baking project that delivers maximum deliciousness.

What Goes in Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure and base for soft, tender dinner rolls.
• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates a light, fluffy texture. Fresh yeast works best for maximum rise.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps with browning and flavor development.

• Warm Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast. Whole milk gives richer flavor.
• Warm Water: Assists in yeast activation and dough hydration.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tender crumb to the rolls. Softened butter blends easily into the dough.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the roll texture.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Rosemary: Fresh herbs provide aromatic and earthy notes to the honey butter.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and creates a glossy, golden finish on the rolls.

How to Bake Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Kickstart the Yeast Magic

Grab a small bowl and mix warm milk, warm water, and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it hang out for 5-10 minutes until it gets bubbly and alive.

Step 2: Create Dough Perfection

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture, add softened butter and egg. Mix until a soft dough comes together.

Knead the dough on a flour-dusted surface for 6-8 minutes until it feels smooth and stretchy. Pro tip: A stand mixer with a dough hook works like a charm for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Let Dough Rise and Shine

Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel. Park it in a cozy warm spot for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shape Rolling Goodness

Gently deflate the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Nestle these beauties into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Second Rise Celebration

Drape a kitchen towel loosely over the rolls. Let them puff up for 30-45 minutes.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Crank the oven to 375F (190C). Bake rolls for 15-18 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Whip Up Rosemary Honey Butter Goodness

• Melted butter
• Honey
• Fresh rosemary
• Pinch of salt

Step 8: Finish with Buttery Brilliance

Pull rolls from the oven and immediately brush with the rosemary honey butter. Serve warm and watch everyone swoon.

Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade rosemary honey butter dinner rolls bring warmth and comfort to any gathering with their golden-brown exterior and delicate herb-infused flavor. These irresistible rolls melt in your mouth, offering pure comfort that connects families around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 ¼ cups (405g) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (120ml) warm milk (110F/43C)
• ½ cup (120ml) warm water (110F/43C)

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Fats and Additional Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened

Rosemary Honey Butter Topping:

• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Whisk warm milk, water, and sugar in a compact vessel, then disperse yeast across the surface. Allow the mixture to bloom and become frothy for approximately 7-10 minutes.
2. Merge flour and salt in a spacious mixing container. Incorporate bloomed yeast, softened butter, and egg until a cohesive dough emerges.
3. Transfer dough onto a lightly dusted work surface. Manipulate and stretch the dough with rhythmic kneading motions, developing gluten structure for 6-8 minutes until texture becomes smooth and resilient.
4. Nestle dough into a generously greased receptacle. Cloak with a clean fabric and position in a draft-free, temperate environment for 1-2 hours, permitting volume to substantially expand.
5. Deflate risen dough by gently pressing downward. Segment into 12 uniform segments, rolling each into compact, taut spheres with seamless exterior.
6. Strategically arrange dough orbs within a greased rectangular or circular baking vessel, ensuring minimal spacing between rolls.
7. Drape rolls with a lightweight fabric, allowing secondary fermentation for 30-45 minutes until visibly puffy and interconnected.
8. Calibrate oven temperature to 375F. Position rolls in preheated chamber, baking until surfaces transform into rich golden hues, approximately 15-18 minutes.
9. Simultaneously, construct aromatic butter glaze by amalgamating melted butter, honey, finely chopped rosemary, and a pinch of salt.
10. Immediately upon removing rolls, lavishly brush surfaces with herbed honey butter. Serve while radiantly warm for optimal gustatory experience.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to wake up yeast without killing it, using a kitchen thermometer for precision.
• Kneading Technique: Develop gluten by stretching and folding dough, creating tender and fluffy rolls with a smooth, elastic texture.
• Alternative Flour Options: Substitute up to 50% whole wheat flour for added nutrition, understanding it might slightly reduce softness and require extra liquid.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare dough night before, refrigerate after first rise, then shape and proof rolls next day for convenient entertaining without compromising quality.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 164
• Sugar: 3.7g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Fat: 6.8g
• Saturated Fat: 4.1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22.9g
• Fiber: 0.7g
• Protein: 3.4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg