Transform your dinner table with these Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls. Infused with fresh rosemary, brushed with a luscious honey butter glaze, and finished with a touch of flaky salt, these rolls are a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and herby flavors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these rolls are sure to impress.
The first time I made Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls, my kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of rosemary and honey. Pulling apart the golden rolls to reveal their soft, fluffy interior was pure joy. Now, they’re a staple at every special occasion in my home!
Why You’ll Love Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
- Fluffy and tender: Perfectly soft dinner rolls with a slightly sticky, buttery coating.
- Balanced flavors: The sweetness of honey complements the earthiness of rosemary beautifully.
- Versatile and festive: Great as a side dish, appetizer, or even a sweet snack.
Ingredients Notes for Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (or barista-style oat milk): Helps activate the yeast and keeps the dough soft.
- 1 1/2 tsp dry instant yeast: Essential for a light and fluffy texture.
- 1 tbsp honey: Adds subtle sweetness and enhances the flavor of the dough.
- 2 3/4 cups bread flour: Provides structure and elasticity.
- 2 tsp kosher salt: Balances the flavors.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness to the dough.
- 1 egg, beaten: Improves the dough’s texture and helps with rising.
- 4 tsp fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped: Infuses the rolls with a fragrant, herbal aroma.
For the Honey Butter Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Forms the base of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup honey: Creates the signature sticky glaze.
For Finishing Touches (Optional):
- Flaky salt: Adds a subtle crunch and enhances the flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Sage, thyme, parsley, or dill for decoration.
- Pink peppercorns: Adds a festive pop of color and a mild peppery kick.
Kitchen Equipment Needed for Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment.
- Small saucepan for the honey butter sauce.
- Baking dish (7×11-inch).
- Parchment paper.
- Brush for applying the honey butter.
- Damp tea towel or plastic wrap for covering the dough.
How to Make Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
1. Make the Dough
- Combine warm milk, yeast, and honey in the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast blooms.
- Fit the mixer with a dough hook. On the lowest speed, gradually add bread flour, then mix in salt, melted butter, beaten egg, and rosemary.
- Increase the speed to medium and knead for 5 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed, until the dough is elastic and smooth. If the dough is sticky, add flour 1 teaspoon at a time.
2. Let the Dough Rise
- Roll the dough into a ball and return it to the bowl. Cover with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Honey Butter Sauce
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in honey until the mixture is runny and well combined.
4. Assemble the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 7×11-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Pour three-quarters of the honey butter sauce into the baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Divide the risen dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a tight ball and arrange them in the prepared dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
5. Decorate or Brush the Rolls
- Reheat the remaining honey butter sauce if needed to make it brushable. Brush the tops of the rolls generously with honey butter.
- Optional: Decorate with fresh herbs or pink peppercorns, ensuring they adhere to the surface.
6. Bake the Rolls
- Sprinkle flaky salt over the rolls and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the rolls cool slightly before serving to allow the honey butter sauce to thicken.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve warm: These rolls are best enjoyed straight out of the oven.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the oven before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it savory: Replace honey with garlic butter and omit the rosemary for a more traditional dinner roll.
- Vegan option: Use oat milk, plant-based butter, and a flaxseed egg substitute.
- Herb swap: Experiment with thyme, sage, or parsley for a different flavor profile.
Helpful Notes
- Temperature matters: Use warm milk (around 110°F) to activate the yeast but not kill it.
- Soft dough: Slight stickiness is fine; don’t over-flour the dough as it may become tough.
- Even spacing: Arrange the dough balls evenly to ensure uniform baking.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Paul Hollywood: “A good rise is key. Be patient and let the dough double in size for light, fluffy rolls.”
- Martha Stewart: “Brush dough with butter during rising to keep it moist and enhance flavor.”
- Ina Garten: “Use fresh herbs for a brighter, more aromatic finish.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and shape the rolls, then refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.
Q2: What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
You can knead the dough by hand for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Q3: Can I freeze these rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze baked rolls and reheat in the oven before serving.
Q4: Can I use dried rosemary?
Fresh rosemary is best for flavor, but you can use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary as a substitute.
Q5: How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan?
The parchment paper and honey butter layer will prevent sticking. Ensure you line the pan properly.
Conclusion
These Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls are a show-stopping addition to any meal. With their sweet glaze, fragrant herbs, and buttery softness, they’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. Bake them today and elevate your dinner table with this irresistible recipe!
