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Soft Fluffy Honey Butter Dinner Rolls from Scratch

soft fluffy honey butter dinner rolls - featured image

These soft, fluffy honey butter dinner rolls are easy to make from scratch with simple pantry ingredients, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery richness. Ideal for any occasion, they feature a tender crumb and a golden crust brushed with melted butter.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet, 7g) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) honey (wildflower or clover honey preferred)
  • ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing after baking)
  • Optional: a pinch of flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, stir the warm milk and honey until combined. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Knead on a floured surface or with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky; add flour if too sticky.
  4. First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough to release air. Divide into 12 equal pieces (~70g each). Shape each into a smooth ball and place seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, slightly touching.
  6. Second rise: Cover loosely with plastic wrap or towel and let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls on the middle rack for 18–22 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
  8. Butter finish: Immediately brush rolls with melted butter after removing from oven to keep crust soft and shiny.
  9. Cool and serve: Let rolls cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overflour the dough to keep rolls soft and fluffy. Use warm milk (not hot) to activate yeast properly. Brush melted butter immediately after baking to lock in moisture. For dairy-free, substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk and butter with vegan spread. Maple syrup can replace honey but alters flavor slightly. For faster rising, place dough in a warm, draft-free spot such as inside an oven with the light on.

Nutrition

Keywords: dinner rolls, honey butter rolls, soft rolls, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, fluffy rolls, baking, yeast rolls