Heavenly Golden Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

On a crisp evening, the aroma of golden rosemary honey butter dinner rolls wafts through the kitchen, promising warmth and comfort.

These soft, pillowy rolls blend the rich sweetness of honey with fragrant rosemary in a delightful dance of flavors.

Each roll emerges from the oven with a glistening golden crust that begs to be torn apart.

The delicate herbs and subtle sweetness make these rolls more than just a side dish—they’re a culinary experience.

Simple ingredients come together to create something truly special that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.

Serve these rolls fresh and watch as they become the star of your next meal, turning an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 164 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients for Rosemary Honey Dinner Rolls

• Warm Milk: Provides the perfect nurturing environment for yeast to bloom and create soft, fluffy rolls.
• Warm Water: Helps activate yeast and ensures proper fermentation for ideal texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast, promoting quick and robust rising of the dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: Biological powerhouse that transforms simple ingredients into light, airy bread.

• All-Purpose Flour: Fundamental base that creates structure and provides tender crumb for rolls.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth, balancing the dough's development.
• Softened Butter: Adds rich flavor and contributes to soft, delicate roll texture.
• Large Egg: Binds ingredients, provides moisture, and helps create golden crust.

• Unsalted Butter: Delivers luxurious, silky coating with rich, creamy flavor.
• Honey: Introduces natural sweetness and beautiful glossy finish to rolls.
• Fresh Rosemary: Brings aromatic, herbaceous note that elevates the entire dish.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavor profile.

Baking Tools That Make Fluffy Dinner Rolls

• Large mixing bowl: Crucial for combining dry ingredients and kneading dough.
• Stand mixer or dough hook: Optional but helpful for easier dough preparation.
• 9×13-inch baking dish or round pan: Essential for shaping and baking rolls.
• Kitchen towel: Needed to cover dough during rising stages.
• Small bowl: Used for activating yeast mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Pastry brush: Perfect for applying rosemary honey butter on baked rolls.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helpful for mixing ingredients.
• Lightly floured surface: Necessary for kneading dough.
• Cooling rack: Optional for resting rolls after baking.

How to Make Rolls With Honey Butter

• Awaken the Yeast

Mix warm milk, water, and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it bloom for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and alive.

• Create the Dough

Blend flour and salt in a large bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg. Knead by hand or with a mixer until the dough feels smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.

• Let the Dough Grow

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover. Allow it to rest in a cozy spot for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size, like a sleeping giant stretching awake.

• Form the Rolls

Gently deflate the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a perfect round ball and nestle them close together in a greased baking dish.

• Final Rise

Cover the rolls and let them puff up for 30-45 minutes, becoming plump and inviting.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat the oven to 375F. Bake the rolls until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 15-18 minutes.

• Create Magic Butter

While rolls bake, whisk melted butter with honey, rosemary, and salt into a fragrant glaze.

• Finish and Serve

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

Add Extra Flavor to Herb Dinner Rolls

• Yeast Activation Magic: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active by checking its expiration date before starting the recipe for perfectly risen rolls.
• Make-Ahead Dough Trick: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate overnight for a convenient, time-saving option that develops deeper flavor.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to achieve a similar soft, pillowy texture for those with dietary restrictions.
• Pro Shaping Technique: Use slightly damp hands when forming dough balls to create smooth, uniform rolls that look professionally bakery-made.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace milk with almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter to make these rolls suitable for those avoiding dairy products while maintaining the same delicious taste and texture.

Serve Dinner Rolls Fresh from the Oven

• Cozy Family Feast Companion: Perfect for bringing everyone together around the dinner table, these rolls create a warm, inviting atmosphere that sparks conversation and comfort.
• Elegant Dinner Party Star: Impress your guests by serving these aromatic rosemary-infused rolls as a sophisticated side dish that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Meal Pairing Magic: These rolls complement roasted chicken, hearty stews, thanksgiving turkey, or grilled vegetables beautifully – their slightly sweet and herbal notes enhance multiple main course flavors.
• Leftover Love Transform: Slice rolls in half the next day, toast them lightly, and use for gourmet sandwiches or as a base for mini bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and herbs.

Saving and Reheating Homemade Rolls

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Fresh Batch Strategy: Make rolls ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain softness.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
• Reheat like a Pro: Warm rolls in the oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their fresh-from-the-oven texture. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make them tough and chewy.
• Smart Meal Companion: Pair these rolls with roasted chicken, hearty soups, or holiday dinners. They complement creamy pasta dishes and can elevate simple weeknight meals with their rich, buttery flavor.

Golden Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade rosemary honey butter dinner rolls blend Mediterranean herbs with sweet local honey for an irresistible bread experience. Warm, fragrant rolls complement any meal and invite guests to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 3 ¼ cups (405g) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tbsps) active dry yeast
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (120ml) warm milk (110F/43C)
• ½ cup (120ml) warm water (110F/43C)
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsps honey
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Activation: Combine warm milk, water, and sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle yeast across the surface and allow to foam for 7-10 minutes until bubbling with fermentation potential.
2. Dough Formation: Blend flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Integrate bloomed yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg, working ingredients into a cohesive, elastic dough through systematic mixing.
3. Kneading and Proofing: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead with deliberate motions for 6-8 minutes, developing a smooth, springy texture. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm environment for 1-2 hours until dramatically expanded.
4. Shaping and Second Rise: Gently deflate dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each segment into tight, seamless spheres. Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish with minimal spacing. Drape with a light cloth and allow secondary fermentation for 30-45 minutes until puffy and interconnected.
5. Baking and Glazing: Preheat oven to 375F. Bake rolls for 15-18 minutes until achieving a rich golden complexion. While baking, prepare a luxurious glaze by mixing melted butter, honey, finely chopped rosemary, and a hint of salt.
6. Finishing: Immediately after removing from oven, generously brush rolls with the aromatic herbed honey butter. Serve piping hot for maximum flavor and textural enjoyment.

Notes

• Master Yeast Activation: Ensure milk and water are lukewarm (not hot) to prevent killing yeast, creating perfect bloom for soft, airy rolls.
• Knead with Precision: Develop gluten structure by stretching and folding dough consistently, stopping when dough becomes smooth and elastic without tearing.
• Proofing Perfection: Maintain warm, draft-free environment around 80-85°F for ideal dough rising, using a slightly damp cloth to prevent surface drying.
• Customize Texture: Adjust flour quantity slightly for gluten-free alternatives by adding xanthan gum or using specialized bread flour blends to maintain roll structure.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 145
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg