Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and infused with the perfect balance of sweet honey and fragrant rosemary. These golden-brown rolls are brushed with a rich honey butter glaze, making them an irresistible addition to any holiday table, special dinner, or cozy homemade meal. Whether served warm with butter or used for sandwiches, these rolls are guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, fluffy texture with a lightly sweet and herby flavor
- Easy to make ahead—perfect for meal prep or holiday dinners
- Versatile side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner
- Delicious with butter, jam, or leftover holiday meats
- Simple ingredients but bakery-quality results
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Active dry yeast
- Warm milk
- Honey
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh rosemary, chopped
- Egg
- Salt
Directions
- Activate the yeast:
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, honey, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough:
- In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and chopped rosemary.
- Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and rise:
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls:
- Divide the dough into equal portions and roll into balls.
- Arrange in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the rolls:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown.
- Brush with honey butter:
- Melt butter with honey and brush over warm rolls.
- Garnish with extra rosemary if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12–15 rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1.5 hours
- Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Rolls: Add shredded cheddar or parmesan to the dough.
- Garlic Butter Rolls: Replace honey with minced garlic for a savory twist.
- Whole Wheat Version: Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour.
- Cinnamon Honey Rolls: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a slightly sweet variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping or freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Instant yeast can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the rolls, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh the next day.
What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?
Dried rosemary works too—just use half the amount.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
They should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I use plant-based milk and butter?
Yes! Almond milk and vegan butter work well.
What pairs well with these rolls?
They’re perfect with soups, roasts, or as sandwich buns.
How do I make the rolls extra soft?
Use room-temperature ingredients and don’t overbake.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes! Replace the egg with ¼ cup yogurt or unsweetened applesauce.
How do I get a shiny top without honey butter?
Brush with an egg wash before baking for a glossy finish.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen rolls?
Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Conclusion
Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls are a must-have for any meal, blending the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and herby flavors. Soft, fluffy, and brushed with golden honey butter, these rolls are guaranteed to become a family favorite. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!
PrintRosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls are golden, buttery, and slightly sweet with a hint of fresh rosemary. They have a pillowy-soft texture and a beautiful balance of flavors, making them the perfect accompaniment to holiday meals, Thanksgiving, or cozy family dinners. Brushed with warm honey butter after baking, these rolls are simply irresistible!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
1/4 cup honey
1 large egg
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
For the Honey Butter Topping:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk and honey, then sprinkle yeast over the top. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, until frothy.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and chopped rosemary.
- Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter, then mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes or with a stand mixer (using the dough hook) for 5-6 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Rolls:
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Second Rise & Bake:
- Cover the rolls and let rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
6. Make & Brush with Honey Butter:
- Mix melted butter, honey, and rosemary in a small bowl.
- Brush the warm rolls with the honey butter. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve warm with extra butter or honey on the side!
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate after the first rise. Let come to room temperature before shaping.
- Freezing: Bake the rolls, let them cool, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat at 300°F for 10 minutes before serving.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of garlic powder or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a savory twist.
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