Fluffy Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Golden Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe: Homemade Joy

Soft, pillowy dinner rolls dance with aromatic rosemary honey butter, promising a mouthwatering side that instantly elevates any meal.

Warm from the oven, these rolls blend fragrant herbs with sweet golden honey in a delectable embrace.

Each golden-brown roll carries the rich, comforting essence of home-baked goodness.

Fresh rosemary weaves its magic through delicate layers of tender dough, creating an irresistible aroma.

The combination of honey’s natural sweetness and rosemary’s earthy notes transforms simple bread into a culinary experience.

This recipe brings restaurant-quality elegance to your dining table with minimal effort.

Serve these rolls and watch as everyone reaches for seconds, eager to savor every delicious bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 11

Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Ingredient Rundown

For Dough Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy foundation for soft, tender rolls with a delightful texture.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth for perfectly balanced rolls.
For Dough Activation:
  • Active Dry Yeast: Magical ingredient that makes dough rise and creates fluffy, airy texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps with beautiful golden-brown coloring.
  • Warm Milk: Creates a nurturing environment for yeast and adds rich moisture.
  • Warm Water: Helps dissolve and activate yeast smoothly.
For Moisture and Richness:
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds luxurious tenderness and deep, creamy flavor to the rolls.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides extra richness and structure.
For Finishing Glaze:
  • Honey: Brings natural sweetness and beautiful golden sheen to the rolls.
  • Fresh Rosemary: Introduces aromatic, earthy notes that elevate the entire dish.
  • Melted Butter: Creates a glossy, irresistible coating that makes rolls shine.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies overall flavor profile.

Baking Tools For Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

  • Stand mixer or mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients and kneading dough smoothly.
  • Dough hook (if using stand mixer): Helps knead dough efficiently without manual effort.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish or round pan: Provides the right space for rolls to rise and bake together.
  • Clean kitchen towel: Covers dough during rising periods to keep moisture in.
  • Small bowl: Used for activating yeast and mixing liquid ingredients.
  • Pastry brush: Helps spread rosemary honey butter evenly over warm rolls.
  • Lightly floured surface: Needed for kneading and shaping dough.

Steps To Make Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Fluffy

  • Yeast Activation

Mix warm milk, water, and sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the liquid and wait until it becomes bubbly and aromatic.

  • Dough Creation

Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the activated yeast, softened butter, and egg. Blend everything until a soft, silky dough forms. Knead gently on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.

  • First Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased container. Cover with a soft cloth and let it rest in a cozy spot until it doubles in volume, creating a pillowy texture.

  • Roll Formation

Gently deflate the dough and divide into even portions. Shape each piece into a round, plump ball. Nestle the rolls close together in a baking dish.

  • Second Rise

Allow the rolls to puff up again, becoming light and airy. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel.

  • Baking Magic

Heat the oven and bake the rolls until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

  • Rosemary Honey Glaze

Whisk melted butter with honey, fragrant rosemary, and a touch of salt to create a luxurious topping.

  • Final Touch

Brush the warm rolls generously with the rosemary honey mixture. Serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Toppings And Twists For Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

  • Perfect Rise Trick: Ensure your yeast mixture is perfectly foamy and your rising area is warm (around 80-85°F) to help the dough develop soft, fluffy texture without dense spots.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the rolls up to the shaping stage, then refrigerate overnight. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to allow gentle warming and rising.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free bread flour blend, adding 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to improve texture and prevent crumbling.
  • Herb Twist: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme or sage instead of rosemary, creating unique flavor profiles that complement various main dishes and seasons.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk and use coconut oil instead of butter, maintaining the rolls' tender crumb while accommodating dairy-free dietary needs.

Serving Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls With Meals

  • Bread Basket Centerpiece: Create a rustic wooden bread basket lined with a clean linen cloth to showcase the golden-brown rolls, making your dining table look inviting and warm.
  • Holiday Feast Companion: Pair these rolls with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or herb-crusted chicken for a memorable holiday meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Flavor-Boosting Dips: Serve alongside garlic aioli, herb-infused olive oil, or whipped herb butter to enhance the rolls' delicate rosemary and honey notes and provide extra texture and taste.
  • Brunch Side Sensation: Transform these rolls into a breakfast delight by splitting them and topping with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, or creating mini breakfast sandwiches for a weekend brunch treat.

How To Keep Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Fresh

  • Smart Storing Solutions
  • Cooling Strategy: Let rolls cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain texture. Transfer to an airtight container or ziplock bag for best results.
  • Refrigeration Wisdom: Fresh rolls stay delicious for 3-4 days when stored in sealed containers inside the refrigerator. Wrap individually in aluminum foil to retain softness.
  • Freezing Technique: Freeze unbaked rolls after second rise by placing them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to freezer bags. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and bake as original recipe suggests.
  • Reheating Magic: Revive chilled rolls by warming in oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes. Brush with extra rosemary honey butter to restore moisture and enhance flavor.
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Fluffy Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Fluffy Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe


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4.5 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Homemade rosemary honey butter dinner rolls blend herbal notes with sweet richness. Delicate crumb and golden crust invite home cooks to savor each warm, fragrant bite alongside family meals.


Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Yeast Activation: Whisk warm milk, water, and sugar in a vessel. Sprinkle yeast across the liquid and allow it to bloom for 7-10 minutes until a frothy layer forms.
  2. Dough Preparation: Merge flour, salt, activated yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg in a mixing bowl. Knead on a floured surface for 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First Rise: Place dough in a greased container, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 90 minutes until volume doubles.
  4. Shaping: Deflate dough and divide into 12 uniform segments. Roll each into a compact sphere and arrange in a greased baking dish.
  5. Second Proofing: Cover rolls loosely and allow to rise for 40 minutes until puffy and slightly connected.
  6. Baking: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Bake rolls for 16-20 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Glazing: Whisk melted butter, honey, chopped rosemary, and salt to create a fragrant glaze. Brush warm rolls immediately after removing from oven.
  8. Serving: Present rolls while still radiating warmth, showcasing their aromatic rosemary honey butter coating.

Notes

  • Activate Yeast Precisely: Ensure milk and water temperature is between 100-110°F to guarantee proper yeast activation without killing the microorganisms.
  • Knead with Technique: Develop gluten structure by stretching and folding dough, creating a smooth, elastic texture that ensures soft, pillowy rolls.
  • Proof in Ideal Conditions: Place dough in a warm, draft-free area around 80-85°F, covering with a damp cloth to prevent surface drying and maintain optimal moisture.
  • Customize Herb Intensity: Adjust rosemary quantity based on personal preference; finely chop to distribute flavor evenly and prevent overwhelming herbal notes.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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