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Fluffy Honey Butter Dinner Rolls

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Soft, slightly sweet honey butter dinner rolls perfect for cozy gatherings, featuring a fluffy crumb and golden buttery crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm whole milk, about 110°F (43°C)
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (plus extra for brushing)
  • ¼ cup (85 g) honey
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Proof the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (110°F/43°C), sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk melted butter, honey, eggs, salt, and optional vanilla extract. Pour in the foamy yeast mixture.
  3. Add flour: Gradually add sifted all-purpose flour about 1 cup at a time, mixing until dough starts to come together.
  4. Knead the dough: Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead with stand mixer dough hook for 6-7 minutes on medium speed.
  5. First rise: Transfer dough to lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the rolls: Punch down dough, divide into 12 equal pieces (~2 ounces/56 g each), shape into balls, and arrange close together in greased baking pan.
  7. Second rise: Cover shaped rolls and let rise for 30-40 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
  8. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped, rotating pan halfway through.
  9. Brush with honey butter: Immediately after baking, brush warm rolls with melted butter mixed with 1 teaspoon honey.
  10. Cool slightly and serve: Let rolls cool for 10 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

Use warm milk at about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Knead dough until smooth and elastic for fluffy texture. Brush rolls immediately after baking with honey butter for shine and flavor. If dough is sticky, add flour sparingly. Rising times depend on kitchen temperature. For dairy-free, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives. Gluten-free version requires a gluten-free flour blend and xanthan gum.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey butter dinner rolls, fluffy dinner rolls, homemade bread, cozy gathering recipe, soft rolls, easy bread recipe