Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

If you crave soft, fluffy rolls with a hint of herbal warmth and a touch of sweetness, then this Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe is absolutely made for you. These rolls offer a perfect balance between fluffy bread and the subtle aroma of fresh rosemary, all glazed with a luscious honey butter that makes every bite a celebration. Whether you’re serving them for a special holiday meal or a cozy family dinner, these rolls will quickly become the star of your table, loved by everyone from the first warm bite to the last crumb.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of your Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe. From the warm milk that activates your yeast to the fresh rosemary leaves that infuse each roll with fragrant earthiness, every component is essential.

• Warm milk or barista style oat milk: Activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender for a soft crumb.
• Dry instant yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise beautifully and become light and airy.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and feeds the yeast for better rise and flavor.
• Bread flour: Gives your rolls the perfect chewy texture and structure.
• Kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Adds richness and softens the dough for that tender bite.
• Egg (beaten): Provides a beautiful golden color and enriches the dough.
• Fresh rosemary leaves (finely chopped): Delivers that signature herbaceous aroma and taste.
• Unsalted butter (for honey butter sauce): Creates a silky glaze to coat the rolls.
• Honey (for honey butter sauce): Sweetens the glaze and gives a glossy finish.
• Flaky salt: Sprinkled on top for a delightful crunchy contrast and flavor pop.
• Fresh herbs such as sage, thyme, parsley, and dill (optional): Great to sprinkle on for added freshness and color.
• Pink peppercorns (optional): Provide a subtle fruity heat and a stunning visual touch.

How to Make Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming your milk until it’s pleasantly warm to the touch—not hot—then stir in the dry instant yeast and honey. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, signaling that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in creating airy, fluffy rolls.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, kosher salt, and freshly chopped rosemary leaves. Make a well in the center and pour in the frothy yeast mixture, melted butter, and the beaten egg. Stir everything together until a sticky dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. The rosemary will infuse the dough as you work it, filling your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Leave it in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until the dough has doubled in size. This rise is essential to develop the dough’s fluffiness and flavor depth.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Gently punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles, then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each so they can puff up while baking. Cover again and let them rest for another 30 to 45 minutes until they look puffed and inviting.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for approximately 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top. The smell of baking rosemary and honey butter is downright irresistible at this point, and the golden color will tell you you’re almost there.

Step 6: Make the Honey Butter Sauce and Glaze

While the rolls are baking, melt the butter for the honey butter sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, then stir in the honey until combined. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the warm honey butter glaze. The shiny, sweet finish adds a luxurious touch that keeps these rolls irresistible from the outside in.

How to Serve Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle flaky salt over the glazed rolls while the honey butter is still warm for that beautiful salty crunch that balances the sweetness. For an extra touch of color and flavor, scatter fresh herbs like sage, thyme, parsley, or dill right on top. Pink peppercorns not only add a pop of pink visual charm but also bring a subtle, fruity heat that’s unexpected and delightful.

Side Dishes

These rolls are a versatile companion to almost any meal. They shine as a buttery contrast alongside hearty soups like butternut squash or tomato bisque. They’re perfect for mopping up rich gravies in roast dinners or paired with crisp salads for a lovely textural balance. You can even serve them with a platter of cheeses and charcuterie for an elegant appetizer spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve your Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe in a cast iron skillet or a rustic wooden basket lined with a linen napkin to keep them warm. You can make pull-apart rolls by pressing the dough balls closer together before the second rise, creating a fun, interactive way to enjoy the bread. Setting them on a platter surrounded by sprigs of fresh rosemary instantly ups the visual appeal and invites guests to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls remain soft and flavorful for up to two days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To avoid drying out, keep them away from the fridge unless you plan to reheat them promptly.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They keep beautifully for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy the joy of homemade rosemary honey butter rolls any time you want with minimal effort.

Reheating

To revive frozen or leftover rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the rolls in foil to lock in moisture, and warm for about 10-15 minutes. If reheating just one roll, a quick zap in the microwave for 15-20 seconds also works wonders. Don’t forget to brush a little extra honey butter on top after warming for that freshly baked taste.

FAQs

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh for this recipe?

While fresh rosemary brings a bright, vibrant flavor to the rolls, you can substitute with dried rosemary in a pinch. Use less dried (about half the amount) as it tends to be more concentrated, and consider crushing it slightly to release more aroma.

Is barista style oat milk necessary or can I use regular milk?

You can absolutely use regular whole milk or any milk of your choice. Barista style oat milk is simply an option for those wanting a non-dairy alternative with a creamy texture; it helps create the same tender crumb in your rolls.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer, and use plant-based butter along with unsweetened oat milk. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious and soft.

How do I store the honey butter sauce if I have leftovers?

Store any leftover honey butter sauce in a small airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Warm it gently before using it again as a glaze or spread.

Can I add other herbs to the dough?

Definitely! While rosemary is the star in this recipe, giving it a unique touch, fresh thyme or sage can be wonderful additions or substitutes, adding their own unique herbal notes to your dinner rolls.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the combination of sweet honey, fragrant rosemary, and rich butter all wrapped up in a soft, fluffy dinner roll. This Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe is not just comforting but truly memorable, making every meal feel just a little more special. I promise once you bake these, you’ll want to keep them on your regular rotation—each batch filling your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy.

Print