Honey Salted Dinner Rolls

These Honey Salted Dinner Rolls are the perfect balance of soft, buttery, and just a hint of sweetness, making them an irresistible addition to any meal.

With a light, fluffy texture and a golden, slightly salty crust, they’re ideal for serving alongside soups, stews, or your favorite main dishes.

The subtle sweetness from the honey pairs beautifully with the sea salt, creating a delightful flavor combination that everyone will love. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, these homemade rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty: The combination of honey and sea salt creates a deliciously unique flavor that is both comforting and crave-worthy. The sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the savory richness of the rolls, making each bite irresistible.

Soft, Fluffy Texture: These rolls are incredibly light and airy, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Their softness makes them perfect for mopping up gravy, sauces, or simply enjoying on their own with a pat of butter.

Homemade Goodness: There’s something special about fresh, homemade bread. The aroma of baking rolls fills the kitchen and adds a personal touch to any meal. Making these from scratch is easy, and the results are so much more flavorful than store-bought alternatives.

Versatility: Whether served alongside a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, these rolls complement a wide range of dishes. Their subtle sweetness and rich texture make them a great match for anything from soups to roasted meats.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a few pantry staples—flour, yeast, butter, honey, and eggs—you can create a batch of rolls that taste like they’re from a high-end bakery. The ease of preparation, combined with the outstanding flavor, makes them a hit every time.

Key Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The base of these rolls, providing the structure and soft, fluffy texture that everyone loves.

Active Dry Yeast: Essential for the dough to rise, creating the light, airy consistency of these rolls.

Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness, balancing beautifully with the savory elements of the recipe.

Unsalted Butter: Contributes to the rich, tender texture of the rolls, while also enhancing the flavor.

Whole Milk: The warmth and creaminess of the milk help activate the yeast, while also giving the rolls their soft, moist crumb.

Eggs & Egg Yolks: These provide richness and help the rolls achieve a golden-brown color as they bake.

Kosher Salt & Sea Salt: The kosher salt in the dough helps balance the sweetness, while the finishing sprinkle of sea salt on top gives these rolls their signature salty-sweet flavor.

Honey Salted Dinner Rolls

Ingredients:

4.5 cups all-purpose flour

2 packets yeast

2 teaspoons kosher salt

(Combine thoroughly)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 1/3 cups warm whole milk (heat for 30 seconds in microwave)

2 tablespoons honey

(Combine thoroughly)

1 egg (at room temperature)

2 egg yolks (at room temperature)

Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, and kosher salt until well combined.

In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, warm milk, and honey.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg and egg yolks together until smooth.

Gradually add the milk-butter-honey mixture to the dry ingredients, followed by the egg mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form.

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is soft and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Once the dough has risen, divide it into 12-15 equal portions and shape each portion into a roll.

Arrange them in a greased baking dish, then cover and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat the remaining egg and brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash.

Bake for 25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.

While the rolls bake, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and stir in 1 tablespoon of honey. Once the rolls are done, brush the honey-butter mixture over them and sprinkle with sea salt.

Enjoy your delicious, soft, and slightly sweet dinner rolls!

Notes:

Milk Temperature: When warming the milk, make sure it’s warm to the touch (around 110°F/43°C). If it’s too hot, it could kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the dough may not rise properly.

Kneading the Dough: Be sure to knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is important for developing the gluten, which gives the rolls their soft, pillowy texture.

Rising Time: Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the bowl in an oven with just the light on or near a warm stovetop. The dough should double in size during the first rise (about 1 hour) and the second rise (about 30 minutes) after shaping the rolls.

Shaping the Rolls: If you prefer a more uniform shape, you can divide the dough into equal portions using a kitchen scale. This will ensure each roll is the same size and bakes evenly.

Egg Wash Tip: For a shinier, more golden finish, make sure to brush the rolls with the egg wash just before baking. You can also add a pinch of salt to the egg wash for extra flavor.

Butter and Honey Topping: Don’t skip the step of brushing the rolls with the melted honey-butter mixture after baking. It adds a sweet, glossy finish and enhances the flavor. You can adjust the amount of honey depending on how sweet you like your rolls.

Storing Leftovers: If you have any rolls left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back some softness.

Make Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, you can cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the second rise.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 15 rolls | SERVING SIZE: 1 roll

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of flour for these rolls?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour, which will yield slightly chewier rolls due to its higher protein content.

However, if you use whole wheat flour, the rolls may turn out denser and darker.

If using whole wheat flour, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat to maintain a soft texture.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time!

After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight.

The next day, let it come to room temperature before shaping and letting the rolls rise for the second time.

This can save time on the day you plan to serve them, and they will still be delicious.

Can I freeze the dough or the baked rolls?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough after the first rise. Shape the rolls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag.

When ready to bake, let the rolls thaw and rise before baking as usual.

You can also freeze the baked rolls for up to a month.

Reheat them in the oven to refresh their texture.

Can I use skim or 2% milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, you can use skim or 2% milk, though whole milk adds a richer flavor and softer texture.

If you prefer a lighter version, using lower-fat milk will still work, but the rolls may be slightly less tender.

What if I don’t have kosher salt or sea salt?

If you don’t have kosher salt, you can use regular table salt, but reduce the amount by about half, as table salt is finer and saltier by volume.

For the finishing touch, you can substitute sea salt with coarse kosher salt or even a pinch of regular table salt if needed, though the flavor may be less pronounced.

Why is my dough not rising?

There are a few possible reasons your dough may not rise. First, make sure your yeast is fresh and active.

If you’re using instant yeast, it should be added directly to the flour, while active dry yeast needs to be dissolved in warm liquid (about 110°F/43°C).

If the milk or water is too hot, it can kill the yeast.

Also, ensure your dough is kept in a warm, draft-free place for rising; a temperature of around 75-80°F (24-27°C) is ideal.

How do I know if I’ve kneaded the dough enough?

The dough should feel smooth and elastic after kneading for 5-7 minutes.

To test if it’s ready, try the “windowpane test”: stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers.

If it forms a thin, translucent sheet without tearing, your dough has been kneaded enough.

If it tears easily, keep kneading for another minute or two.

Can I skip the second rise if I’m short on time?

While it’s best to let the rolls rise for the full 30 minutes during the second rise, you can shorten it slightly if you’re pressed for time.

However, skipping the second rise may result in denser rolls.

If you’re in a rush, try to allow at least 15-20 minutes for them to rise before baking.

Can I substitute the egg wash with something else?

Yes, if you don’t want to use an egg wash, you can substitute it with a milk wash for a slightly softer finish, or even a simple butter wash.

For a vegan option, you can brush the rolls with a mixture of almond milk or soy milk with a bit of maple syrup for a shiny, golden finish.

Why are my rolls too dense?

If your rolls turn out dense, it’s usually because the dough wasn’t kneaded enough or the yeast didn’t activate properly.

Make sure you knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten, and check the freshness of your yeast before using it.

Also, don’t skip the first rise—this step is essential for the dough to rise and become light and airy.