Name: Honey Yeast Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 2 h 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups warm milk (110-115° F); 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or one packet); 2 tablespoons honey; 1 ¼ teaspoons salt; 1 large egg (at room temperature); 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature, cut into cubes); 1 ½ tablespoons melted butter; 1 ½ tablespoons honey

There’s something truly magical about warm, slightly sweet rolls fresh from the oven — soft, buttery, and just the right hint of honey. This Honey Yeast Rolls Recipe captures that cozy feeling perfectly and is one of my favorite recipes to bake when I want to impress guests or just treat my family.

A basket full of soft dinner rolls, each roll showing a smooth, shiny golden-brown top layer with a slightly darker baked edge, and soft, fluffy pale yellow inside layers visible where some rolls are pulled apart. The rolls have a light and airy texture with a slight shine that reflects light. They are stacked closely with some rolls resting on top of others, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Yeast Rolls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Yeast Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Yeast Rolls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this Honey Yeast Rolls Recipe because it produces rolls that are incredibly soft and fluffy, with that perfect golden crust and a subtle sweetness that comes from honey — it’s like a little hug in bread form.

Simple ingredients: You don’t need any fancy items to make these rolls, just pantry basics and some honey.
Perfect texture: Fluffy on the inside with a light, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Great for sharing: Makes 24 rolls, so it’s ideal for family dinners, parties, or holiday meals.
Honey butter finish: Brushed with a honey butter glaze right after baking for that irresistible shine and taste.

A close-up view of a white baking dish filled with 15 glossy, golden brown dinner rolls arranged in a 3 by 5 grid. Each roll is soft and puffy with a lightly toasted top, showing a smooth shiny glaze that reflects light. The rolls fit snugly together, with some rounded edges touching. The baking dish handles are visible and set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role, working together to create that cloud-like-soft texture and subtly sweet flavor. Here are some tips on what to look for and why these ingredients matter.

Flat lay of a small pile of golden cubes of unsalted butter, a single large brown egg with smooth shell, a few sprigs of golden honeycomb pieces, a small white ceramic bowl filled with warm milk, a small white ceramic bowl containing granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with fine all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl holding active dry yeast granules, a small white ceramic bowl with amber honey, and a small white ceramic bowl with fine salt crystals, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds tenderness; make sure it’s not too hot or yeast won’t rise properly.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast so it can grow and aerate the dough.
Active dry yeast: The magic behind the rise—always check the expiration date for best results.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, giving the rolls an extra tender crumb.
Salt: Balances sweetness and strengthens gluten to help the rolls keep their shape.
Egg: Enriches the dough, lending a soft texture and lovely golden color.
All-purpose flour: The main structure; adding too much makes rolls dense, so measuring accurately is key.
Unsalted butter: Makes the rolls moist and flavorful, plus the cubes help get an even buttery consistency throughout the dough.
Melted butter and honey (for brushing): Adds a glossy, sweet finish that makes these rolls irresistible warm out of the oven.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Honey Yeast Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed playing around with add-ins and toppings to suit different occasions or moods.

Variation: I sometimes add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top right before baking for a cozy, breakfast-style roll that’s a hit with my kids.
Dietary Twist: For a dairy-free version, swap out the butter and milk for plant-based alternatives — the texture stays surprisingly close.
Shape Shift: Instead of rolls, try braiding the dough for a pretty pull-apart loaf that doubles as a centerpiece.
Seasonal Change: Adding chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme gives a savory touch that pairs wonderfully with dinner.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Yeast Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Start by pouring the warm milk into your mixer bowl or a large mixing bowl if you're going old-school with hand kneading. Sprinkle the sugar and yeast on top. I like to whisk it lightly and then set it aside for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll want to see that foamy, bubbly action—this means your yeast is alive and kicking. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be dead, so don’t skip this step.

Step 2: Mix in the flavor boosters

Once the yeast is bubbly, I add the honey, salt, and egg right into the bowl. Mixing gently is key here — you want everything coming together before the flour joins the party.

Step 3: Incorporate flour and butter

Add the 3¾ cups of flour and mix on low speed until it mostly pulls together. Then toss in those lovely cubes of butter. I’ve found mixing on low helps the butter distribute evenly without melting. After the butter is folded in, switch to the dough hook if you’re using a mixer and knead for about 8 minutes. The dough should feel soft and slightly sticky — not dry or super sticky. If yours feels too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time, but be careful not to go overboard.

Step 4: First rise — patience is a virtue!

Put your dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl and turn it so it’s coated all around. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and tuck it into a warm spot. I often use my oven with just the light on — it’s perfect. After about an hour, it should almost double in size. This rise is what gives you those airy, soft rolls you'll love.

Step 5: Shape and second rise

Transfer to a floured surface and gently knead a few times. Then cut the dough into 24 equal pieces — I find cutting into thirds, then eighths, makes this super manageable. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased 13x9-inch pan. Cover again and let them rise for 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 6: Bake and finish with honey butter glaze

Heat your oven to 400°F. Uncover the rolls and bake for 16-20 minutes until the tops are a dreamy golden brown. When they come out, whisk the melted butter with honey and brush the mixture on top while the rolls are still warm. This last touch is pure magic — a glossy, sweet finish that keeps the rolls soft and flavorful.

Top Tip

Having baked this Honey Yeast Rolls Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference between good rolls and unforgettable rolls.

Yeast Activation Matters: Always let your yeast foam properly; it’s your safety net to ensure the dough will rise well.
Butter Temperature: Use softened butter cubes, not melted, for easier incorporation without weighing down the dough.
Don't Over-flour: It’s tempting to add flour if the dough’s sticky, but too much will toughen your rolls – better to err on the slightly sticky side.
Warm Rise Spot: My oven light is my secret warm spot; if your kitchen is cold, this little trick always speeds up the rise.

How to Serve Honey Yeast Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I love to keep the rolls simple and brush them with the honey butter glaze, but sometimes I add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after glazing. It’s an unexpected twist that brings out the sweetness.

Side Dishes

These rolls are absolute dream partners with soups — creamy tomato basil or hearty chicken noodle are my go-tos. They also shine alongside roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these rolls in flower shapes or pull-apart wreaths on a festive platter, which always impresses guests and encourages sharing. Adding small pats of honey butter between rolls before baking creates pockets of buttery sweetness too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft for a couple of days, but honestly, that honey butter finish makes them so tempting, they never last that long!

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully. I usually wrap individually or save the whole batch in a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready, I thaw them overnight and warm gently in the oven the next day — just like fresh-baked.

Reheating

I reheat leftover rolls in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, sometimes brushing a little extra honey butter on top before warming. This refreshes their softness and brings back that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! You can usually substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in a 1:1 ratio. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients, skipping the proofing step, but I find proofing adds extra flavor and ensures your yeast is active.

How do I know if the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size during both the first and second rises. A good test is to gently press your finger into the dough — if the indentation stays and doesn’t bounce back quickly, the dough is ready.

What if my dough is too sticky to handle?

A slightly sticky dough is what you want for soft rolls, but if it’s unmanageably sticky, sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour at a time during kneading. Avoid adding too much flour, or your rolls might turn out dense.

Can I make these rolls ahead for a party?

Absolutely! You can assemble and shape the rolls, then refrigerate them overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature, rise if needed, and bake. This saves you time and makes entertaining easier.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Yeast Rolls Recipe is one of those baked goods I keep going back to because it’s both reassuringly simple and reliably delicious. Baking these rolls means filling your kitchen with that unforgettable aroma of freshly baked bread and honey — it’s comforting in a way only homemade bread can be. I can’t wait for you to try these and enjoy the same warm smiles and satisfied sighs that always greet them in my home.