A few weeks ago, I had some friends over for a casual dinner. I wanted to make something special yet simple, and these butter rolls were the perfect choice. As I placed the golden, buttery rolls on the table, everyone’s eyes lit up. They’re soft, fluffy, and have just the right amount of sweetness from the honey. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, even for those who might be new to baking. The combination of warm milk, melted butter, and honey creates a dough that’s not only easy to work with but also yields the most heavenly rolls.
One of my favorite tweaks to this recipe is adding a touch of garlic powder or fresh herbs like rosemary to the dough for a savory twist. These little changes can make the rolls even more versatile, perfect for pairing with a hearty soup or a festive holiday meal. Another tip: if you prefer a bit of crunch, sprinkle some sea salt on top just before baking.
Whether you’re making these butter rolls for a special family gathering or just to enjoy a quiet evening at home, I’m confident they’ll become a favorite in your household, just as they are in mine. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake some warm, buttery goodness that’s sure to bring smiles all around.
How to Make Butter Rolls
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons instant yeast
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ – 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch rimmed cookie sheet or a quarter sheet pan.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Once melted, add the milk and heat the mixture until it reaches 100-110°F.
Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the yeast and honey. If using a stand mixer, attach the paddle attachment.
Pour the warmed milk mixture into the bowl with the yeast and honey. Stir to combine well.
Add the salt and egg to the mixture, stirring until thoroughly mixed.
Gradually mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Continue adding flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough clings to the paddle and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should be slightly sticky.
With floured hands, shape the dough into 12 rolls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Cover the rolls and let them rest in a warm place for about 10 minutes to rise.
Bake the rolls for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden brown.
Once baked, brush the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
FAQs:
What is the best way to ensure my yeast activates properly?
To ensure your yeast activates properly, make sure the milk mixture is heated to between 100-110°F before adding it to the yeast and honey. This temperature range is crucial because it is warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot that it kills it. Additionally, mixing the yeast with honey helps to feed it, which promotes activation.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast for these butter rolls?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast. However, if you do so, you will need to activate the active dry yeast in warm water (110°F) with a bit of honey before adding it to the recipe. This step is essential because active dry yeast needs to be dissolved and activated in liquid before being mixed with the other ingredients.
How can I tell if I’ve added enough flour to the dough?
You can tell if you’ve added enough flour to the dough when it starts to cling to the paddle attachment and cleans the sides of the bowl. The dough should still be slightly sticky but manageable with floured hands. Gradually add the flour, about 1/4 cup at a time, to ensure you don’t add too much.
What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, check the temperature of your resting area. Dough rises best in a warm environment. You can create a warm spot by preheating your oven to its lowest setting for a few minutes, then turning it off and placing the covered dough inside. Additionally, ensure your yeast is fresh and active.
Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake the rolls later?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After shaping the dough into rolls and placing them on the baking sheet, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let the rolls come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking as directed.
Butter Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 ½ – 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a quarter sheet pan or a 9x13-inch rimmed cookie sheet.
- First off, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Once it's mostly melted, stir in the milk and heat the mixture until it reaches a temperature between 100-110°F.
- While waiting for the milk mixture to warm up, grab a bowl, and add the yeast and honey. If you have a stand mixer, attach the paddle attachment; if not, a large mixing bowl will do.
- Once the milk mixture is ready, pour it into the bowl with the yeast and honey. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely.
- Next up, add in the salt and egg, and stir until everything is nicely mixed together.
- Time to add the flour! Start by stirring in 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Then gradually add the remaining flour, about 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough starts clinging to the paddle and cleans the sides of the bowl. Don't worry if the dough is still a bit sticky; that's how it's supposed to be.
- Now, with floured hands, shape the dough into 12 rolls and place them on your prepared baking sheet.
- Cover the rolls and let them rest for about 10 minutes in a warm spot. This gives them a chance to rise a bit more before baking.
- Once your rolls have had their rest, pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they're lightly golden brown and smelling amazing.
- As soon as they're done baking, brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter for that extra touch of goodness.
