Rosemary Honey Butter Rolls Recipe

Dinner rolls are a staple at any table, providing comfort and a touch of warmth to meals both ordinary and extraordinary. Among the many variations of this beloved bread, Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls stand out for their aromatic and flavorful profile. Infused with fresh rosemary and honey, these rolls are irresistible, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and herbaceousness. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating these delectable rolls step by step.

Ingredients

Creating these dinner rolls is a rewarding experience, and it all starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk or barista-style oat milk
• 1 1/2 tsp dry instant yeast
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 3/4 cup bread flour, plus a little extra
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 egg, beaten
• 4 tsp fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped

For the Honey Butter Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup honey

For Finishing Touches:

• Flaky salt
• Fresh herbs such as sage, thyme, parsley, and dill (optional)
• Pink peppercorns (optional)

Instructions

Creating Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls involves several steps, but don’t be intimidated—each one is straightforward and will lead to a delicious result. Follow these detailed instructions for perfect rolls every time.

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Place milk, yeast, and honey in the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast. Let it stand until the yeast starts to bloom, about 5 minutes.
2. Fit the stand mixer with a dough hook. Turn the mixer on to the lowest setting (speed 1) and gradually add flour.
3. Add salt and butter, and once incorporated, add the egg and rosemary.
4. Scrape everything to the bottom of the bowl and increase the stand mixer speed to medium (speed 5). Knead for about 5 minutes to form an elastic dough, pausing as needed to scrape the contents of the bowl back down to the bottom.
5. If the dough feels very sticky, add an additional teaspoon of flour at a time, kneading in each time, until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

6. Roll the dough into a taut ball and return it to the bowl (greasing the bowl is unnecessary).
7. Cover the dough with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Allow it to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

8. Line a 7×11-inch (2-quart) baking dish with parchment paper.

Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Sauce

9. Add butter to a small saucepan and melt over low heat.
10. Once melted, whisk in the honey. Continue whisking on low heat until the consistency is runny and homogenous.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Rolls

11. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
12. Pour about three-quarters of the sauce into the baking dish and smooth it out into an even layer.
13. Divide the risen dough into 12 equal pieces and shape them into tight balls.
14. Arrange the balls evenly in the baking dish.
15. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for a second time, for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

16. If decorating, brush tops of dough balls with some of the remaining honey butter. Reheat the honey butter on low heat if necessary to make it brushable.
17. Decorate as desired, ensuring the herbs come in full contact with the surface of the bun to preserve color and shape. Brush more honey butter on top.
18. If not decorating, simply reheat the remaining honey butter if needed and brush the tops of the rolls generously.
19. Sprinkle a small amount of flaky salt on top of each roll.

Step 7: Bake the Rolls

20. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals is essential for maintaining a balanced diet. Here’s a general overview of the nutritional profile for these Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and quantities used.

• Calories: Approximately 180 calories per roll
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g

How to Serve

These dinner rolls are not only a delicious addition to your meal but also offer versatility that can enhance a variety of dishes. Here are some detailed serving suggestions to make the most of these delightful rolls:

With Soup or Stew

One of the most comforting and classic ways to enjoy these dinner rolls is by pairing them with a hearty soup or stew. The soft, pillowy texture of the rolls provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up rich broths and sauces. Consider serving them alongside:

• Creamy Tomato Soup: The sweetness of the tomatoes combined with a touch of cream creates a delightful contrast with the warm, buttered rolls.
• Beef Stew: A robust beef stew, filled with tender chunks of meat and root vegetables, is complemented beautifully by the rolls, allowing you to scoop up every last drop of gravy.
• Chili: Whether it’s a classic beef chili or a vegetarian version, the spicy, hearty flavors are perfectly balanced by the mild sweetness of the rolls, making for a satisfying meal.

As a Side Dish

These rolls shine as a side dish for a wide range of main courses, enhancing the overall dining experience. Here are some suggestions for pairing:

• Roast Chicken: The buttery flavor of the rolls complements the savory notes of a herb-seasoned roast chicken, making them a perfect accompaniment for family gatherings or Sunday dinners.
• Turkey: During festive seasons, these rolls are an excellent side to turkey, especially when slathered with gravy. Their light texture allows them to be enjoyed even after a hearty helping of your holiday feast.
• Beef: Whether it’s a classic pot roast, a grilled steak, or even a beef tenderloin, the rolls provide a delightful contrast to the rich, meaty flavors. Serve them warm with a pat of herb-infused butter for an elevated experience.

At a Holiday Meal

Elevate your holiday table with these aromatic rolls, which bring warmth and a sense of celebration to any gathering. Their golden-brown crust and fluffy interior make them a beautiful centerpiece. Consider these ideas for incorporating them into your holiday meals:

• Thanksgiving Dinner: Serve the rolls fresh from the oven, brushed with melted butter, alongside traditional dishes like stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes. They are perfect for making mini sandwiches with leftover turkey.
• Christmas Feast: Create a festive touch by adding seasonal herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough, enhancing the aroma and flavor of your holiday spread.
• New Year’s Brunch: Offer these rolls as part of a lavish brunch spread, where they can be enjoyed with a variety of spreads such as flavored cream cheese, smoked salmon, or even a selection of cured meats.

For Breakfast or Brunch

These rolls can also be transformed into a delightful breakfast or brunch option. Their soft, slightly sweet flavor pairs wonderfully with both savory and sweet toppings. Here are some ways to serve them in the morning:

• With Butter and Jam: A simple yet indulgent way to start the day is by spreading a generous layer of creamy butter and your favorite fruit jam or preserves on a warm roll. The combination of the fluffy texture and the sweet-tart flavors creates a delightful morning treat.
• Honey Drizzle: For those who prefer a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey over warm rolls creates a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Breakfast Sandwiches: Use the rolls as a base for breakfast sandwiches filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of protein, such as bacon or sausage. This makes for a satisfying start to any day, especially on weekends when you have more time to savor your meal.

These dinner rolls are more than just a side; they are a versatile addition that can enhance any meal, whether enjoyed with a comforting soup, as a side to a grand feast, or even as a sweet breakfast treat. Their adaptability and comforting qualities make them a favorite for any occasion, ensuring that they will be a welcome addition to your dining table.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls turn out perfectly every time, consider implementing the following detailed tips that will enhance your baking experience and results:

Room Temperature Ingredients

Using room temperature ingredients is crucial for the success of your dinner rolls. When ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk are brought to room temperature, they blend more easily and uniformly into the dough, which contributes to a smoother texture. Cold ingredients can inhibit yeast activation and lead to uneven rising. To accelerate the process, take eggs and butter out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you start baking. For milk, you might consider warming it slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop, ensuring it feels warm but not hot to the touch—ideally around 110°F (43°C)—to create an ideal environment for the yeast to thrive.

Warm Environment for Rising

Yeast is a living organism that thrives in warmth, making the environment in which your dough rises critical for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. If your kitchen is on the cooler side, you can create a warm environment by preheating your oven to its lowest setting (usually around 170°F or 77°C) for a few minutes. Then turn the oven off and place the bowl of dough inside, covering it with a damp kitchen towel to retain moisture. The residual heat will provide a gentle warmth that encourages the yeast to work effectively. Alternatively, you can place the dough near a sunny window or on top of a warm appliance, like the refrigerator, to aid in rising.

Check Dough Consistency

Achieving the right dough consistency is key to ensuring your dinner rolls are light and fluffy. When mixing your dough, it should be smooth and elastic, indicating that the gluten has developed properly. If you find that your dough is too sticky and clings to your fingers, it may require additional flour. However, it’s important to add flour gradually—start with a teaspoon at a time—to avoid making the dough too dry. A well-kneaded dough should spring back when you poke it lightly and should not stick excessively to your hands or the mixing surface.

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps to maintain their soft texture and flavor. If you want to preserve them for a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents freezer burn and maintains quality. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the rolls for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through. This will help restore their freshness and soft texture.

Experiment with Flavors

While the classic Rosemary Honey Butter flavor is delightful, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize your dinner rolls. Consider adding minced garlic for a savory touch, or incorporating a blend of herbs like thyme or oregano. You could also experiment with different types of honey, such as wildflower or clover, to see how they influence the overall flavor profile of your rolls.

By following these additional tips, you’ll elevate your Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls to new heights, ensuring they are not only delicious but also consistently perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh rosemary?
A1: Yes, you can substitute dried rosemary for fresh. Use about half the amount of dried rosemary, as it is more concentrated in flavor.

Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A2: Yes, the dough can be made a day in advance. After the first rise, punch it down and refrigerate it. Allow it to come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.

Q3: Is there a substitute for honey?
A3: You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as an alternative to honey. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q4: How can I make these rolls vegan?
A4: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) as substitutes for dairy milk, butter, and egg.

Q5: Can I add other herbs or spices?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or spices such as garlic powder for an extra flavor boost.

Conclusion

Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a unique blend of flavors that are both comforting and sophisticated. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll create rolls that are sure to impress family and friends. Whether served at a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these rolls are bound to be a hit. Enjoy the process of baking and, most importantly, the delectable results!

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