Soft Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls Recipe
Delightfully soft and slightly sweet, these Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls are perfect for any meal. Made with wholesome whole wheat flour, honey, and enriched with butter and egg, these rolls have a tender crumb and a golden crust brushed with melted butter for extra flavor. Ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings, they combine rustic nutrition with comforting taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ – 4 ½ cups whole wheat flour (divided)
- 2 tablespoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 ½ cups warm milk (105-110°F)
- 6 tablespoons butter (at room temperature)
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a rimmed 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly and set it aside to prevent the rolls from sticking during baking.
- Mix Initial Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 cups of whole wheat flour, instant yeast, honey, salt, warm milk, softened butter, and egg.
- Combine Dough: Using a dough hook attachment on low speed, mix the ingredients until just combined and the flour is incorporated.
- Add Remaining Flour: Gradually add the remaining flour ¼ cup at a time, continuing to mix until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and clings to the hook. The dough should be smooth, slightly sticky, and not stick to your fingers when pinched.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on low speed for an additional 2 minutes to develop gluten for structure and elasticity.
- First Rise: Cover the dough bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 30 minutes until it has visibly puffed up.
- Deflate Dough: Uncover the dough and gently punch it down to release trapped air, preparing it for shaping.
- Shape Rolls: Divide the dough into 24 equal portions and shape each into a roll.
- Arrange Rolls: Place the shaped rolls into the prepared baking dish, making sure they are spaced evenly.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls again and let them rise for another 30 minutes in a warm, draft-free environment until they have noticeably expanded.
- Preheat Oven: Toward the end of the second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.
- Brush with Butter: Remove the hot rolls from the oven and immediately brush their tops with the remaining melted butter to enhance flavor and keep them soft.
Notes
- Use whole wheat flour for a wholesome flavor and better nutrition.
- Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to activate yeast without killing it.
- Butter at room temperature incorporates more easily into the dough.
- Proof dough in a warm, draft-free space to ensure proper rising.
- Brush with melted butter right after baking for a soft crust and extra richness.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- These rolls freeze well; thaw and warm before serving for best texture.
