Print

Cozy Honey Wheat Rolls

honey wheat rolls - featured image

Soft, sweet, and wholesome honey wheat rolls with a shiny honey glaze, perfect for cozy dinners, brunch, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups whole wheat flour (360g)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • ¼ cup honey (85g) plus 2 tablespoons for glaze
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56g), melted
  • ½ cup milk (120ml), whole or 2%, warmed
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • Optional: pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C) with 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon honey. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups whole wheat flour, 1 cup all-purpose flour, and 1 ½ teaspoons salt. Add spices if using.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk 1 large egg, 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, ½ cup warmed milk, and ¼ cup honey until smooth.
  4. Make the dough: Pour the yeast mixture and wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Alternatively, knead with a stand mixer on medium speed for 6-7 minutes.
  6. First rise: Lightly grease a large bowl, place dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  7. Shape the rolls: Punch down dough, divide into 12 equal pieces (~2 ounces or 60g each), roll into smooth balls, and place on parchment-lined baking sheet or greased round cake pan.
  8. Second rise: Cover rolls loosely and let rise for 30-40 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush rolls with melted butter and bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
  10. Glaze the rolls: While warm, brush rolls with glaze made from 2 tablespoons honey mixed with 1 tablespoon warm water. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Do not skip the honey glaze as it locks in moisture and adds a shiny finish. Use warm water at about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Knead until dough is elastic and slightly tacky but not sticky. Baking times may vary; start checking at 18 minutes. For extra softness, brush rolls with melted butter after baking and cover with a towel for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey wheat rolls, soft rolls, homemade bread, sweet rolls, easy bread recipe, cozy rolls, family recipe