Name: Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 3 h 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 15
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk; 2¼ tsp Red Star Platinum yeast; ½ cup unsalted butter; ⅓ cup honey; 2 large eggs; ½ tsp salt; 3½ cups whole wheat flour; For The Topping:; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp honey; sea salt

These honey whole wheat dinner rolls are a delightful addition to any meal. They are soft, fluffy, and carry a subtle sweetness from the honey. Perfect for family gatherings or as a side for your weeknight dinners, these rolls will bring warmth and satisfaction to your table.

Photos of Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls Recipe

Make sure to get red star platinum yeast, which is essential for the rolls to rise properly. This might not be in every pantry, but it should be available in most supermarkets. Additionally, you will need whole wheat flour, which gives the rolls their hearty texture and flavor. Don't forget the honey for a touch of natural sweetness.

Ingredients for Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

whole milk: Adds richness and makes the dough soft.

red star platinum yeast: Essential for the dough to rise and gives a fluffy texture.

unsalted butter: Adds flavor and tenderness to the rolls.

honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps with browning.

eggs: Adds structure and richness to the dough.

salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.

whole wheat flour: Gives the rolls a hearty texture and flavor.

sea salt: Sprinkled on top for a perfect finishing touch.

One reader, Huberto Fish says:

These honey whole wheat dinner rolls are fantastic! They are soft, slightly sweet, and have a wonderful texture. Perfect for any meal, they were a hit with my family. The recipe was easy to follow, and the results were delicious. Highly recommend giving these a try!

Huberto Fish

Key Techniques for Making Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

How to activate yeast: Pour warm milk over yeast, whisk together, cover the bowl with a towel, and allow to sit for 5 minutes until frothy and foamy.

How to knead dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it with your hands for 1 minute.

How to shape rolls: Punch the dough down, stretch it into a 9×13-inch rectangle, use a pizza cutter to cut it into 15 rolls, and round out the edges.

How to let dough rise: Cover the dough/bowl loosely and let sit in a warm place until doubled in size for about 1½ to 2 hours. Then, allow the shaped rolls to rise again until puffy and doubled in size for about 1 hour.

How to bake rolls: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and bake rolls for about 25 minutes until golden brown.

How To Make Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

Indulge in the soft and fluffy texture of dinner rolls made from whole wheat flour with Red Star® Platinum yeast. Brushed with melted butter and honey.

Preparation: 3 hours 30 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Cool Time: 5 minutes

Total: 4 hours

Serves:

Ingredients

1cupwhole milk,warmed to about 110 degrees F
2¼tspred star platinum yeast
½cupunsalted butter,softened to room temperature, cut into 4 pieces
⅓cuphoney
2large eggs
½tspsalt
3½cupswhole wheat flour,spoon & leveled, plus more for kneading/shaping

For the Topping:

2tbspunsalted butter,melted
2tbsphoney
sea salt,for sprinkling

Instructions

Dough:

Pour the warm milk over yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. Or, if you don’t have a stand mixer, a regular large mixing bowl.
Whisk together, cover the bowl with a towel, and allow to sit for 5 minutes. The mixture will be frothy and foamy after 5 minutes.
At low speed, beat in the softened butter until it is slightly broken up. Then beat in the honey, eggs, and salt.
At low speed, gradually add the flour. Once it is all added, beat on medium speed until a soft dough forms. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 6 to 7 more minutes.
The dough should pull away from the edges of the mixing bowl. Poke it with your finger; it should gently bounce back.
If the dough is too sticky, add more whole wheat flour, 1 Tablespoon at a time until it pulls away from the bowl and you have the right texture.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it with your hands for 1 minute.
Form the dough into a ball, coat your mixing bowl with nonstick spray or olive oil, and place the dough back in and turn it over so all sides of the dough are coated with the oil/spray.
Cover the dough/bowl loosely with plastic wrap, a paper towel, or aluminum foil and let sit in a warm place until doubled in size for about 1½ to 2 hours.
Grease the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.

To shape the rolls:

Punch the dough down to release any air bubbles and turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Using floured hands, stretch the dough into a 9×13-inch rectangle.
Use a pizza cutter and cut it into 15 rolls. Round out the edges of the rolls since they stretched a bit as you cut them. Arrange in prepared pan.
Loosely cover the rolls and allow to rise in a warm environment again until puffy and double in size for about 1 hour.

To bake the rolls:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bake rolls for about 25 minutes or until they are golden brown. Remove pan from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.

To the top the rolls:

Meanwhile, mix the melted butter and honey together. Brush over warm rolls. Sprinkle with sea salt. Serve warm.
Cover any leftover rolls and store at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Calories: 215.85kcal
Fat: 9.58g
Saturated Fat: 5.50g
Trans Fat: 0.31g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.47g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.77g
Carbohydrates: 29.75g
Fiber: 3.18g
Sugar: 9.45g
Protein: 5.40g
Cholesterol: 46.77mg
Sodium: 165.87mg
Calcium: 34.80mg
Potassium: 145.72mg
Iron: 1.19mg
Vitamin A: 82.86µg
Vitamin C: 0.05mg

Helpful Technique for Making Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

When adding the whole wheat flour to the dough, do it gradually and monitor the consistency closely. Whole wheat flour absorbs liquid differently than all-purpose flour, so you may need to adjust the amount slightly. If the dough feels too sticky, add more flour one tablespoon at a time until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl and has a soft, elastic texture. This ensures your dinner rolls will have the perfect balance of moisture and structure.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

Warm the milk in advance: Heat the whole milk while gathering other ingredients to save time.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer with a dough hook attachment speeds up the mixing and kneading process.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.

Quick rise method: Place the dough in a slightly warm oven to speed up the rising time.

Shape rolls efficiently: Use a pizza cutter to quickly cut the dough into uniform pieces.

Prepare topping ahead: Mix the butter and honey topping while the rolls bake.

Substitute Ingredients For Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls Recipe

whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a similar texture and moisture content, making it a good dairy-free alternative.
red star platinum yeast - Substitute with active dry yeast: Active dry yeast can be used in the same quantity and will provide similar leavening properties.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can replace butter to provide a similar fat content and moisture, suitable for those avoiding dairy.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and consistency, making it a good alternative for honey.
large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This mixture can replace eggs for a vegan option.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor profile.
whole wheat flour - Substitute with spelt flour: Spelt flour has a similar nutritional profile and can be used in the same quantity as whole wheat flour.
unsalted butter (for topping) - Substitute with ghee: Ghee provides a rich, buttery flavor and is lactose-free, making it a good alternative for the topping.
honey (for topping) - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar has a similar sweetness and consistency, suitable for those looking for a vegan option.
sea salt (for topping) - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor and texture.

Presentation Ideas for Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the honey whole wheat dinner rolls in a refined manner by serving smaller, bite-sized portions. This allows the diners to appreciate the delicate flavors without overwhelming their palate.
Use decoration: Garnish the dinner rolls with a light sprinkle of sea salt and a delicate drizzle of the honey-butter mixture. Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
Elegant plating: Arrange the rolls on a pristine white plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Use a small brush to create artistic strokes of honey on the plate for visual appeal.
Accompaniments: Serve the rolls with a side of whipped honey butter in a small, elegant ramekin. This adds a luxurious touch and enhances the overall dining experience.
Temperature control: Ensure the rolls are served warm. Use a warming drawer or a low-temperature oven to keep them at the perfect serving temperature until they reach the table.
Texture contrast: Pair the soft, fluffy rolls with a crunchy element, such as a small side salad with candied walnuts and dried cranberries. This provides a delightful contrast in textures.
Lighting: Use soft, ambient lighting to highlight the golden brown color of the rolls. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.
Personal touch: Add a small card with a handwritten note about the inspiration behind the honey whole wheat dinner rolls. This personal touch connects the diners to the story of the dish and elevates their dining experience.

Essential Tools for Making Dinner Rolls

Stand mixer: Essential for mixing and kneading the dough efficiently. The dough hook attachment helps in developing the gluten structure.
Dough hook attachment: Attaches to the stand mixer to knead the dough, ensuring it becomes smooth and elastic.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and allowing the dough to rise. If you don't have a stand mixer, a large mixing bowl will suffice.
Whisk: Useful for whisking the yeast and warm milk together to activate the yeast.
Towel: Used to cover the bowl while the yeast activates and the dough rises, keeping it warm and preventing it from drying out.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the milk, honey, and flour.
Measuring spoons: Used for measuring the yeast, salt, and other small quantities of ingredients.
Spatula: Helps in scraping down the sides of the bowl and incorporating ingredients evenly.
Nonstick spray: Used to coat the mixing bowl to prevent the dough from sticking during the rising process.
Olive oil: An alternative to nonstick spray for coating the mixing bowl.
Plastic wrap: Used to cover the dough while it rises, keeping it from drying out.
Paper towel: Another option for covering the dough during the rising process.
Aluminum foil: Can also be used to cover the dough while it rises.
9×13-inch baking dish: The pan where the rolls will be arranged and baked.
Pizza cutter: Handy for cutting the dough into individual rolls.
Wire rack: Used for cooling the rolls after they come out of the oven.
Pastry brush: Essential for brushing the melted butter and honey mixture over the warm rolls.
Oven: Preheated to 375 degrees F for baking the rolls to a golden brown perfection.

Storing and Freezing Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

Allow the honey whole wheat dinner rolls to cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Store the rolls in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, place the rolls in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat frozen rolls, thaw them at room temperature for about an hour, then warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Alternatively, you can microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on high power until warm.
If you plan to freeze the rolls, consider wrapping them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer container. This will allow you to easily grab and reheat just the number of rolls you need.
For best results, consume the honey whole wheat dinner rolls within a month of freezing to maintain their optimal texture and flavor.

How To Reheat Leftover Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

To reheat honey whole wheat dinner rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the rolls loosely in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the exterior is slightly crispy. This method helps to restore the rolls' original texture and keeps them moist inside.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the rolls on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 15-20 seconds per roll, or until they are heated through. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the rolls to become tough and rubbery.
For a quick and easy reheating method, you can also use a toaster oven. Cut the honey whole wheat rolls in half and place them cut-side down on the toaster oven rack. Toast for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method works well for individual servings and helps to restore the rolls' original texture.
If you want to add a touch of extra flavor and moisture to your leftover rolls, brush them with a mixture of melted butter and honey before reheating. This will give them a delicious, glossy finish and enhance their natural sweetness.
For a soft and fluffy texture, you can also reheat the honey whole wheat dinner rolls in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam for 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method helps to retain the rolls' moisture and keeps them soft and tender.

Interesting Fact About Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

A unique aspect of this honey whole wheat dinner rolls recipe is the use of honey in both the dough and the topping. This not only adds a natural sweetness but also helps to keep the rolls moist and tender.

Is Making Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls at Home Cost-Effective?

This honey whole wheat dinner rolls recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like whole wheat flour, honey, and milk are affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. The yeast and unsalted butter might add a bit to the cost, but overall, it remains budget-friendly. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $8-$10. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Are Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls Healthy?

This honey whole wheat dinner rolls recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it uses whole wheat flour, which is a nutritious alternative to refined white flour. Whole wheat flour contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The recipe also includes honey, a natural sweetener that can provide some health benefits when consumed in moderation.

However, the recipe also contains a significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues. Additionally, the recipe calls for a considerable amount of honey, which, despite being a natural sweetener, is still a form of added sugar and should be consumed in moderation.

To make this recipe healthier, you could try the following:

Reduce the amount of butter used in the dough and topping, or replace some of it with a healthier alternative like olive oil or Greek yogurt
Decrease the amount of honey used in the dough and topping to lower the overall sugar content
Experiment with adding other healthy ingredients to the dough, such as ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or rolled oats for added fiber and nutrients
Serve the rolls with a variety of nutrient-dense toppings or spreads, like mashed avocado, hummus, or nut butter, to balance out the meal

Editor's Opinion on This Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Roll Recipe

This honey whole wheat dinner rolls recipe is a delightful blend of wholesome and sweet flavors. The use of whole wheat flour adds a nutritious element, while the honey provides a natural sweetness that complements the rich, buttery texture. The process is straightforward, with clear instructions for both stand mixer and hand-kneading methods. The final touch of honey-butter glaze and sea salt elevates the rolls, making them perfect for any dinner table. Overall, it's a well-balanced recipe that promises soft, fluffy rolls with a hint of sweetness and a satisfying, hearty bite.

Enhance Your Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Imagine the creamy goodness of potatoes infused with the rich, aromatic flavor of roasted garlic. These mashed potatoes will complement the honey whole wheat dinner rolls perfectly, adding a savory depth that balances the sweetness of the honey.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Add a touch of elegance with grilled asparagus drizzled in olive oil and sprinkled with lemon zest. The bright, citrusy notes will cut through the richness of the rolls, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Maple-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savory carrots glazed with maple syrup and a hint of cinnamon will bring a delightful contrast to the honey whole wheat dinner rolls. The natural sweetness of the carrots will enhance the honey in the rolls, making each bite a symphony of flavors.

Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin: A succulent pork tenderloin crusted with a blend of herbs and spices will provide a hearty, savory counterpart to the honey whole wheat dinner rolls. The tender, juicy meat will pair beautifully with the soft, fluffy texture of the rolls.

Butternut Squash Soup: Warm up with a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup, seasoned with a touch of nutmeg and cinnamon. The velvety texture and subtle sweetness of the soup will complement the honey whole wheat dinner rolls, making for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Similar Recipes to Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

Soft Honey Butter Rolls: Imagine sinking your teeth into these soft rolls that melt in your mouth, brushed with a luscious honey butter glaze. Perfect for any dinner table, these rolls are a delightful blend of sweetness and buttery goodness.

Whole Wheat Bread: A hearty and wholesome whole wheat bread that’s perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. This bread is packed with nutrients and has a rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with soups and stews.

Honey Oatmeal Bread: This honey oatmeal bread combines the sweetness of honey with the nutty texture of oats. It’s a versatile bread that’s great for breakfast or snacks, and it makes a fantastic toast.

Cinnamon Whole Wheat Rolls: These cinnamon rolls are made with whole wheat flour and are swirled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Topped with a cream cheese glaze, they’re a healthier twist on a classic dessert or breakfast treat.

Honey Wheat Sandwich Bread: Perfect for making sandwiches, this honey wheat bread is soft, slightly sweet, and has a wonderful texture. It’s a great way to add some whole grains to your diet while enjoying a delicious homemade bread.

Why trust this Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls Recipe:

This recipe for honey whole wheat dinner rolls is a must-try because it combines wholesome whole wheat flour with the natural sweetness of honey. The use of red star platinum yeast ensures a perfect rise, resulting in fluffy and delicious rolls. The addition of unsalted butter and whole milk provides a rich and tender texture. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, this recipe guarantees success even for novice bakers. Trust this recipe to deliver warm, golden-brown rolls that are perfect for any meal.

Want to discuss this honey whole wheat dinner rolls recipe further? Join our Baking and Desserts forum and share your experience, tips, and any tweaks you've made to perfect these delightful rolls.

FAQ:

How do I know if my yeast is active?

After you pour the warm milk over the yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes, the mixture should become frothy and foamy. If it doesn't, your yeast might be inactive, and you should start over with fresh yeast.

Can I use a different type of flour?

You can substitute some of the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour if you prefer a lighter texture. Just keep in mind that the rolls might not be as hearty and nutritious.

What if I don't have a stand mixer?

No worries! You can mix the dough by hand in a large mixing bowl. It might take a bit more elbow grease, especially during the kneading process, but it will still turn out great.

How do I store leftover rolls?

You can cover any leftover rolls and store them at room temperature for a few days. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze the rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the rolls. After baking and cooling them completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven.