Perfectly Soft & Flavorful Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls Recipe
There’s a unique magic to homemade bread, a warmth and aroma that store-bought simply can’t replicate. And when it comes to dinner rolls, finding that perfect balance of light, tender texture with incredible flavor can be a culinary quest. Look no further! These Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls are truly exceptional – delightfully light, impossibly tender, and packed with a subtle, wholesome flavor that will make them an instant family favorite.
My journey to perfecting homemade rolls has been quite the adventure. I still vividly recall my early attempts in culinary school — dense, unappetizing “hockey pucks” that were more suitable for a game than a dinner plate. It took a lot of practice, patience, and a deep dive into the nuances of yeast and dough. But through those countless trials and errors, I’ve honed my skills, and I can confidently say I’ve come a loooong way since then. The lessons learned have culminated in this very recipe, transforming my baking from frustrating failures to consistent successes.
These Honey Whole Wheat Rolls are the exact opposite of those early, heavy creations! They are astonishingly light and fluffy, defying the common misconception that whole wheat flour automatically leads to a dense loaf. This recipe uses just enough whole wheat flour to impart a delightful, subtly nutty and hearty flavor, without compromising that coveted soft and tender texture. They strike the ideal balance, offering a touch of wholesome goodness while remaining utterly delicate. These rolls are exactly what every dinner roll should be – a warm, inviting, and truly irresistible accompaniment to almost any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive holiday feast.
Why These Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
What makes these specific rolls so special? It’s all about the perfect blend of ingredients and a proven technique that guarantees a delicious outcome every time. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:
- Irresistibly Soft & Fluffy Texture: Despite featuring whole wheat flour, these rolls boast an incredibly soft, airy crumb that melts in your mouth. The careful ratio of whole wheat to all-purpose flour, combined with proper kneading, ensures this delicate texture.
- Subtly Sweet Honey Flavor: The star ingredient, honey, doesn’t just add sweetness; it also contributes to the rolls’ beautiful golden-brown crust and helps keep them moist. Its natural, earthy notes perfectly complement the whole wheat, creating a balanced and comforting taste.
- Wholesome Goodness: Incorporating whole wheat flour adds a touch of fiber and nutrients, making these rolls a slightly healthier option than traditional white rolls, without sacrificing any of the indulgence.
- Versatile & Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving them alongside a holiday turkey, a comforting pot roast, or simply with butter and jam for breakfast, these rolls are always a welcome addition to the table.
- Rewarding Homemade Experience: There’s immense satisfaction in baking bread from scratch. The process, from kneading the dough to pulling golden rolls from the oven, is a therapeutic and incredibly rewarding experience that yields delicious results.
Key Ingredients and Their Important Roles
Understanding the function of each ingredient can help you become a better baker and appreciate the science behind a perfect roll. Here’s a quick look at what goes into these delectable honey whole wheat dinner rolls:
- Milk: Provides liquid for the dough and helps activate the yeast. Heating it slightly (to the specified temperature) is crucial for yeast activity.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, flavor, and contributes to the rolls’ tender crumb. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall saltiness of the recipe.
- Honey: The primary sweetener and a key flavor component. Honey also helps keep the rolls moist and aids in browning, giving them a beautiful golden crust.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Adds a nutty, hearty flavor and extra fiber. Using it in moderation ensures the rolls remain light and tender.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the necessary gluten structure for a light and airy texture. The combination with whole wheat flour creates the perfect balance.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing flavor and regulating yeast activity. Don’t skip it!
- Active Dry Yeast: The leavening agent that makes the rolls rise, creating that characteristic fluffy texture. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best results.
- Large Eggs: Contribute to the dough’s richness, moisture, and help create a beautiful golden color on the crust.
baking tip:4 ways to prepare rolls in advance
One of the best things about homemade rolls is the flexibility they offer. With a little planning, you can prepare these delicious rolls in advance, making meal prep for holidays or busy weeknights a breeze. Here are four fantastic methods for preparing your rolls ahead of time, ensuring fresh, warm bread whenever you need it:
- Rise the bulk dough in the fridge overnight: Place kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Put in the fridge overnight. The next morning, shape into rolls, rise and bake.
- Rise the shaped rolls in the fridge overnight: Place shaped rolls in a greased baking dish or pan lined with parchment paper and cover with plastic wrap. Put in the fridge overnight. The next morning bring it to room temperature for 1 – 1 1/2 hours until puffy, then bake.
- Freeze unbaked shaped rolls up to 2 months in advance: Place shaped rolls on a pan lined with parchment paper so they aren’t touching. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 1 hour. Transfer frozen rolls to a heavy duty ziplock bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to use, place frozen rolls in a greased baking dish or pan lined with parchment and thaw at room temperature for a few hours, let rise until puffy, then bake.
- Freeze baked rolls up to 1 month in advance: Bake rolls as normal and cool completely. Wrap in foil and then place in a ziplock bag. When ready to serve, remove from bag and loosen the foil a bit. Warm in a 300°F oven for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
More Delicious Roll Recipes to Explore
While these Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls might just become your absolute favorite, my kitchen is a hub for all sorts of delectable roll creations. If you’re looking to explore other homemade bread options, don’t miss these tried-and-true recipes:
- Classic White Dinner Rolls
- Flaky Crescent Dinner Rolls
- Rich Challah Rolls
- Effortless No-Knead “Fairy” Crescent Rolls
- Buttery Parker House Rolls
- Hearty Potato Dinner Rolls
- Sweet Potato Crescent Rolls with Whipped Honey Butter
Essential Tools for Baking Success
Having the right equipment makes a world of difference when baking. These are some of my go-to tools that help achieve perfect rolls every time:
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: While you can absolutely knead by hand, a stand mixer makes the process effortless and ensures consistent gluten development.
- Small Saucepan: For gently heating the milk, butter, and honey to the ideal temperature.
- Digital Thermometer: Crucial for accurately measuring the liquid temperature to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Large Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients and allowing the dough to rise comfortably.
- Baking Dish or Sheet Pan: To bake your beautifully shaped rolls. A 9×13 inch pan is perfect for a dozen rolls.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Kitchen Scale: For precise measuring of flour and portioning dough, ensuring uniform roll sizes and consistent baking.
- Pastry Brush: Ideal for applying the honey butter glaze evenly after baking.
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup milk (180 ml)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (56 grams)
- ¼ cup honey (85 grams)
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (170 grams)
- Approximately 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (180 grams)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 envelope active-dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 2 large eggs
Honey butter glaze (optional):
- 2 tablespoons butter , melted
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
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In a small saucepan set over medium low heat, add milk, butter and honey. Heat until butter is melted and mixture reaches between 120°-130°F.
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In the bowl of stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment (or in a large bowl if mixing by hand), combine all of the whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour, the salt and yeast.
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Add milk mixture to bowl and mix with a dough hook or spoon until combined to form a very wet dough. Add eggs and mix until incorporated.
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With mixer running on medium speed, add remaining all-purpose flour a few tablespoons at a time until dough clears the sides of the bowl. You may not need all of the flour, you may need a little more. The dough should still be moist and sticky, but shouldn’t come off and stick to your fingers when handled.
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Knead dough with the mixer or by hand for another 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Cover dough with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
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Gently punch down dough and knead a few times, then portion dough into 12 rolls and smooth tops. (I use a scale to make sure all rolls are the same size.)
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Place shaped rolls in a greased baking dish and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled again, about 30 minutes more. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F.
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Bake rolls until tops and golden brown, about 20 minutes.
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For the glaze, combine melted butter and honey brush onto rolls right when they are hot from the oven.
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Rolls are best served when they are warm and fresh, but will keep at room temperature for several days.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
These versatile Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls are a fantastic addition to almost any meal. Their subtle sweetness and tender texture make them incredibly adaptable. Serve them:
- Alongside a hearty Sunday roast, beef stew, or pot roast.
- With holiday meals like Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham.
- To soak up delicious sauces from pasta dishes or casseroles.
- As a side for grilled chicken or fish.
- Warm with a pat of butter, a drizzle of extra honey, or your favorite homemade jam for breakfast or brunch.
- Turn them into mini sandwiches with leftover holiday meats.
Storage Tips for Maintaining Freshness
While these rolls are undeniably best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven, you can absolutely store them to prolong their deliciousness. For short-term storage, keep baked rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To reheat and bring back that fresh-baked feel, warm them gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds per roll, or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. For longer storage options, refer to the “4 ways to prepare rolls in advance” tips above, which include instructions for freezing both unbaked and baked rolls.
Troubleshooting Common Roll Problems
Baking can sometimes present challenges, but don’t get discouraged! Here are solutions to a few common issues you might encounter:
- Dense or Heavy Rolls: This often happens if the dough wasn’t kneaded enough (insufficient gluten development) or if it didn’t rise adequately. Ensure your yeast is active and allow plenty of time for both rises in a warm environment.
- Rolls Not Rising: The most common culprits are inactive yeast (check the expiration date!) or water that was too hot or too cold (killing or inhibiting the yeast). Always check the temperature with a thermometer.
- Dry Rolls: Overbaking is usually the cause. Keep an eye on the rolls towards the end of the baking time and remove them as soon as they’re golden brown on top. Too much flour added during kneading can also result in dry rolls, so be mindful not to over-flour.
- Unevenly Baked Rolls: Using a kitchen scale to portion the dough ensures all rolls are the same size, leading to more consistent baking. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate.
These Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience in comforting, satisfying homemade baking. Their soft texture, subtle sweetness, and wholesome character make them a delightful addition to any meal. Don’t be intimidated by homemade bread – with this detailed guide and recipe, you’re well on your way to baking perfect rolls every time. We hope you enjoy making and sharing these wonderful rolls as much as we do!
We’d love to hear about your baking adventures! If you try this recipe, please leave a rating and review below. You can also share your photos on Instagram and tag @completelydelicious with #completelydelicious. Happy baking!