Warm, buttery, and just lightly sweet, these Alfalfa Honey Butter Rolls are the kind of cozy, homemade bread that turns any meal into something special. The dough is enriched with milk, eggs, butter, and our delicate Alfalfa Honey, giving each roll an ultra-soft texture and a beautiful floral sweetness.

Fresh from the oven and brushed with warm honey butter? Absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Naturally sweetened: Our alfalfa honey adds gentle sweetness without overpowering the buttery dough.

• Extra soft and fluffy: Enriched dough makes these rolls cloud-soft with a tender crumb.

• Beginner-friendly yeast recipe: Straightforward steps and dependable results.

• Perfect for any occasion: Holidays, weeknight dinners, brunch spreads, or sliders.

• Make-ahead friendly: Dough or baked rolls freeze beautifully.

• Golden honey-butter finish: The warm glaze gives each roll a shiny, fragrant, melt-in-your-mouth top.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 g) instant or active dry yeast

• 1/4 cup + 1 teaspoon Alfalfa Honey, divided

• 1 large egg

• 1 egg yolk

• 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 3 1/2 cups (455 g) bread flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Honey Butter Topping

• 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, very soft

• 2 tablespoons Alfalfa Honey

Equipment

• Mixing bowls

• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)

• 9×13-inch baking pan (or two 9-inch pans)

• Kitchen scale (recommended)

• Pastry brush

Pro Tips

1. Use warm (not hot) milk: Around 110°F (43°C) ensures the yeast activates without getting shocked.

2. Sticky dough is good: A slightly tacky dough creates the softest rolls — avoid adding too much flour.

3. Let them rise fully: These rolls get their height and fluffiness from proper rising time.

4. Don’t skip the honey butter: Brushing it on while the rolls are hot lets it soak in beautifully.

5. Weigh your flour if possible: It helps prevent dense rolls by avoiding over-flouring.

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon alfalfa honey. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Build the dough:
   Add the remaining honey, egg, egg yolk, melted butter, 3 cups of the flour, and salt. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Add the remaining ½ cup flour and continue mixing until the dough begins pulling away from the sides of the bowl.

3. Knead:
   Knead for 8–10 minutes (stand mixer or by hand) until the dough is soft, smooth, and slightly tacky. Add small sprinkles of flour only if needed.

4. First rise:
   Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape the rolls:
   Punch down the dough. Divide into 15 equal pieces (about 60 g each). Shape into smooth balls and arrange in a greased 9×13-inch pan.

6. Second rise:
   Cover and let rise for 1 hour, until puffy and nearly doubled.

7. Bake:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown on top. If needed, tent loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

8. Make the honey butter:
   Stir together the soft butter and 2 tablespoons alfalfa honey until creamy.

9. Finish:
   Brush the warm rolls generously with honey butter and serve immediately.

Storage Tips

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Refrigerate: Up to 1 week.

• Freeze (baked rolls): Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm at 300°F (149°C) for 10 minutes.

• Freeze (shaped dough): Freeze after shaping; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and let rise 4–5 hours before baking.

Recipe Notes

Using Alfalfa Honey brings a light, floral sweetness to these rolls that balances beautifully with the rich dough. Alfalfa honey is more delicate than clover or wildflower honey, giving these rolls a soft, aromatic finish that shines without overpowering the butter.

Because our alfalfa honey is raw, pure, and American-sourced, the flavor is clean and vibrant. It keeps the rolls softer for longer, helping them stay moist even the next day.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these rolls with:

• Creamy tomato soup

• Slow-roasted chicken or turkey

• A cozy fall stew

• Breakfast spreads (eggs, bacon, fruit)

• Pulled pork or ham sliders

Variation Ideas

While the classic honey-butter pairing is perfection, here are some creative twists:

Honey House Recommendations

• Spicy Honey Rolls: Swap the glaze for melted butter mixed with Hot Honey for a sweet-heat twist.

• Deep Caramel Flavor: Replace the alfalfa honey with Buckwheat Honey for intense molasses notes.

• Bright Floral Glaze: Brush baked rolls with Wildflower Honey butter for a more aromatic finish.

Other Great Options

• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to the warm glaze.

• Mix herbs (rosemary, thyme) into the dough for a savory version.

• Add a touch of cinnamon to the dough for a holiday twist.

• Shape into 24 mini rolls and reduce bake time.

• Use all-purpose flour for a slightly softer, less chewy roll.

• Make cloverleaf rolls by placing three small dough balls in each muffin tin cup.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Rise Time: 2–3 hours

• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

• Total Time: 3–4 hours

• Course: Bread / Side

• Cuisine: American

• Servings: 15 rolls

• Difficulty: Easy