Soft, golden Honey Wheat Rolls are the perfect blend of wholesome and indulgent, with a tender crumb and a hint of natural sweetness. The combination of honey and whole wheat flour creates a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with their light, fluffy texture. In just over two hours, you’ll have a batch of warm, aromatic rolls ready to elevate any meal. Whether served fresh from the oven or as a side to your favorite dishes, these rolls are a comforting treat that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
With a prep time of 25 minutes and a total time of 2 hours and 15 minutes, these rolls are surprisingly simple to make. The rising process ensures they’re airy and soft, while the golden crust adds a delightful crunch. Each bite offers a balance of sweetness and earthiness, making them a versatile addition to your table. Perfect for gatherings or everyday meals, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite, offering warmth and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients for Honey Wheat Rolls
- For the rolls:
- ¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
- 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (80 g) honey
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 3 – 3 ½ cups (375-438 g) bread or all-purpose flour (as needed)
- For the honey glaze:
- 1 Tablespoon (20 g) honey
- 1 teaspoon warm water
- Old-fashioned oats (for sprinkling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine milk and water. Heat until warmed to 115°F (45°C). Pour into a large bowl, sprinkle yeast and sugar on top, and stir. Let sit until foamy, 5-10 minutes.
- Mix the dough: Once foamy, add melted butter, honey, eggs, salt, whole wheat flour, and 1 cup (125 g) of bread flour. Stir until combined. Gradually add remaining flour until dough forms a ball and pulls away from the bowl.
- Knead the dough: Knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Lightly grease a bowl, place dough inside, and turn to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 1-2 hours.
- Shape the rolls: Generously grease a 9”x13” baking dish. Punch down dough and divide into 15 equal portions (65-70 g each). Roll into balls and arrange in the dish. Cover and let rise until puffed and almost touching, 20-30 minutes.
- Prepare the glaze: While dough proofs, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix 1 Tablespoon honey with 1 teaspoon warm water in a small dish.
- Bake the rolls: Brush rolls with honey glaze and sprinkle with oats. Bake for 30 minutes (or 24 minutes if using a metal dish) until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 185-190°F (88°C).
- Serve warm: Let rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These Honey Wheat Rolls are incredibly versatile! Serve them warm with a pat of butter for a simple treat, or pair them with a hearty soup or stew for a comforting meal. They also make a great addition to a holiday spread—try them alongside roasted turkey or ham for a touch of sweetness.
Keep Them Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds for a soft, fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor. For a savory twist, sprinkle the rolls with garlic powder and grated Parmesan before baking. You can also swap the honey glaze for a simple egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Bakers
Short on time? Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough in just 5 minutes. To speed up the rising process, place the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) or near a warm stovetop. For even faster prep, make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight.
Essential Equipment for Success
For this recipe, a 9”x13” glass baking dish works best to ensure even baking. A stand mixer with a dough hook can save time and effort, but kneading by hand works just as well. Don’t forget a pastry brush for applying the honey glaze and a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of the rolls for perfect doneness.
Honey Wheat Rolls
Ingredients
For the rolls
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup water
- 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 3 – 3 ½ cups bread or all-purpose flour
Honey Glaze
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon warm water
- Old fashioned oats for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a small microwave safe bowl or measuring cup, combine milk and water and heat until warmed to 115F (45C).
- Pour milk/water mixture into a large bowl, sprinkle yeast and sugar overtop and stir until combined. Let sit undisturbed until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
- Once yeast is foamy, add butter, honey, eggs, salt, wheat flour, and 1 cup (125g) of bread flour and stir until well combined.
- Gradually add remaining flour as needed, until dough begins to cling to itself in a ball and pulls away from the side of the bowl. Knead dough either by hand or with a dough hook on your stand mixer until smooth and elastic (this should take 5-10 minutes).
- Lightly grease a large bowl with oil and transfer dough to oiled bowl, turn dough to coat surface entirely with oil, cover bowl with plastic wrap or a warm, damp kitchen towel and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- After rising, generously grease the sides and bottom of a 9”x13” glass dish with butter, set aside.
- Punch down dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Divide dough into 15 equal portions (about 65-70g each) and roll each portion into a ball. Arrange rolls in prepared baking dish, cover, and allow to rise in a warm place until balls are puffed and almost touching, about 20-30 minutes.
- While dough is proofing, preheat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare honey topping by combining honey and warm water in a small dish and whisking until thoroughly combined.
- Once dough is finished proofing, uncover and use a pastry brush to brush tops of dough balls thoroughly with mixture, then sprinkle lightly with oats and transfer to preheated 350F (177C) oven. Bake for 30 minutes, until rolls are a light golden brown and their internal temperature is 185-190F (88C) (if you are using a metal baking dish, check the rolls earlier, at 24 minutes).