Honey Wheat Rolls Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade honey wheat rolls with this easy baking recipe. The perfect balance of whole wheat and bread flour creates pillowy soft rolls with a touch of sweetness from honey. These foolproof rolls rise beautifully and pair perfectly with any meal.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

18 mins

Serves:

12 rolls

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">160g whole wheat flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">315g bread flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">7g instant yeast (1 packet)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">6g salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80ml warm water (43-46°C/110-115°F)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">180ml warm milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g honey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g unsalted butter, melted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg, at room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the topping:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g honey mixed with 15g melted butter (for brushing after baking)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Optional: 1 tablespoon rolled oats or flaked wheat for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer with dough hook (or large bowl if kneading by hand)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">23x33cm (9x13-inch) baking pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Kitchen scale</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the whole wheat flour, bread flour, instant yeast, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly - this distributes the yeast and salt evenly throughout the flour, preventing the salt from directly contacting the yeast which could inhibit fermentation.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm water, warm milk, honey, 45g of the melted butter (reserve the remaining for later), and egg until well combined. The temperature of your liquids is crucial here - too hot will kill the yeast, too cool will slow activation. Aim for that perfect 43-46°C (110-115°F) range.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until the ingredients come together, then increase to medium speed and knead for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If kneading by hand, stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The gluten development is key for creating those perfect soft, chewy rolls.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 60-75 minutes, or until doubled in size. The honey in this recipe provides extra food for the yeast, which helps create that beautiful rise.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Gently punch down the dough to release excess air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 12 equal portions (about 75-80g each if using a scale). For perfectly even rolls, weighing each portion is ideal, but you can also divide the dough in half, then each half into 6 pieces.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>To shape each roll, pull the edges toward the center, creating tension on the surface, then flip over so the smooth side is up. Cup your hand over the dough and gently roll in a circular motion on the counter to create a tight ball. This shaping technique creates surface tension that will help the rolls rise upward rather than outward during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Place the shaped rolls in a lightly greased 23x33cm (9x13-inch) baking pan, arranging them in 4 rows of 3, with a little space between each roll. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>When the rolls have risen, gently brush the tops with egg wash, being careful not to deflate them. If desired, sprinkle with oats or flaked wheat. The egg wash will give them a beautiful golden-brown shine.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 88-93°C (190-200°F). If the rolls are browning too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>While the rolls are still hot, brush with the honey-butter mixture. This adds a beautiful shine and enhances the honey flavor. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly. These rolls are absolutely divine when served warm, but they'll stay soft for 2-3 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months - just thaw and warm in a 150°C (300°F) oven for about 10 minutes before serving.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Honey Wheat Rolls Recipe?

Honey Wheat Rolls use whole wheat flour, bread flour, instant yeast, salt, warm water, milk, honey, unsalted butter, and eggs. The topping requires an egg wash and honey-butter glaze. Optional garnishes include rolled oats or flaked wheat for added texture and visual appeal.

How to cook Honey Wheat Rolls Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Honey Wheat Rolls Recipe by first combining dry ingredients, then adding warm liquid ingredients including honey and melted butter. Knead until smooth and elastic, allow to rise twice, shape into 12 balls, brush with egg wash, bake at 190°C until golden (about 18-22 minutes), and finish with a honey-butter glaze for that perfect shine and added sweetness.

Can I make these dinner rolls ahead of time for a special occasion?

Yes, you can prepare these rolls up to 24 hours ahead! Make the dough, do the first rise, shape the rolls, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature and complete the second rise (about 1-2 hours) before baking as directed.

What's the best way to achieve soft, fluffy dinner rolls with whole wheat flour?

The key is balancing whole wheat with bread flour for structure, using honey to feed the yeast, and ensuring adequate rise time. Don't rush the kneading process—proper gluten development is essential. The milk and butter in this recipe also contribute to softness by adding fat.

How can I tell when my homemade rolls are perfectly baked?

Perfectly baked rolls should have a golden-brown top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. For precision, the internal temperature should reach 88-93°C. If you notice excessive browning before they're fully baked, tent with foil to prevent burning.

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