On a chilly weekend morning, the scent of warm bread drifting through the house feels like a personal invitation to slow down. One morning, I had promised my husband a special breakfast but realized sugar was all gone—only honey and salt tucked in the pantry. In that moment, inspiration struck: sweet, gooey rolls kissed by salt and honey, baked until golden. That first bite, crisp on the outside and tender inside, became our new morning memory.

These Salted Honey Rolls are born from those quiet mornings turned cozy feasts. They carry a gentle sweetness tempered by salt, a combo that feels familiar yet new. Each roll is a little surprise—soft, golden, and perfect for dipping in your coffee or tea.

This recipe is now a weekend staple at our table. It’s the kind of homemade bread that says “I care” without stress. You can pull it together while the morning unfolds—and it still feels like a celebration when you gather around the table.

Short Description

Salted Honey Rolls are soft, buttery yeast rolls sweetened with honey and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

3 cups all-purpose flour
2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp honey
¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
2 tbsp melted butter

For the Filling & Glaze

3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Optional Add-ons

½ tsp ground cinnamon mixed into the honey for a warm twist
Zest of 1 lemon mixed with filling for brightness

Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk and spatula
9×9-inch baking pan
Pastry brush
Kitchen thermometer (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Activate the yeast
Mix warm milk and honey in a bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and let rest 5–7 minutes until frothy.

Step 2: Mix dough
Add flour, salt, and melted butter to yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Knead for about 5 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First rise
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the rolls
Punch down the dough. Roll it into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Brush melted butter and drizzle honey over the surface. If using, sprinkle cinnamon or lemon zest. Roll into a log and cut into 9 equal rolls.

Step 5: Second rise
Arrange rolls in a greased pan. Cover loosely and let rise another 30 minutes until puffed.

Step 6: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.

Step 7: Glaze and sprinkle salt
Immediately brush warm rolls with remaining melted butter and honey. Sprinkle coarse sea salt evenly.

Step 8: Cool slightly and serve
Let rolls cool for 10 minutes before serving so honey sets without melting off.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Using water that’s too hot
It kills the yeast. Keep milk at about 110°F.

2. Over-flouring dough
It makes rolls dry. Add flour gradually and stop when dough pulls away from bowl.

3. Skipping second rise
It leads to dense rolls. Wait full 30 minutes until rolls are puffed.

4. Baking too hot
High heat browns the top but leaves centers undercooked. Stick to 350°F.

5. Removing glaze too quickly
If glazed while piping hot, salt slides off. Cool 10 minutes before glazing.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These rolls are tender and sweet, with honey-soaked centers and a hint of salt. Serve while warm alongside coffee, a pat of butter, or even jam for spreading.

Optional pairings:

Hot milky latte or chai tea
Fresh berries or sliced fruit
Yogurt with honey drizzle

Variations and Customizations

Cinnamon swirl twist: Brush filling with honey-butter and sprinkle 1 tsp cinnamon before rolling.

Lemon honey rolls: Add zest from one lemon into the butter-honey filling.

Herbed version: Stir 1 tsp chopped rosemary into melted butter before brushing on top.

Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top after glazing.

Nutrition Information (Approx. per roll)

Calories: 180 kcal
Carbs: 28 g
Fat: 6 g
Protein: 4 g
Sugar: 8 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. After the first rise, wrap dough in plastic and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in fridge before shaping.

2. Can I make smaller rolls?
Absolutely—cut into 12 and reduce bake time by 5 minutes.

3. Is gluten-free version possible?
Use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Texture will vary slightly.

4. Can I skip milk for dairy-free?
Yes—use warm almond or oat milk instead.

5. How to store leftovers?
Cover and store at room temperature up to 2 days. Refresh in oven or toaster for 5 minutes.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Honey Rolls aren’t just bread—they’re a little morning ritual that shapes your day. I love how honey and salt pull back and forth—a soft tug that feels comforting.

They’ve become our weekend tradition—and sometimes midweek treat—without stress or fuss. I hope these bring the same gentle warmth to your mornings. If you try them, leave a comment or tag me—I’d love to know which variation you fell in love with.