These Salted Honey Parker House Rolls are soft, pillowy, and lightly sweet with a golden finish. Brushed with warm honey butter and topped with flaky sea salt, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Whether served at a holiday table or alongside a cozy family dinner, these rolls always disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Incredibly soft and fluffy texture
• Perfect balance of honey sweetness and salty finish
• Easy to make with instant yeast
• Can be prepared ahead of time
• Ideal for holidays, gatherings, or weeknight dinners
• Bakes up beautifully golden and puffy
• Freezer-friendly and reheats well
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/4 cup (56 grams) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (42 grams) honey
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (or to taste)
Directions
To make the dough:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with 1 tablespoon softened butter. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Mix until evenly distributed.
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Once melted, stir in the milk and honey. Heat until lukewarm, ensuring the temperature does not exceed 120°F (49°C).
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and egg yolks.
Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients, then add the egg mixture. Knead on medium speed for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 30 to 40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
To assemble:
Divide the dough into 15 equal portions (about 72 grams each for precision).
Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath.
Arrange the dough balls evenly in the prepared baking pan.
Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes, or until doubled and puffy.
To bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush the tops with beaten egg wash.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
To finish:
Melt 1/4 cup butter and stir in 2 tablespoons honey.
Brush the warm rolls generously with honey butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 15 rolls
Prep time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Bake time: 18 to 20 minutes
Total time: approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
Variations
Cinnamon Honey Rolls
Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced version.
Garlic Honey Rolls
Replace the honey butter topping with melted butter mixed with 1 teaspoon garlic powder and chopped parsley.
Herb Rolls
Add 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist.
Smaller Dinner Rolls
Divide into 18 to 20 portions for smaller rolls. Reduce baking time by 3 to 4 minutes.
Whole Wheat Blend
Replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
Storage/Reheating
Room temperature:
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze baked and cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating:
Wrap rolls in foil and warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven for 10 minutes. For extra softness, brush lightly with melted butter before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes. Dissolve 14 grams active dry yeast in the warm milk and honey mixture (without butter) and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy before proceeding.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the next day.
Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?
The milk may have been too hot and damaged the yeast, or the dough was placed in a cold environment.
Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes. After shaping the rolls, freeze them in the pan. Thaw completely and allow to rise before baking.
What can I use instead of flaky sea salt?
A light sprinkle of kosher salt works well as a substitute.
Can I make these without honey?
Yes. Substitute the honey with granulated sugar in equal amounts, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
They should be golden brown on top and sound slightly hollow when tapped.
Can I use low-fat milk?
Whole milk is recommended for richness, but low-fat milk can be used if needed.
How do I keep the tops soft?
Brush with honey butter immediately after baking and store covered once cooled.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Double all ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch pans for best results.
Conclusion
Salted Honey Parker House Rolls are the kind of bread that elevates any meal. Soft, buttery, and finished with a touch of sweetness and sea salt, they’re a comforting classic that feels both nostalgic and special. With simple ingredients and reliable results, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.
Salted Honey Parker House Rolls are soft, fluffy dinner rolls lightly sweetened with honey, brushed with warm honey butter, and finished with flaky sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
