Name: Honey Butter Pull-Apart Rolls
Prep time: 2 h 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour); 1 tsp fine sea salt; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet); ½ cup warm water (110°F); ½ cup whole milk, warmed; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp honey; For the glaze:; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp whole milk

These honey butter pull-apart rolls are soft, fluffy, and kissed with a sweet glaze that makes them absolutely irresistible. Fresh from the oven, they have that golden, tender texture that makes me want to tear into them immediately. They remind me of restaurant-style rolls but with the homemade warmth that makes them even better.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that these rolls are the perfect balance between sweet and savory, thanks to the honey butter glaze. They’re soft and pillowy, yet rich in flavor because of the yeast dough. I also appreciate how versatile they are—I can serve them alongside a Sunday roast, at a holiday dinner table, or just as a comforting snack. Plus, the pull-apart presentation makes them fun to serve and easy for everyone to grab.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier texture)
fine sea salt
granulated sugar
instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
whole milk
warm water
butter
honey
vegetable oil

Directions

I start by blooming the yeast in warm water with sugar until foamy. While that activates, I whisk together flour and salt. Then, I add the milk and mix everything into a shaggy dough using the stand mixer paddle attachment. After switching to the dough hook, I knead until the dough is smooth, elastic, and just slightly sticky.

Next, I oil a bowl, coat the dough, and let it rise for about two hours until doubled. After punching it down, I shape it into a ball, then cut it into wedges to form rolls. I shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in a greased pan with a little space between. They rise again for 30 minutes.

While they rest, I melt butter with honey and a splash of milk to make the glaze. I brush part of it on before baking, then bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes until golden and cooked through. I finish with the remaining honey butter glaze while they’re still hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–16 rolls. The prep and rise time takes around 3 hours, and baking takes 20 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
A sprinkle of cinnamon in the glaze gives them a sweet breakfast twist.
If I want something more savory, I add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough.
Using plant-based milk and vegan butter makes these rolls dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5. To reheat, I like to wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. If I’m short on time, 20–30 seconds in the microwave works too, but I cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them soft.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and then shape and bake the next day.

Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?

No, I can knead the dough by hand, though it takes more effort—about 10 minutes of kneading until smooth and elastic.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, I freeze them after baking. Once cooled, I wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.

Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?

This usually happens if the yeast wasn’t fully activated, the dough didn’t rise long enough, or I added too much flour.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. I just make sure to use a large enough bowl for mixing and rising, and I bake them in two pans so they cook evenly.

Conclusion

These honey butter pull-apart rolls are a comforting classic I love to bake for family meals or special occasions. They’re soft, slightly sweet, and beautifully golden, with a glaze that makes them irresistible. Whether served with a hearty dinner or enjoyed warm on their own, they always disappear quickly from the table.