Go Back
Adam

Sticky Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls Recipe — Christmas & Thanksgiving Favorite

If there’s one side dish guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any Christmas or Thanksgiving table, it’s freshly baked Sticky Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls. Soft, warm, fluffy, and coated in a glossy honey-rosemary butter glaze, these rolls are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic holiday goodness. Inspired by Lily Morello’s style of cozy baking, this recipe adds a festive twist by infusing melted butter with rosemary, sea salt, and golden honey. The glaze soaks into the rolls, giving them a shiny, sticky, irresistible finish. Every bite melts in your mouth with hints of warm honey, fragrant herbs, and the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. These rolls pair beautifully with: Christmas turkey Holiday roast chicken Thanksgiving sides Creamy soups Mashed potatoes Holiday beef roasts Festive brunch menus Whether served as a dinner side, snack, or centerpiece on your holiday table, these rolls will become a yearly tradition.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls

Ingredients
  

Dinner Rolls
  • 12 dinner rolls store-bought OR homemade
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for brushing the dough if using homemade
Sticky Rosemary Honey Butter Glaze
  • ½ cup butter unsalted
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper optional for savory depth
  • ½ tsp garlic powder optional but recommended
Finish
  • Extra honey for drizzling
  • Extra rosemary for garnish
  • Flaky sea salt
  • All ingredients are halal-friendly and perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving.

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Baking dish (9×13)
  • Whisk
  • Pastry brush
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Kitchen towel
  • Oven

Method
 

Step 1: Place the dinner rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving small gaps for expansion.
    Step 2: Melt butter in a small saucepan, then whisk in honey, rosemary, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and fragrant.
      Step 3: Brush half of the honey-rosemary butter generously over the rolls, making sure each one is fully coated.
        Step 4: Bake the rolls at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until golden, soft, and warm inside.
          Step 5: Brush the remaining honey butter over the hot rolls to create a shiny, sticky finish.
            Step 6: Garnish with rosemary and flaky salt, drizzle extra honey on top, and serve warm.

              Notes

              🧊 Storage & Reheating
              Refrigerator
              Store leftovers for 3 days in an airtight container.
              Reheating
              Oven: 300°F for 5–6 minutes
              Microwave: 10–12 seconds
              Air fryer: 1–2 minutes at 320°F
              Freezing
              Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months, glaze again after reheating.
              🥄 Variations
              ⭐ 1. Cinnamon Honey Butter Rolls
              Add ½ tsp cinnamon to the glaze.
              ⭐ 2. Garlic Rosemary Savory Rolls
              Increase garlic powder and reduce honey.
              ⭐ 3. Lemon Rosemary Rolls
              Add 1 tsp lemon zest for brightness.
              ⭐ 4. Cranberry Honey Rolls
              Add dried cranberries over the glaze.
              ⭐ 5. Spicy Sweet Rolls
              Add chili flakes to the honey glaze.
              ⭐ 6. Brown Butter Honey Rolls
              Brown the butter before mixing for nutty flavor.
              ⭐ 7. Creamy Herb Rolls
              Add parsley, thyme, and chives to the glaze.
              ❓ 10 FAQs
              1. Can I use frozen dinner rolls?
              Yes — thaw them first.
              2. Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
              Yes — use ⅓ the amount.
              3. Can I use salted butter?
              Yes — reduce added salt.
              4. Can I make them ahead?
              Yes — bake and glaze right before serving.
              5. Do these pair well with turkey?
              Perfectly — especially Christmas turkey.
              6. Can I make them sweeter?
              Drizzle extra honey before serving.
              7. Are they good for Thanksgiving too?
              Absolutely — ideal holiday rolls.
              8. Can I add cheese?
              Yes — a sprinkle of parmesan is amazing.
              9. How do I make them extra glossy?
              Brush honey butter twice while still hot.
              10. Can kids enjoy these?
              Yes — they’re kid-friendly, soft, and mildly sweet.
              🏁 Conclusion
              These Sticky Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls are everything a holiday side dish should be — buttery, shiny, warm, soft, sweet, and beautifully aromatic. With fresh rosemary, golden honey, and a rich melted butter glaze, each roll delivers pure holiday comfort in every bite.
              Whether served on Christmas morning, during Thanksgiving dinner, or next to a winter feast, they instantly elevate the table and bring festive elegance to even the simplest meals.
              Once you try them, they’ll become a non-negotiable tradition every holiday season.