These Honey Butter Sourdough Discard Rolls are a wonderful treat! They are soft, sweet, and so easy to make with leftover sourdough starter.
Who doesn’t love a warm roll with a touch of honey and butter? I could eat them as a snack or share them at dinner—if I feel generous! 😊
I love making these rolls because they’re simple. Just mix, shape, and bake! The smell of fresh bread is hard to beat, especially when it’s sweetened with honey.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter Discard: This recipe shines with unfed sourdough discard, giving the rolls flavor and a slight tang. If you don’t have sourdough starter, you can substitute with 1 cup of plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar effect.
Warm Milk: Use whole milk for richness, but you can substitute any milk—dairy or plant-based like almond or oat milk. Just ensure it’s warm, not hot, to keep the yeast happy!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and moisture. Maple syrup or agave syrup can work as alternatives, but adjust sweetness to your taste since they vary in sweetness level.
Butter: Unsalted butter provides a rich flavor. You may use olive oil or coconut oil instead if you’d like a dairy-free option. This will change the flavor slightly, but the rolls will still be delicious.
Flour: All-purpose flour is great, but you could substitute half with whole wheat flour for extra fiber and a nuttier taste. Just know it might change the texture a bit.
How Can I Make Sure My Yeast is Active?
Getting the yeast to foam is key to fluffy rolls! After mixing the yeast with the warm milk mixture, let it sit for 5-10 minutes. If it bubbles up, you know it’s alive and ready to work. If not, consider trying a different packet to keep those rolls rising.
How Do I Knead My Dough Properly?
Kneading is essential for building the dough’s structure. Here’s how to do it correctly:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently flatten it with your palms.
- Fold the dough over itself, then push it down with the heel of your hand.
- Turn the dough a quarter turn, and repeat the fold and push motion.
- Continue for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Don’t be afraid to add a little extra flour if things get too sticky, but don’t overdo it—just enough to keep it manageable!
What’s the Best Way to Shape the Rolls?
When shaping the rolls, aim for smoothness. Here’s a tip:
- Take a portion of dough and pull the sides toward the center, pinching them together to form a ball.
- Flip the dough ball over so the seam side is down, and gently roll it in your palms to create a smooth surface.
Keeping the rolls tight will help them stay round and rise nicely!
How to Make Honey Butter Sourdough Discard Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (240 ml) sourdough starter discard (unfed)
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
- 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for brushing
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp active dry yeast or instant yeast
For the Finish:
- Optional: extra honey for brushing on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 3 hours total. This includes approximately 20 minutes of active preparation time and 2 hours for the dough to rise (1 to 1.5 hours for the first rise and 45 minutes to 1 hour for the second rise). Plus, you’ll have about 20-25 minutes of baking time. Perfect for an afternoon baking project!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl and adding the sourdough starter discard, warm milk, honey, and melted butter. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients together until everything is combined smoothly.
2. Activate the Yeast:
Now, sprinkle the yeast into the mixture and stir it in gently. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes. During this time, look for the mixture to become foamy, which indicates that the yeast is active and ready to help your rolls rise.
3. Create the Dough:
Add the flour and salt to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix everything together until a rough dough starts to form. Don’t worry about it being perfect at this stage!
4. Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Now comes the fun part—kneading! Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it turns smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, making your rolls tender and fluffy.
5. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and set it in a warm spot to rise. Let it sit for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Punch Down and Shape:
Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down to let the air out. Turn it back onto a floured surface and divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by folding the edges towards the center and rolling it in your hands.
7. Arrange and Second Rise:
Place the shaped dough balls closely together in a greased round baking pan or dish. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 45 minutes to an hour until they are puffy and touching each other.
8. Preheat and Bake:
While your rolls are doing their second rise, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and smell heavenly!
9. Finishing Touches:
When the rolls are done, remove them from the oven. Immediately brush the tops generously with melted butter and a little honey for a shiny, sweet finish that will make them irresistible.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving them warm. These delicious, soft, and buttery rolls are perfect for sharing!
Enjoy your sweet, tangy, and buttery Honey Butter Sourdough Discard Rolls!
Can I Use Active Dry Yeast Instead of Instant Yeast?
Yes, you can use either type of yeast in this recipe! If using active dry yeast, just remember to activate it with the warm milk for about 5-10 minutes before mixing in the rest of the ingredients. Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the flour.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to the yeast being expired or the environment being too cold. Ensure that your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warmer spot, like near an oven that’s been preheated for a few minutes. Just be careful not to overheat the dough!
Can I Freeze the Rolls After Baking?
Absolutely! These rolls freeze wonderfully. Once baked and cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their softness.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of honey used in the dough by half. However, consider that some sweetness helps balance the tanginess of the sourdough. You can also omit the extra honey for brushing if you want a more subtle flavor.
