These Honey Butter Sourdough Discard Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with sweet goodness. They’re a perfect way to use up that sourdough starter you have lying around!
I can’t resist the smell of these rolls baking in the oven. They make any meal feel special! Plus, they’re super easy to whip up—just mix, shape, and bake. Yum! 🍞✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter Discard: This recipe is perfect for using up that leftover sourdough starter. If you don’t have any, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or buttermilk. Both will add moisture and a touch of tang.
All-Purpose Flour: I use all-purpose flour for its versatility. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind it might make the rolls denser, so you may want to mix it with some all-purpose flour.
Active Dry Yeast: If you’re out of active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead—just skip the foaming step! On the flip side, if you’re using fresh yeast, adjust the quantity to about 1 ounce.
Milk: I like using whole milk for richness, but any type of milk works. If you’re dairy-free, opt for almond or oat milk. Just make sure it’s warm when mixing the yeast.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds a lovely flavor. If you prefer a healthier fat, you could replace it with coconut oil or even a neutral oil like canola.
What’s the Best Way to Knead Dough?
Kneading is an important step to develop gluten, giving the rolls their fluffy texture. Here’s how to do it the right way:
- Lightly flour your work surface to keep the dough from sticking.
- Using the ball of your hand, push the dough away from you. Fold it back over itself, then rotate it a quarter turn.
- Repeat this process for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If it feels super sticky, sprinkle a little more flour.
- If you’re using a stand mixer, mix on medium speed for 5-6 minutes—just until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
With these simple tips, you’ll have wonderfully soft rolls that are perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!
How to Make Honey Butter Sourdough Discard Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup sourdough starter discard (unfed starter)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
- 1/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus around 2 hours to allow for rising. The baking itself will take about 20-25 minutes. So in total, you’ll be enjoying these rolls in about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the rising time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
Start by combining the warm milk, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of honey in a small bowl. Gently stir it together and set it aside for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a larger mixing bowl, mix together the sourdough discard, the remaining honey, the melted butter, and the egg. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Combine Everything Together:
Once the yeast mixture is all frothy, pour it into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the salt and 3 cups of all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing as you go. Keep mixing until a dough forms. If your dough is too sticky, don’t worry! Just add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together nicely.
5. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. You want it to feel smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can use that instead and knead on medium speed for about 5-6 minutes.
6. First Rise:
Place your kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Shape the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 9-12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball by pinching the seams at the bottom.
8. Second Rise:
Place the shaped rolls close together in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar pan. Cover them again and let them rise for another 45-60 minutes until they’re puffy and touching.
9. Preheat the Oven:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, your rolls will be ready to bake as soon as they finish rising.
10. Bake the Rolls:
Once the rolls have risen nicely, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and beautiful on top.
11. Honey Butter Glaze:
While the rolls are baking, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and mix in 1 tablespoon of honey. When your rolls are out of the oven, brush this delicious honey butter glaze generously over the top.
12. Serve Warm:
Let the rolls cool for just a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, either by themselves or with a bit more honey butter spread on top.
Enjoy the soft, fluffy, sweet, and buttery rolls made from your sourdough discard! These are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour is best for soft rolls, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or bread flour. Just keep in mind that using whole wheat may produce denser rolls, so you might need to adjust the hydration slightly.
What if My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the milk was warm (not hot) to activate it. You can also try placing the dough in a warmer spot, like inside a turned-off oven with the light on.
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape the rolls and refrigerate them overnight instead of the second rise. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before baking. This can even enhance the flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the oven before serving.
