Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

If you’re craving something irresistibly soft, buttery, and packed with a perfect balance of sweet and savory, then Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls are exactly what you need. These fluffy brioche rolls infused with rich sage and honey butter provide the kind of homemade comfort that’s both elegant and approachable. Whether a breakfast treat, a delightful side for dinner, or a centerpiece for your next gathering, Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls bring warmth and a touch of gourmet magic to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delightfully fluffy texture: These brioche rolls are light and tender, thanks to the rich butter and slow rise of the dough.
• Perfect sweet and savory harmony: The salted butter and earthy sage contrast beautifully with the natural sweetness of honey.
• Homemade with simple ingredients: Using pantry staples, this recipe is achievable even for novice bakers.
• Versatile and crowd-pleasing: Works equally well as a breakfast roll, dinner accompaniment, or snack.
• Aromatic and appetizing: Sage adds a fragrant, herbal note that makes these rolls uniquely inviting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays an essential role in crafting the perfect Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls — from contributing to the dough’s dreamy softness to enhancing the flavor with subtle herbal and sweet notes.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft yet sturdy dough with excellent gluten development.
• Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise slowly for maximum fluffiness and volume.
• Whole milk: Just the right richness to keep the dough tender and moist.
• Unsalted butter: Essential for that luxurious, buttery flavor and soft crumb texture.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps with crust browning.
• Fresh sage leaves: Chopped finely to infuse the dough and honey butter with aromatic herbal notes.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out all the flavors beautifully.
• Eggs: Provide rich color and strengthen the dough’s structure for that perfect rise.

Variations for Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Feel free to personalize the Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls recipe to match your taste buds, dietary needs, or what’s available in your kitchen. It’s easy to switch up flavors while still capturing the essence of this delicious roll.

• Herb swap: Replace sage with rosemary, thyme, or chives for a different green twist.
• Alternative sweeteners: Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey for varied sweetness nuances.
• Dairy-free option: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter to keep it creamy and dairy-free.
• Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and cozy flavor twist.
• Whole wheat blend: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier taste and added fiber.

How to Make Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Warm the milk slightly and dissolve the yeast in it, stirring gently until frothy. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and eggs, then slowly add the milk-yeast mixture, blending into a sticky dough. Add softened butter and knead until smooth and elastic, either by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook.

Step 2: First Rise

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours. This slow fermentation develops flavor and the tender crumb you want.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

Once risen, punch down the dough gently and divide it into equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball, placing them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking tray. Allow the rolls to rest and rise again until puffy and nearly doubled, about 45 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Sage Honey Butter

While the rolls rise, combine softened unsalted butter with finely chopped fresh sage leaves and honey. Stir together to create a smooth, fragrant butter that will add richness and a burst of flavor to the baked rolls.

Step 5: Bake and Glaze

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops of the rolls generously with the salted sage honey butter. Bake the rolls for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Brush more sage honey butter over the warm rolls right when they come out of the oven for a glossy, flavorful finish.

Pro Tips for Making Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

• Use room temperature ingredients: This aids even mixing and optimal yeast activity for the perfect rise.
• Don’t skip the second rise: Letting the shaped rolls proof again creates the flakiest, softest texture.
• Keep butter chilled until use: This prevents it from melting into the dough too early, ensuring a tender crumb.
• Fresh sage is best: It imparts the most vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs.
• Brush while warm: Applying the honey butter immediately after baking locks in moisture and adds a shiny, delicious crust.

How to Serve Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Garnishes

Enhance the rolls’ appearance and taste by topping with extra fresh sage leaves or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for added texture and flavor bursts.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls alongside hearty soups like butternut squash or creamy tomato basil, or pair with savory dishes such as roast chicken or pork tenderloin for a comforting, well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the rolls in a woven basket lined with a linen napkin for rustic charm, or serve them warm with little ramekins of extra sage honey butter for dipping to make your guests feel truly spoiled.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to preserve softness and flavor.

Freezing

Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and taste.

Reheating

Warm frozen or day-old rolls in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 5 to 10 minutes, wrapped in foil if preferred softer, then brush again with honey butter for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I prepare the dough in a bread machine?

Yes! Most bread machines have a dough setting that works well for this recipe, making the mixing and initial rise easy and hands-off.

Is fresh sage necessary or can I use dried?

Fresh sage offers a brighter, more vibrant herbal flavor, which greatly enhances the rolls, but dried sage can be used in a pinch — just use about half the amount.

Can I make Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls without eggs?

Eggs provide structure and richness, but for egg-free versions, try substitutes like flax eggs or commercial egg replacers, though texture will differ slightly.

How long do the rolls stay fresh?

These homemade brioche rolls are best eaten within two days fresh, but freezing can extend their lifespan to months without losing quality.

Can I add extra flavors to the honey butter?

Absolutely! A tiny pinch of chili flakes, lemon zest, or even finely grated Parmesan can elevate the honey butter to suit your unique taste.

Final Thoughts

Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls offer a wonderful way to bring a little homemade magic and comfort to your day. Their perfect combination of soft texture, sweet honey, aromatic sage, and buttery richness makes them a must-try recipe that’s as rewarding to bake as it is to eat. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and share these delightful rolls with your loved ones.

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