Golden Sage-Kissed Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Okay, friend—imagine this: warm, pillow-soft brioche rolls straight out of the oven, their golden tops glistening with a slather of honey butter that’s been gently infused with earthy sage and a kiss of sea salt. They’re buttery, slightly sweet, and herby in the most magical way. These rolls don’t just belong on your dinner table—they steal the show.

Whether you’re elevating a cozy weeknight meal or impressing guests at a holiday feast, these Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls are going to have everyone asking for your “secret.” The smell alone—sweet honey, toasty brioche, and that savory pop of sage—is enough to make anyone weak at the knees. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

They come together with a bit of kitchen love and just the right balance of rustic charm and bakery-style elegance. Think: bakery quality, made-by-you magic. Let’s roll into it (pun intended).

Why You’ll Love Golden Sage-Kissed Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: These rolls go with everything—from stews and roasts to fresh salads or even brunch spreads. Serve them warm with extra honey butter, and you’re in heaven.
Budget-Friendly: You probably already have most of what you need—eggs, flour, butter, honey, sage. It’s gourmet vibes on a home cook’s budget.
Quick and Easy: Don’t be intimidated by the brioche name—these rolls are simpler than they sound, and the dough is super forgiving.
Customizable: Prefer thyme instead of sage? Want a touch of cinnamon or orange zest for a brunch twist? Go wild—this dough plays nice with flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing: Fluffy, flavorful, buttery rolls that practically melt in your mouth? No one’s saying no to that.

Ingredients in Golden Sage-Kissed Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Here’s where the magic begins. This combo of sweet, salty, and herby flavors is truly next-level.

Brioche Dough

Eggs: They add richness and help give the dough that classic brioche structure—pillowy and golden.
All-Purpose Flour: The reliable foundation for our dough—soft but strong enough to hold its shape.
Unsalted Butter: Softened, buttery goodness goes right into the dough, creating that tender crumb.
Whole Milk: Brings moisture and richness to the dough while helping with rise.
Active Dry Yeast: Our leavening hero—it gives these rolls their airy lift.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and depth that plays so well with the butter and sage.
Salt: A touch in the dough balances sweetness and boosts the overall flavor.

Honey Sage Butter

Unsalted Butter: Melted down to become the rich, golden base of our topping.
Fresh Sage Leaves: Infused into the butter for an earthy, aromatic finish.
Honey: A drizzle of natural sweetness that caramelizes slightly in the oven.
Flaky Sea Salt: The finishing sprinkle that brings out every beautiful flavor.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece.

Prepare Your Dough

Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, honey, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy—it’s alive!
Mix the Dough: Add eggs, flour, salt, and softened butter to a large mixing bowl. Pour in your yeast mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or with a stand mixer.
First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—about an hour.

Shape the Rolls

Divide and Shape: Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape each one into a smooth ball.
Second Rise: Place rolls into a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again until puffy—about 30-45 minutes.

Prepare Honey Sage Butter

Infuse the Butter: Melt butter in a saucepan with sage leaves. Let the sage crisp up slightly and infuse the butter with flavor.
Sweeten: Stir in the honey and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Bake

Brush and Bake: Brush the rolls generously with the honey sage butter, reserving some for after baking. Bake until golden and fluffy.
Finish with Flair: While still warm, brush again with remaining honey sage butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm and fresh from the oven. These rolls are best enjoyed the day of—but honestly, if there are leftovers, you’ll be just as happy the next day.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 rolls
Calories per serving: 220

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (includes rise time)

How to Serve Golden Sage-Kissed Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

These rolls shine in just about any setting. Here are some dreamy ways to serve them:
With Soups and Stews: Perfect for dunking into creamy soups or hearty stews—especially chicken and wild rice or butternut squash soup.
Holiday Meals: These rolls were made for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter tables.
Brunch Boards: Pair with whipped goat cheese, honeycomb, and fresh fruit for a rustic brunch vibe.
Sandwiches: Slice one open and stuff with sliced ham or turkey—yes, please.
Solo Act: Honestly, they’re so flavorful they don’t need anything else. Just hand me a warm roll and I’m good.

Additional Tips

Don’t Skip the Second Rise: It’s what gives you that ultimate fluffiness—worth every minute.
Make Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge. Shape and bake the next day.
Infuse Butter Gently: Don’t let the butter brown—low and slow brings out the sage flavor beautifully.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven wrapped in foil.
Freeze: You can freeze the shaped, unbaked rolls—just thaw and bake when needed. Or freeze after baking and reheat before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, but fresh sage adds a more vibrant flavor. If using dried, reduce the amount to avoid overpowering.

Q2: Can I make this dough in advance?
A2: Absolutely! Let the dough rise in the fridge overnight, then shape and bake the next day.

Q3: How do I store leftover rolls?
A3: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Q4: Can I freeze the baked rolls?
A4: Yep! Let them cool completely, then freeze in a sealed bag. Reheat in the oven wrapped in foil until warm.

Q5: Can I use plant-based milk and butter?
A5: Yes! Almond or oat milk and a quality vegan butter work beautifully.

Q6: Do I need a stand mixer?
A6: It helps, but you can absolutely knead by hand—it just takes a little more time and love.

Q7: What if I don’t have brioche flour?
A7: All-purpose flour works perfectly fine in this recipe.

Q8: Can I make mini rolls for sliders?
A8: Definitely! Just divide the dough into smaller portions and reduce the baking time slightly.

Q9: How can I make this sweeter?
A9: Add a touch more honey to the butter glaze or sprinkle the tops with a little turbinado sugar before baking.

Q10: What’s the best pan to bake these in?
A10: A ceramic or metal 9×13 baking dish is ideal—it holds the heat well and encourages even browning.

Conclusion

And there you have it—Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls that feel like a warm hug from the inside out. These rolls aren’t just a side dish; they’re the kind of recipe that steals the spotlight. Between the rich, pillowy brioche, the golden honey butter glaze, and that subtle pop of earthy sage, every bite is pure comfort with a gourmet twist.

Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast, bringing them to a brunch potluck, or just treating yourself on a random Tuesday (because yes, you deserve it!), trust me—these are so worth it. You’ll impress yourself with how easy they are to make, and chances are, everyone who tries one will be begging you for the recipe

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