Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe

If you are looking to elevate your bread game with a touch of elegance and irresistible flavor, these Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls are exactly what you need. Imagine buttery, tender brioche dough infused with the subtle earthiness of sage, a hint of sweetness from honey, and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that makes your taste buds sing. These rolls are soft, golden, and perfectly pull-apart, making them the ideal centerpiece for a cozy brunch or special dinner. Whether you’re baking for friends or just treating yourself, Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls bring warmth and sophistication to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple but spectacular, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the rich texture and vibrant flavor of these rolls. From the tenderizing power of eggs to the aromatic sage and luscious honey butter, let’s break down what you’ll need.

• All-purpose flour (3 1/2 – 4 cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure and that classic soft crumb.
• Instant yeast (1 packet, 2 1/4 teaspoons): Ensures a perfect rise and airy texture with a reliable lift.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Warm milk (3/4 cup): Activates the yeast and tenderizes the dough for that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
• Honey (3 tablespoons + 3 tablespoons): Add a natural sweetness that complements the sage and butter beautifully.
• Salted butter (12 tablespoons total, room temperature): Key for a rich flavor and soft, pillowy texture in the dough and the honey butter.
• Eggs (3 whole at room temp): Give the brioche dough its characteristic richness and color.
• Egg yolk beaten with water (1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon water): Creates a shiny golden crust on the rolls for that irresistible appearance.
• Flaky sea salt: Adds a delightful crunch and salty pop against the sweet butter.
• Sage leaves (12 fresh leaves): Fried to infuse the honey butter with an herby, aromatic depth.

How to Make Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing the essential dry ingredients — flour, instant yeast, and salt — in your stand mixer bowl. Warm milk, honey, eggs, and softened butter join the party next. Using the dough hook, beat everything together until the dough comes together and is smooth, adding a little more flour if it’s sticky. Then, cover and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to give the yeast a gentle wake-up call that will lead to beautiful rise later on.

Step 2: Make the Sage Honey Butter

The real magic lies in the butter. Gently fry the fresh sage leaves in a tablespoon of butter until fragrant, then chop them finely. In a separate bowl, blend the remaining softened butter with honey, the fried sage, and a pinch of sea salt. This golden mixture will transform each roll with its sweet, salty, and herbaceous notes once baked.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9 by 9-inch baking dish with parchment. Punch down the dough, splitting it into two halves. On a floured surface, roll each half into a 12-inch square, about 1/4-inch thick. Brush the dough squares generously with the sage honey butter, saving a little for after baking. Slice each square into 6 strips and roll each strip tightly into coils, then place them seam-side down in your baking dish. These beautiful spirals set the stage for pull-apart perfection.

Step 4: Rise and Bake

Brush the spiraled rolls with the beaten egg yolk diluted with water — this little step adds a shiny golden finish. Cover and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes until they look plump and inviting. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. The house will smell heavenly. Finish by brushing the warm rolls with the reserved honey butter and sprinkling flaky sea salt on top, then pull them apart to enjoy warm.

How to Serve Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls

Garnishes

A sprinkle of additional flaky sea salt right before serving intensifies the flavor balance and adds a delightful crunch. For an extra cozy touch, add a couple of fried sage leaves on top or a drizzle of honey to emphasize the sweetness against the salt and sage.

Side Dishes

Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls pair wonderfully with breakfast spreads—think scrambled eggs with chives or a mild cheese plate. For lunch or dinner, serve them alongside hearty soups like butternut squash or creamy tomato bisque. They also stand out at holiday dinners next to roasted chicken or glazed ham.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these rolls in a cast iron skillet for rustic charm at your table, allowing guests to pull them apart as they please. Or arrange them on a long wooden board with bowls of honey butter and fresh herb-dusted cheeses for an inviting brunch centerpiece. These rolls also make dreamy sliders—slice them horizontally and fill with smoked turkey and apple slices for a sophisticated snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place the rolls in an airtight container or resealable bag to keep them fresh for up to 3 days. This keeps the soft texture intact and prevents them from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze these brioche rolls for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To bring back their just-baked softness, warm the rolls in a 300-degree F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel. A quick brush of leftover honey butter after reheating will revive their rich flavor beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use fresh sage from my garden?

Absolutely! Fresh sage is preferred for its vibrant aroma and flavor, and frying the leaves really unlocks their potency to infuse the honey butter.

Is it possible to make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit more elbow grease, but the dough comes together nicely with about 8 to 10 minutes of kneading on a floured surface.

What if I don’t have salted butter?

You can use unsalted butter but be sure to add a pinch more salt to the dough and the honey butter to achieve the perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors.

Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

While honey gives a unique depth and flavor here, maple syrup or agave nectar could work in a pinch, though the final taste will differ slightly.

How long do Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls stay fresh?

Freshly baked, these rolls are best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container to keep their soft texture and buttery flavor.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try these Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls, you’ll want to make them a regular in your baking routine. They deliver such a comforting, buttery goodness with an elegant twist of sage and honey that’s perfect any time of year. Whether sharing with loved ones or simply savoring a warm roll alone, this recipe promises moments of pure joy in every bite. Give it a go, and watch how these rolls become an instant favorite in your home.

Print