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Sage and Brown Butter Rolls

Soft, fluffy rolls brushed with nutty brown butter and mixed with fresh sage, these Sage and Brown Butter Rolls are an elevated take on a classic dinner roll. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday meals, or any cozy dinner that calls for warm, aromatic bread.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Rise Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 38 minutes
Servings: 8 Rolls
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the Rolls
  • 3½ cups All-purpose flour
  • 2¼ tsp Active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 1 cup Warm whole milk 110℉
  • ¼ cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ¼ cup Unsalted butter softened
  • 1 Large egg
  • 2 tbsp Fresh sage finely chopped
For the Brown Butter
  • ½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted butter
Optional Topping
  • Flaky sea salt
  • Extra chopped sage

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
  • 9x13 inch baking dish or parchment-lined baking sheet
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Bloom the Yeast
    In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
  2. Make the Dough
    In a large bowl (or stand mixer), combine flour and salt. Add softened butter, egg, chopped sage, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough
    Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes or with a stand mixer using the dough hook for 5–6 minutes, until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
  4. First Rise
    Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the Brown Butter
    While the dough is rising, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 4–6 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  6. Shape the Rolls
    Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
  7. Second Rise
    Cover the rolls with a towel and let rise for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.
  8. Brush with Brown Butter
    Preheat oven to 375°F. Just before baking, brush the tops of the rolls with the brown butter.
  9. Bake
    Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Optional: brush again with remaining brown butter immediately after baking for extra flavor.
  10. Serve
    Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and additional chopped sage if desired. Serve warm with Thanksgiving dinner, soups, or any meal needing a rich, flavorful roll.