These Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls are soft and fluffy, with a nutty flavor from the browned butter and a touch of earthiness from the fresh sage. Perfect for any meal!
Honestly, who can resist warm rolls fresh from the oven? I love tearing them apart and slathering on butter. They make me feel fancy at dinner, even if I’m just wearing my pajamas! 😂
Making these rolls is a breeze! Just mix, shape, and bake. The delightful smell of sage in the kitchen is a big bonus—you’ll feel like a chef in a cozy restaurant!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast and creates a tender dough. If you need a non-dairy option, you can use almond milk or soy milk. Just ensure they are warmed to the right temperature!
Active Dry Yeast: This is crucial for the rolls to rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead without having to proof it first, saving you a few minutes!
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the yeast activate. If you’re cutting down on sugar, you can reduce the amount or replace it with honey or maple syrup.
Sage: Fresh sage gives the rolls a nice earthy flavor. If you don’t have fresh sage, dried sage can work; just use about one-third of the amount since it’s more potent.
Unsalted Butter: For browning, unsalted butter is best to control the flavor. You could try coconut oil if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, but the taste will change slightly.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Dough Consistency?
Getting the dough right is key to fluffy rolls. Start with the lower amount of flour and mix until everything comes together. If it’s sticky, slowly add more flour, one tablespoon at a time. You want it tacky but not sticking to your fingers.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer until it’s smooth and elastic. If you poke it, the dough should spring back.
- During the first rise, cover the bowl well to keep in moisture. A warm spot helps—think of cozy kitchens! Let it rise until it’s doubled in size.
- For the second rise, make sure they’re snug together but not squished. This helps them rise nicely during baking.
With these tips and techniques, you’ll be on your way to baking the perfect Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls that everyone will love!
How to Make Delicious Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for dough), melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Brown Butter Sage:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (for browning)
- 10-12 fresh sage leaves
- Coarse sea salt or flaky salt, for sprinkling
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 2 to 2.5 hours in total, which includes prep, two rises, and baking time. You’ll need around 15-20 minutes for the initial preparation and then a bit of time for the dough to rise during the waiting periods. The baking itself only takes about 18-22 minutes. So grab your apron, and let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Proof the Yeast:
Start by taking a small bowl and combining the warm milk with the active dry yeast and a pinch of the sugar. Give it a gentle stir and set aside for about 5-10 minutes. You’re looking for it to become foamy—this means the yeast is activated and ready to help your rolls rise!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), mix the yeast mixture with melted butter, sugar, the egg, and salt. Gradually add the flour, starting with 3 1/2 cups. Stir until a soft dough forms. If it feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little more flour, about a tablespoon at a time, until it feels tacky but not sticky.
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook, let it mix on medium speed. A good test is that when you poke the dough, it should spring back!
4. First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. Patience is key here!
5. Prepare the Brown Butter Sage:
While you wait for the dough to rise, melt the 6 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and let them cook until the butter turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma, about 3-5 minutes. Afterward, remove from the heat and set it aside. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Shape the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces, rolling each piece into a smooth ball.
7. Second Rise:
Arrange the dough balls closely in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and allow them to rise again until almost doubled in size, about 30-40 minutes.
8. Preheat Your Oven:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get ready for some delicious smells!
9. Bake the Rolls:
Once the rolls have risen, brush them generously with the brown butter sage mixture. Don’t forget to save some for later! Sprinkle a small pinch of coarse sea salt on each roll and lay a few sage leaves on top for garnish if you’d like.
10. Bake Away:
Place the rolls in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.
11. Finish with a Glossy Shine:
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them again with the reserved brown butter sage for a lovely, rich glaze.
12. Serve Warm:
Enjoy these fluffy, buttery rolls while they’re warm. They are perfect for tearing apart and slathering with butter! If you have any leftovers, keep them tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for later.
Happy baking, and enjoy these delightful Brown Butter Sage Dinner Rolls with your family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes, you can use bread flour for a chewier texture, but all-purpose flour is perfect for soft dinner rolls. If using whole wheat flour, consider mixing it with all-purpose flour for the best results.
Can I Make These Rolls Vegan?
Absolutely! To veganize this recipe, substitute the milk with almond or soy milk, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of the egg, and replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative.
How Do I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for longer storage, up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in the oven!
Can I Prepare the Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then cover it and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature and complete the shaping and second rise before baking.
