Ah, Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls… if there’s one thing that instantly takes me back to cozy family gatherings, it’s these warm, golden rolls. You know, the kind that make the whole house smell like heaven as they’re baking. These rolls are soft, pillowy, and have just the right hint of rosemary that makes every bite feel like a hug from the inside. Trust me, you’re going to love them.
Picture this: the rolls are fresh out of the oven, and as you pull them apart, steam rises and the fragrance of rosemary fills the air. You take a bite, and the soft, fluffy texture melts in your mouth. Whether you’re sitting down to a cozy dinner at home or serving them at a big family meal, these rolls are the kind of recipe that leaves everyone asking for more—and for the recipe, of course.
Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls
This recipe is more than just about making rolls—it’s about creating memories around the table. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
Perfect for any occasion, these rolls are the perfect sidekick to your meals. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a holiday feast, or just because, they’re the kind of dish that fits in no matter the occasion. Imagine serving these at a dinner party and seeing everyone rave about how warm and comforting they are!
Budget-Friendly
You don’t need to break the bank for these rolls. Made with pantry staples, this recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. The combination of fresh rosemary and a bit of butter brings out an amazing taste without costing a fortune.
Quick and Easy
No need to be a pro baker to make these! With a few simple steps, you’ll have fluffy, herb-infused rolls ready to devour. It’s a recipe that’s easy enough for beginners and delicious enough to impress even the most seasoned cooks.
Customizable
Want to switch things up? You can easily adjust the flavor to match your taste. Add a touch of garlic powder, or mix in some shredded cheese for a savory twist. These rolls are as flexible as you want them to be.
Crowd-Pleasing
These rolls are perfect for any crowd—whether it’s kids, adults, or even picky eaters. The aroma alone will make everyone gather around the table, and with each soft bite, they’ll be begging for the recipe.

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Ingredients in Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls
Here’s the magic behind these rolls: simple ingredients that come together to create a soft, fluffy texture with just the right hint of herbaceous rosemary. Let’s break it down:
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our rolls. Soft, light flour that gives the rolls their perfect, airy texture.
Active Dry Yeast: This little packet of magic is what makes the rolls rise to soft, pillowy perfection. Without it, we’d be stuck with flat bread—and that’s just not acceptable.
Butter: A little butter goes a long way in adding flavor and creating that melt-in-your-mouth softness that you can’t resist.
Milk: It adds richness to the dough, helping to keep the rolls soft and tender. You can even use plant-based milk for a dairy-free version!
Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance out the rosemary and yeast. It’s the secret ingredient that rounds out the flavor.
Rosemary: The star of the show! Fresh rosemary brings a fragrant earthiness to the rolls. You can’t have Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls without it.
Salt: Just the right amount of salt to enhance all the other flavors.
Egg: It helps to bind everything together and gives the rolls that golden, slightly crisp finish.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions for Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls
Let’s dive into the steps to make these comforting, fluffy rolls:
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking and gives your rolls the perfect golden crust.
Prepare the Yeast Mixture
In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm milk and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This is how you know your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture, followed by the melted butter, egg, and fresh rosemary. Mix everything together until you have a soft dough. Don’t worry if it’s a little sticky—that’s a good sign!
Knead the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This helps to develop the gluten and makes the rolls soft and airy.
Let It Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is when the magic happens—watch it grow and get soft!
Shape the Rolls
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles, then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round ball and place them in a greased baking dish, slightly touching each other.
Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and the kitchen smells like heaven. Trust me, you’ll know they’re done by the irresistible aroma!
Finishing Touches
When your rolls come out of the oven, brush them with a little more melted butter and sprinkle a bit of fresh rosemary on top for that extra touch of flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the rolls cool slightly before serving (if you can wait that long!). Serve them warm, and get ready for everyone to rave about how delicious they are.
How to Serve Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls
These rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. Here are a few ideas to elevate your dining experience:
Soup or Stew: Pair them with a hearty bowl of homemade soup or stew to soak up all those flavors.
Roast Meats: Serve alongside roast chicken, beef, or pork. The soft rolls complement the savory meats beautifully.
Salads: Pair them with a fresh, vibrant salad for a contrast in textures and flavors.
As a Snack: Honestly, these rolls are so good on their own, you might just find yourself snacking on them all day long.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it rise at room temperature before baking.
- Experiment with Herbs: If you’re craving something a little different, try adding garlic or thyme to the dough for new layers of flavor.
- Freezing Tips: These rolls freeze beautifully! Once baked, let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven to get them back to their soft, warm glory.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute fresh rosemary with dried rosemary?
A1: Yes! Just use about half the amount of dried rosemary as fresh. It’s more concentrated, so you won’t need as much.
Q2: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Q4: Can I freeze these rolls?
A4: Yes! Freeze the rolls after baking and cooling. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to freshen them up.
Q5: How can I make these rolls dairy-free?
A5: Swap the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil, and use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk.
Q6: How long do these rolls last?
A6: They’ll stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container. After that, they’re perfect for freezing!
Q7: Can I double this recipe?
A7: Absolutely! Just make sure to use a bigger baking dish, and the baking time may increase slightly.
Q8: Can I use a bread machine?
A8: Yes, you can! Just follow the bread machine’s instructions for making soft rolls, and let the dough rise before shaping and baking.
Conclusion:
These Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls are more than just a side dish; they’re a warm, comforting tradition. Whether you’re gathering with family or sharing a meal with friends, these rolls are sure to steal the show and make everyone feel right at home. So go ahead—get your hands in the dough and make something special. You’ve got this!
PrintGrandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls
These soft, fluffy, and buttery rosemary dinner rolls are just like Grandma used to make—warm, golden, and infused with the perfect hint of fresh rosemary. They’re perfect for holiday dinners, cozy meals, or just because!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (excluding rising time)
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (including rising time)
- Yield: 12–15 rolls (depending on size) 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (Traditional)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm water (110°F)
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tbsp butter (for brushing on top)
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions
-
Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
-
Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
- Stir in the chopped rosemary.
- Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (If using a stand mixer, knead on low for about 5 minutes.)
-
First Rise:
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
-
Shape the Rolls:
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12-15 equal portions.
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them in a greased baking dish or lined sheet pan.
- Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
-
Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with extra chopped rosemary and flaky salt if desired.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
-
Serve & Enjoy!:
- Brush with more butter while warm for extra softness.
- Serve fresh with butter, honey, or alongside your favorite meal.
Notes
- For an even softer texture, brush the rolls with butter immediately after they come out of the oven.
- For a beautiful touch, you can top with additional fresh rosemary or flaky sea salt for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg