There’s nothing quite like the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, and that’s exactly what you get with Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls. These pillowy, buttery rolls are elegantly flecked with fresh rosemary, giving each bite a savory warmth that tastes like home. Whether you’re gathering around the table for a holiday feast or simply want to make a weeknight dinner feel special, this recipe brings comfort and joy with every golden, aromatic roll. The keyphrase here is more than just a name; it’s a promise of irresistible flavor and fond family memories.

Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls lies in how simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something truly magical. Each has a special role—some for softness, some for flavor, and a few for that gorgeous golden hue. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

All-purpose flour: The heart of the roll, providing just the right structure for a fluffy, tender crumb.
Active dry yeast: This tiny powerhouse leavens the dough, giving your rolls their signature rise and airy texture.
Warm milk (about 110°F): Milk adds richness and softness, and its cozy warmth helps activate the yeast.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness feeds the yeast and complements the herbaceous rosemary.
Unsalted butter (melted): Melted butter weaves in flavor and produces those crave-worthy, soft interiors.
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the freshness of the rosemary.
Large egg: The egg gives these dinner rolls a beautifully tender texture and a hint of richness.
Fresh rosemary (finely chopped): The showstopper herb for a fresh, woodsy aroma and a speckled green glow throughout.
Melted butter (for brushing): Brushing on more butter just before baking ensures an irresistible, glossy finish.
Extra rosemary and flaky sea salt for topping: A sprinkle on top brings freshness and a delightful crunch to every bite.

How to Make Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Proof the Yeast

Start your homemade journey by dissolving the active dry yeast in a small bowl with the warm milk and just a pinch of sugar (think of this as breakfast for the yeast!). Let this mixture hang out for 5–10 minutes, until it’s nice and foamy. The bubbles mean your yeast is alive and ready to create fluffy, bakery-worthy rolls.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Now, pour in that bubbly yeast mixture, the melted butter, egg, and your freshly chopped rosemary. Stir everything with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough begins to form—it will look rustic, but that’s what we want.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Flour a clean surface and knead your dough for 8–10 minutes, or let a stand mixer do the job (about 5–6 minutes with a dough hook). The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky—but not sticky. This gentle muscle work builds structure for those soft, airy Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, cozy spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. Watching the dough puff up is as satisfying as eating the finished rolls!

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough to release extra air, then divide it into 12 even pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath. Arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or line them up on a parchment-lined baking sheet for a golden, bakery-style finish.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover your shaped rolls and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes. You want them to look puffy and plump—this step ensures Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls are undeniably soft and pillowy.

Step 7: Brush, Top, and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops generously with melted butter, then sprinkle with extra rosemary and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown on top and your kitchen smells like rosemary heaven. Cool slightly before serving—if you can resist!

How to Serve Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh rosemary and a scattering of flaky sea salt over warm rolls adds both a visual pop and a fragrant, savory bite. A little extra melted butter right before serving is also pure magic, melting luxuriously into the rolls’ crevices.

Side Dishes

Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls love company! They’re the ultimate companion to soups, stews, and roasts. Try them alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a holiday turkey for a dinner spread everyone will be talking about long after the last crumb disappears.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, nestle the rolls in a pretty bread basket with a linen napkin, or arrange them on a wooden board alongside herbed butters and honey butter for a DIY bread bar. You can even make mini sandwich sliders by slicing the warm rolls and filling them with leftover roast or cheese for lunchbox surprises.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls stay tender and fresh for up to two days at room temperature. Just store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag—no need to refrigerate, which can dry them out.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then tuck them into a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for up to a month. For the holidays, it’s a dream to have homemade rolls ready to reheat in a flash.

Reheating

To enjoy that “just-baked” magic, wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through. A quick brush with melted butter as they come out of the oven revives their softness and flavor perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Yes! While fresh rosemary offers a brighter, more aromatic flavor, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary if that’s what you have. Rub it between your fingers before adding to wake up its herbal notes.

Can I make Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls dough in advance?

Absolutely—the dough can be prepared, shaped into balls, and refrigerated overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise a bit before baking so you still get those lovely, fluffy rolls.

Is there a way to make these rolls vegan?

You can swap the milk for your favorite plant-based milk, use vegan butter or olive oil, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal plus 3 tablespoons water). The rolls will still be soft and aromatic.

Why didn’t my rolls rise enough?

Check that your yeast is fresh and your milk isn’t too hot—either factor can prevent a good rise. Also, give your dough enough time to double in size in a warm spot, as chilly kitchens can slow the process.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Just double all the ingredients and use two baking dishes. Watch the rolls in the oven, as extra trays might need a minute or two longer to get gorgeously golden all over.

Final Thoughts

There’s simply no beating the warmth, aroma, and nostalgia of Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls. With their buttery layers and herby freshness, these rolls are as comforting as a hug and twice as delicious. Whether you bake them for a celebration or a simple supper, you’ll love sharing this treasured recipe with family and friends—don’t be surprised if you’re asked for the secret!

Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These homemade Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and infused with the aromatic flavor of fresh rosemary. Perfect for any occasion, these rolls are sure to impress your guests with their buttery goodness and herbaceous notes.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

For Topping:

2 tablespoons melted butter
Extra rosemary
Flaky sea salt

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let sit until foamy. Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and rosemary. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead and Rise: Knead dough until smooth. Let rise until doubled in size.
Shape and Bake: Divide dough, shape into balls, place in baking dish, let rise, brush with butter, sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt. Bake until golden.