If you love the magic of freshly baked bread, there’s nothing quite like the scent of Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls wafting through your kitchen. These rolls are delightfully soft, golden, and infused with the aroma of rosemary, making them the star of any meal – from holiday feasts to casual Sunday suppers. Not only do they taste amazing, but they carry with them that comforting, old-fashioned spirit that transforms the act of breaking bread into a cherished tradition. Let’s dive in and make these rolls a new family classic!

Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Trust me, the beauty of Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls lies in their simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in bringing out the rolls’ soft texture, beautiful flavor, and irresistible color.

All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your dough and ensures a tender crumb in every bite.
Active dry yeast (1 packet): Gives the rolls their beautiful rise and signature fluffy texture.
Warm milk (about 110°F): Adds richness and helps activate the yeast for an airy, soft bread.
Granulated sugar: Not just for sweetness – it also feeds the yeast and contributes to the lovely golden crust.
Unsalted butter, softened: Blends seamlessly into the dough for richness and that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Salt: Balances all the flavors and enhances the rosemary’s savoriness.
Large egg: Adds structure and color, making the rolls soft and light.
Fresh rosemary, finely chopped: The star herb that infuses each roll with an irresistible, earthy aroma.
Unsalted butter, melted (for brushing): Brushed on at the finish for an extra touch of gloss and flavor.
Extra rosemary and flaky sea salt for topping (optional): Sprinkle over the top to make these rolls as gorgeous as they are tasty.

How to Make Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start your kitchen adventure by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture turns foamy on top – this tells you the yeast is ready to go. The smell alone brings back warm, cozy memories of baking with Grandma.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), combine the all-purpose flour, remaining granulated sugar, salt, and chopped rosemary. Next, add the softened butter, the egg, and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix everything together gently to bring the dough to life. It’ll be slightly sticky at first, but oh, it promises pillowy results!

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes, or knead it with a stand mixer for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial—it’s where the magic (and irresistible texture) happens.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. When you come back, the dough should be doubled and feather-light to the touch, just begging to become Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough gently (the true satisfaction of bread baking!) and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and nestle them side by side in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ready for their second rise.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the pan and let the shaped rolls puff up for another 30 to 45 minutes. They should look full and irresistibly plump. This extra rise ensures your dinner rolls achieve their signature lightness.

Step 7: Bake and Finish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18 to 22 minutes, or until beautifully golden on top. As soon as they come out, brush them generously with melted butter, and if you love extra flavor (I always do!), sprinkle on some more chopped rosemary and flaky sea salt. That’s the secret to truly memorable Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls!

How to Serve Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

Garnishes

Top the warm rolls with a fresh sprinkle of chopped rosemary and a pinch of flaky sea salt. For a glossy finish, a final brush of melted butter makes each roll shine and smell absolutely heavenly.

Side Dishes

Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls are fantastic alongside roasted chicken, creamy soups, or your favorite holiday roasts. They’re built for sopping up gravy, swirling in soups, or just enjoying with a generous pat of butter.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking them in a round skillet for a rustic, pull-apart look, or tie a little twine bow around each roll for festive dinner parties. Serving them in a basket lined with a pretty cloth napkin always makes Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls feel like a special event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay soft and ready to reheat, making them perfect for next-day sandwiches or snacks.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! Once cooled, place them in a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Reheating

To bring your Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls back to that fresh-from-the-oven glory, warm them in a 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Brushing them again with a touch of butter after reheating adds a just-baked touch.

FAQs

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you only have dried rosemary, use 2 teaspoons instead of the 2 tablespoons of fresh. The flavor is still fantastic and gives that signature herbal note.

How do I know if the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size after the first rise. Press it gently with your finger; if the indentation remains and the dough doesn’t spring back, it’s ready for the next step.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries at all! You can easily knead the dough by hand. Just be patient and give yourself the full 8 to 10 minutes—the result will be just as delicious and satisfying.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes! Shape the dough into rolls, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature and finish rising before you bake. This is a great way to save time for big meals.

What’s the best way to get perfectly shaped rolls?

Divide the dough evenly (a kitchen scale helps if you want absolutely uniform rolls), then roll each piece under your palm on a clean surface to form smooth, round balls. This quick step makes Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls look stunning on the table.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made bread from scratch, you’ll love how approachable and rewarding Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls are. With every bite, you’re sharing a little comfort and tradition. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let these rolls be the highlight of your next meal—they really do taste like a warm hug from Grandma herself!

Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including rise time)
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These homemade Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and infused with aromatic rosemary. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 1/4 cups warm milk (about 110°F)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped

For Topping:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
extra rosemary and flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and chopped rosemary. Add the softened butter, egg, and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead and Rise: Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Let it rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
Shape and Bake: Divide dough, shape into balls, place in a baking dish, let rise, then bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes.
Finish: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with extra rosemary and sea salt if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

You can prep the dough the night before and refrigerate it after shaping. Let it come to room temperature and rise before baking.
Dried rosemary can be used, but reduce the amount to 2 teaspoons.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American