These warm, soft, and fluffy rosemary dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. With a light hint of rosemary and a golden, buttery finish, they are the kind of rolls that melt in your mouth. Just like Grandma used to make, they’re comforting, irresistible, and ideal for sharing with loved ones. Trust me, once you taste these, you’ll never go back to store-bought rolls again!

Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about family, tradition, and comfort. Here’s why it’s such a timeless favorite:

Homemade Goodness: These rolls are made from scratch with simple ingredients that create a warm, welcoming aroma. It’s the smell of family dinners and cozy evenings.
Fluffy Perfection: These rolls come out soft and pillowy, with a slight rosemary flavor that’s not overpowering—just perfect.
Buttery and Savory: The buttery richness pairs beautifully with the subtle rosemary, making each bite a little slice of heaven.
Versatile: Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or any meal where you want to add a touch of homemade love.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these perfect rosemary dinner rolls:

All-Purpose Flour: The base for the dough, giving it that perfect fluffy texture.
Yeast: For the light rise that makes these rolls soft and pillowy.
Sugar: Just a touch to help activate the yeast and balance the flavors.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the rolls and balances the richness of the butter.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor, helping the rolls achieve that golden, soft texture.
Milk: Helps make the dough soft and adds a little extra flavor.
Eggs: Give structure to the rolls and add richness.
Rosemary: The star of the show, adding an earthy and aromatic flavor to the rolls.
Olive Oil: Adds a little more moisture and flavor, helping to keep the rolls soft.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to create these pillowy dinner rolls:

Prepare the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to go.
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, milk, eggs, and chopped rosemary. Mix everything together until it forms a dough.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky, but be careful not to add too much.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. Place the balls of dough in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
Second Rise: Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they’re puffy and nearly doubled in size.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Finish with Butter: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter for an extra layer of flavor and shine.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy the buttery, fluffy goodness of these rosemary dinner rolls!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 180

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

How to Serve Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

These dinner rolls are perfect for a variety of meals! Here are a few ideas to serve them:

With Soup or Stew: Pair them with a hearty soup or stew for the ultimate comfort meal.
With Roasts: Serve alongside roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or pork for a classic dinner combo.
As an Appetizer: Serve these rolls with a bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping to start off a special meal.
With Butter or Jam: Spread a little butter or your favorite jam on these rolls for a simple, satisfying snack.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just shape the rolls the next day and let them rise before baking.
Herb Variations: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or sage to customize the flavor.
Freezing Rolls: These rolls freeze wonderfully! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. To reheat, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A1: Yes, you can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The rolls will be denser but still delicious!

Q2: Can I make these rolls without rosemary?
A2: Of course! You can leave out the rosemary and add other herbs or seasonings, like garlic powder or Parmesan cheese, if you prefer.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them.

Q4: Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A4: Yes! Bread flour will give the rolls a slightly chewier texture, but they’ll still be soft and fluffy.

Q5: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A5: Yes, you can. Just mix the instant yeast directly into the dry ingredients without proofing it in water first.

Q6: Can I add cheese to these rolls?
A6: Absolutely! Adding a bit of shredded cheese like Parmesan or cheddar to the dough is a fantastic idea for a cheesy twist.

Q7: Can I make these rolls without dairy?
A7: Yes, you can substitute the milk with a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and use dairy-free butter for a vegan version.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in two pans if you’re feeding a larger crowd.

Q9: Can I make these rolls smaller?
A9: Yes! Just divide the dough into smaller portions and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q10: How do I know when the rolls are done?
A10: The rolls are done when they’re golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also insert a toothpick to check for doneness.

Conclusion

These Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls are the perfect homemade touch for any meal. Fluffy, buttery, and aromatic with rosemary, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a family dinner, these rolls are a warm, comforting classic that will make your kitchen smell amazing. Get ready for everyone to ask for the recipe!