Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe: Fluffy Homemade Joy

Warm, pillowy rosemary dinner rolls have been a cherished tradition in our family’s kitchen, passed down through generations with love and care.

These soft, herb-infused rosemary dinner rolls bring comfort and nostalgia to every meal.

The fragrant rosemary weaves magic through each tender bite, creating a simple yet extraordinary accompaniment.

Kneading the dough connects us to generations of home cooks who understood the power of simple ingredients.

Each roll emerges golden and inviting, promising a delightful blend of herbs and warmth.

The aroma will draw everyone to the table, eager to break bread together.

You won’t be able to resist these irresistible rolls that speak of home and heart.

Classic Appeal of Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

• Bake with Ease: No deep-frying needed, making these donuts a safer and more approachable baking project for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Customize Your Treat: The simple glaze can be easily modified with different extracts, food coloring, or even rolled in fun toppings like sprinkles or chopped nuts.
• Quick Family Delight: Ready in under half an hour, these donuts are perfect for weekend breakfasts or spontaneous dessert cravings that bring everyone together.
• Pantry-Friendly Recipe: Uses common ingredients most bakers already have in their kitchen, eliminating the need for special shopping trips.

Ingredients Used in Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

• Active Dry Yeast: A key ingredient that helps the dough rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Warm Water: Provides the ideal environment for yeast activation.
• Sugar: Helps feed the yeast and promote fermentation.

• All-Purpose Flour: The main base that gives structure to the dinner rolls.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the rolls.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

• Warm Milk, Melted Butter, Egg: These ingredients combine to create a rich, tender texture in the rolls.
• Rosemary, Flaky Salt: Fresh rosemary adds an aromatic herb flavor, while flaky salt provides a delightful savory finish.

Recipe Directions for Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast

Grab a small bowl and pour warm water into it. Sprinkle yeast and a tiny bit of sugar.

Let the mixture sit quietly for 5-10 minutes until it gets bubbly and foamy on top. This magical process means your yeast is alive and ready to make fluffy rolls.

Step 2: Create Soft Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the activated yeast, warm milk, melted butter, and a cracked egg.

Toss in freshly chopped rosemary. Mix everything until a shaggy dough starts to form.

Knead the dough thoroughly – use your hands or a stand mixer. Continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth and stretchy like a soft pillow.

Step 3: First Dough Rest

Transfer the dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel.

Find a cozy, warm spot in your kitchen and let the dough rise. Wait 1-1.5 hours until the dough doubles in size and looks puffy.

Step 4: Shape Beautiful Rolls

Gently punch down the risen dough.

Divide the dough into 12-15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a perfect round ball.

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish or lined sheet pan. Cover and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until they look wonderfully plump.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat the oven to 375F. Brush the rolls’ tops with melted butter.

Sprinkle extra chopped rosemary and flaky salt if you want. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Pull the rolls out of the oven and brush with more butter while they’re warm. Serve alongside your favorite meal or enjoy them with honey or extra butter.

Savor the delicious rosemary aroma and soft texture.

Insider Tips for Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

• Use a warm, draft-free spot like inside a turned-off oven with the light on to help yeast activate and dough rise consistently.
• Avoid adding too much flour while kneading; a slightly sticky dough creates softer, more tender rolls.
• Crush dried rosemary between your fingers before adding to release more aromatic oils and enhance flavor.
• Melt butter at room temperature for easier brushing and more even coating on roll surfaces.
• Keep rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for up to a month to maintain freshness.

Variations on Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

• Herb Garden Rolls: Swap rosemary with a blend of thyme, oregano, and sage for a vibrant herbal flavor profile.
• Garlic Parmesan Variation: Add minced garlic and grated parmesan cheese to the dough for a savory, cheesy twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and xanthan gum to create a celiac-friendly version of the rolls.
• Whole Wheat Wellness: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and nutty taste.

Suggested Pairings with Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

• Pair with Hearty Proteins: Rosemary dinner rolls perfectly complement roasted chicken, grilled lamb chops, or tender beef roast, enhancing the meat's rich flavors with their fragrant herb notes.
• Complement with Savory Spreads: Elevate these rolls by serving alongside garlic herb butter, olive tapenade, or caramelized onion jam for an extra layer of delicious complexity.
• Match with Robust Wines: Select medium-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir or Chianti that harmonize with the rosemary's earthy undertones, creating a delightful dining experience.
• Create Cheese Board Magic: Serve these warm rolls with a selection of aged cheddar, creamy brie, and tangy goat cheese to highlight their soft texture and herbal essence.

Storage Advice for Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

• Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
• Place completely cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label the bag with the date and contents.
• Wrap rolls in aluminum foil and warm at 325F for 10-15 minutes. This helps retain moisture and restore their soft texture.
• Wrap rolls in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds. Check carefully to prevent overheating and becoming tough.

FAQs

• Why use rosemary in these dinner rolls?

Rosemary adds a delightful herbal aroma and subtle earthy flavor that complements the soft, buttery texture of the rolls, making them more interesting and gourmet.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let the dough come to room temperature and complete the second rise before baking.

• What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and active, and that the water temperature is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast. A draft-free, warm environment is crucial for proper rising.

Grandmas Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Grandma’s rosemary dinner rolls bring warmth and comfort from her cherished kitchen to your table. Fragrant herbs and buttery layers promise a delightful journey through family tradition you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Flour and Yeast:

• 3.5 cups (472 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2.25 teaspoons / 7 grams) active dry yeast

Liquid Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) warm water (110°F / 43°C)
• 0.75 cup (180 milliliters) warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• 1 egg

Seasoning and Enhancers:

• 0.25 cup (50 grams) sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter (for brushing on top)
• Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Awaken the yeast by dissolving it in tepid water with a hint of sugar, allowing it to bloom and become frothy for 5-10 minutes.
2. Create a dough foundation by blending flour, sugar, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel. Incorporate the activated yeast, warm milk, liquefied butter, and an egg. Fold in fragrant rosemary until a rough texture emerges.
3. Knead the mixture thoroughly for 8-10 minutes, developing a silky, elastic consistency. For stand mixer users, process on low speed for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Transfer the dough to a greased container, drape with a cloth, and permit rising in a cozy environment for 1-1.5 hours until volume doubles.
5. Deflate the dough gently, then partition into 12-15 uniform segments. Craft each piece into a smooth, rounded form.
6. Arrange the spherical portions in a buttered baking dish, allowing them to rest and expand for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
7. Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Embellish rolls with melted butter, additional rosemary, and a sprinkle of flaky salt if desired.
8. Bake for 18-22 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior. While warm, brush with extra butter for enhanced tenderness.
9. Serve immediately alongside your preferred dish, accompanied by butter or honey for a delectable complement.

Notes

• Use water between 100-110°F to ensure proper yeast activation without killing the microorganisms.
• Develop gluten by stretching and folding the dough, creating a more tender and airy texture in the rolls.
• Swap rosemary with thyme, oregano, or sage for different flavor profiles while maintaining the herb-infused essence.
• Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour blend for alternative dietary needs, adjusting liquid content slightly.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 143
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 122 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3.7 g
• Cholesterol: 27 mg