Rosemary Dinner Rolls With Garlic Butter

These homemade dinner rolls combine fresh rosemary in a soft, fluffy dough and are finished with a savory garlic butter topping. Perfect for holidays or making any meal special.

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Updated on Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:35:30 GMT
A close-up view of a tray of freshly baked, golden-brown dinner rolls garnished with herbs.
A close-up view of a tray of freshly baked, golden-brown dinner rolls garnished with herbs. Pin it
A close-up view of a tray of freshly baked, golden-brown dinner rolls garnished with herbs. | quickierecipe.com

These Rosemary Dinner Rolls bring a touch of magic to my kitchen every time I bake them. The blend of fresh rosemary and garlic butter has filled my home with the most incredible aroma for years now. My family knows dinner is going to be special when they catch that first whiff of herbs and butter wafting from the oven.

Kitchen Essentials

  • Flour: Good quality flour for structure.
  • Fresh Yeast: Ensures that airy texture.
  • Sugar: A pinch to activate the yeast.
  • Fresh Rosemary: Adds herbal flavor.
  • Milk: Warmed to the perfect temperature for tenderness.
  • Garlic Butter: Made with melted butter, fresh minced garlic, parsley, and sea salt.

Step By Step Magic

Mix the Dough
Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and rosemary in a bowl. Gradually add warm milk to form a dough.
Let it Rise
Allow the dough to grow until it doubles in size.
Shape Rolls
Form dough balls and place them in a buttered dish.
Bake
Bake until golden and brush with garlic butter immediately after removing from the oven.

My Baking Secrets

Over the years I've discovered what makes these rolls shine. Fresh rosemary from my garden makes all the difference. The milk needs to feel just warm on your wrist, about as warm as a baby's bath water. When shaping your rolls, cup them gently in your palm for that perfect shape. And never skip that final garlic butter brush right as they come out of the oven—it soaks right in.

Fresh For Days

Once these beauties cool completely, store them in your favorite airtight container. They'll keep their freshness for two days on your counter or a bit longer in the fridge. When I make big batches, I wrap them snugly in foil, tuck them into a freezer bag, and they stay perfect for up to three months. A quick warm-up brings back that fresh-baked taste.

Prep Now Bake Later

My favorite trick for busy days is making these ahead. Shape your rolls right after the first rise, pop them on a baking sheet, and freeze them solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag where they'll wait patiently for up to two months. Just thaw and let them rise when you're ready to bake—you'll never know they were frozen.

Pure Comfort In Every Bite

The magic of these rolls lies in their perfect balance. That soft fluffy texture filled with rosemary fragrance and crowned with rich garlic butter creates something truly special. They're just as welcome at a cozy family dinner as they are at your finest holiday feast.

A freshly baked dish of golden-brown dinner rolls sprinkled with herbs, arranged neatly in a white baking dish. Pin it
A freshly baked dish of golden-brown dinner rolls sprinkled with herbs, arranged neatly in a white baking dish. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why does the milk need to be warm?

Warm milk (110-115°F) activates the yeast properly. Too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won't activate it.

→ Can I make these rolls ahead?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead and refrigerate overnight after the first rise. Let come to room temperature before shaping and final rise.

→ Why isn't my dough rising?

Check that your yeast is fresh and your milk temperature is correct. Also ensure the room isn't too cold during rising time.

→ Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Yes, but use only 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary as it's more concentrated than fresh.

→ Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, freeze baked rolls without garlic butter for up to 2 months. Thaw, reheat, and add fresh garlic butter before serving.

Rosemary Rolls

Fresh homemade dinner rolls infused with rosemary and topped with garlic herb butter. Soft, fluffy, and perfect for any meal.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
22 Minutes
Total Time
32 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Breads & Muffins

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 4 cups all-purpose flour (500g), divided.
02 2 envelopes rapid rise yeast (4½ teaspoons).
03 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g).
04 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced.
05 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
06 1½ cups whole milk (366g), warmed.
07 1 large egg, room temperature.
08 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
09 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced.
10 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, minced.
11 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine 3 cups flour, yeast, sugar, rosemary, salt.

Step 02

Add warm milk and egg. Knead 2 minutes. Add remaining flour gradually. Knead until dough pulls from bowl.

Step 03

Place in greased bowl, cover 45 minutes, let double in size.

Step 04

Punch down dough, divide into 12 balls, place in greased 9x13 pan, rise 30 minutes more.

Step 05

Heat oven to 375°F, bake 18-22 minutes until golden.

Step 06

Make garlic butter, brush on warm rolls.

Notes

  1. Use warm milk (110-115°F).
  2. Can make ahead.
  3. Freezes well.
  4. Fresh herbs work best.
  5. Perfect for holidays.
  6. Can use stand mixer or hand knead.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer.
  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Small saucepan.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Pastry brush.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (milk, butter).
  • Wheat (flour).
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 205
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 6 g