Garlic Rosemary Dinner Rolls – A Spring Dinner Must-Have

These Garlic Rosemary Dinner Rolls are the cozy, tender stars of any table—soft, fluffy rolls brushed with a garlicky, rosemary-infused butter that’s pure heaven in every bite. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little time, you’ll have golden, pull-apart perfection that’s easy enough for beginners and delicious enough to impress everyone.

Let’s make Garlic Rosemary Dinner Rolls—the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy! These rolls are a total win: they’re beginner-friendly, use pantry staples, and deliver that bakery-fresh taste without the fuss. We’re obsessed with how tender and flavorful they turn out, and they’re versatile enough to pair with Easter lamb or just a smear of butter. Ready to bake up something delicious?


These Garlic Rosemary Dinner Rolls Are:

  • Soft and fluffy with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture
  • Bursting with savory garlic and fragrant rosemary
  • Made from 8 everyday ingredients you probably already have
  • Golden brown with a gorgeous, rustic rise
  • Irresistible solo or as a sidekick to your favorite meals
  • Simple to whip up, even if you’re new to bread-making
  • Easy to prep ahead or freeze for later

Yield: 12 Perfectly Sized Dinner Rolls

This recipe makes 12 rolls—just right for a family dinner or a small gathering, with enough to enjoy leftovers (if they last!). You’ll need basic ingredients like flour, yeast, and butter, plus a few kitchen tools like a mixing bowl and a 9×13 pan (affiliate link)—no fancy equipment required. Want more roll ideas? Check out my Oatmeal Dinner Rolls, Pretzel Buns, or Hamburger Buns for other easy, cozy bakes!

Garlic Rosemary Dinner Rolls Ingredients

This recipe uses straightforward quantities—3 ½ cups of flour, 1 cup of milk, and a packet of yeast—similar to classics like my Oatmeal Dinner Rolls (#), but with a unique garlic-rosemary twist. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

  • 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft, sturdy dough.
  • 1 cup (240g) warm milk (110°F / 45°C): Activates the yeast and keeps the rolls tender.
  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast: Makes the dough rise for that fluffy texture.
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness.
  • 1 tsp salt: Balances the flavors and strengthens the dough.
  • 1 large egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Brings moisture and a buttery taste.
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for topping): Carries the garlic and rosemary flavor.
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced: Gives that bold, savory punch.
  • 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried): Adds earthy, aromatic vibes.
  • ½ tsp coarse sea salt (optional): A finishing touch for extra flavor.

How to Make Garlic Rosemary Dinner Rolls

One common hiccup with bread recipes is dough that won’t rise—don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Use a thermometer to ensure your milk is at 110°F (too hot kills yeast, too cold slows it down), and let the dough rise in a warm spot (like an oven with the light on). Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfect Garlic Rosemary Dinner Rolls every time:

  1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt. Add yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Mix into a shaggy dough.
  3. Knead on a floured surface (or with a stand mixer) for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
  4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
  5. Punch down, divide into 12 pieces, shape into balls, and place in a greased 9×13 pan.
  6. Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Mix melted butter, garlic, and rosemary. Brush half over rolls.
  8. Bake 18-22 minutes until golden. Brush with remaining topping and sprinkle with sea salt.

How to Keep These Garlic Rosemary Dinner Rolls Soft

The secret to their tender, fluffy texture is in the rising—don’t rush it! That first rise (1-1.5 hours) lets the dough develop flavor and structure, while the second rise (30-45 minutes) ensures they puff up light and airy before baking. Keep them covered with a towel in a warm, draft-free spot, and you’ll bite into the softest Garlic Rosemary Dinner Rolls imaginable.


Can I Make These Garlic Rosemary Dinner Rolls Ahead?

Yes! Shape the rolls after the first rise, place them in the pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temp for 30-60 minutes before baking. For more make-ahead baking tricks, check out my guide to freezing dough (#).


This Garlic Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe is Perfect If You

  • Love bold flavors like garlic and fresh herbs
  • Crave soft, tender bread without complicated steps
  • Prefer recipes that don’t need tons of gadgets
  • Want a cozy side for Easter dinner or weeknight meals

For a cheesy twist, try adding 1-2 Tbsp grated Parmesan to the topping (like in my Herb Focaccia Bread), or grab a silicone pastry brush (#) to dress them up with extra buttery goodness—simple upgrades, big flavor!


Tools I Love (Affiliate Links):

Below are some of my favorite baking tools that I use for nearly all of my bread-making—including these irresistible Garlic Rosemary Dinner Rolls! These trusty helpers make the process smoother, more fun, and totally doable, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned baker. Here’s why I can’t live without them:

  • Thermometer: Perfect for checking that milk temp (100°F is the sweet spot!). It takes the guesswork out of activating yeast, ensuring your rolls rise fluffy and tender every time.
  • Stand Mixer: My go-to for kneading dough to that smooth, elastic perfection—like we need for these rolls. It does the heavy lifting so you can enjoy the baking magic without the arm workout!
  • Kitchen Scale: Weighing flour (420g here) keeps these rolls spot-on tender—not too dense. It’s a game-changer for precision, especially if you’re new to baking by weight.
  • Bench Scraper: This little hero makes dividing dough into even rolls a breeze. Use it to cut and shape those 12-16 pieces without sticking or fussing—total time-saver!
  • 9×13 Baking Pan: The ideal home for baking these rolls to golden, pull-apart perfection. Its size lets them snuggle up just right during the rise and bake, creating that cozy texture we love.
  • Silicone Pastry Brush: Brushing on that garlic-rosemary butter is a dream with this. It’s flexible, easy to clean, and spreads the topping evenly for max flavor in every bite.
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Garlic Rosemary Dinner Rolls

Author: Julie Gavin
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 Rolls

Description

These Garlic Rosemary Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with cozy flavor, thanks to a buttery garlic-rosemary topping that elevates every bite. Perfect for Easter dinner or any gathering, they’re a tender, delicious keeper that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds!

Ingredients

Dough:

  • 3 ½ c. all-purpose flour, 420g
  • 1 c. warm milk (90-110°F ), 240g
  • 2 ¼ tsp. active dry yeast, 1 packet
  • 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened, 42g

Topping:

  • 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted, 56g
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced, minced
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped, or 1 tsp. dried
  • ½ tsp. coarse sea salt, optional

Instructions

  • Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  • Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt. Add yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Knead: Knead on a lightly floured surface (or with a stand mixer) for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • First Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
  • Shape: Punch down dough, divide into 12-16 pieces, roll into balls, and place in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
  • Second Rise: Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  • Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
  • Prepare Topping: Mix melted butter, garlic, and rosemary.
  • Bake: Brush rolls with half the topping. Bake 18-22 minutes until golden.
  • Finish: Brush with remaining topping and sprinkle with sea salt. Serve warm.

Notes & Tips

  • Yeast Check: Make sure your yeast is fresh—look for a frothy, bubbly mixture after 5-10 minutes of activation. If it doesn’t foam, it might be expired, and your rolls won’t rise as beautifully.
  • Milk Temperature: Warm the milk to between 90 – 110°F—use a thermometer if you’re new to baking. Too hot (above 120°F) can kill the yeast, while too cold slows the rise.
  • Kneading Tip: The dough should feel smooth and slightly tacky after kneading (8-10 minutes). If it’s too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time, but don’t overdo it—these rolls stay tender because of a soft dough!
  • Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, mix 1-2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan into the garlic-rosemary topping. It’s optional but adds a savory depth that’s irresistible.
  • Shaping Hack: Roll the dough balls tightly for a smooth top—tuck the edges under as you go. This keeps them looking bakery-perfect and oh-so-cozy.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight after the second rise. Let them sit at room temp for 30-60 minutes before baking for fresh, warm rolls on demand.
  • Serving Fresh: These are best served warm right out of the oven—the texture is so tender and delicious, they’re an absolute keeper that’ll steal the show at any table!

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