Fluffy Garlic Butter Rolls

Featured in Fresh bread hot from the oven.

Freshly baked rolls bring together a light, airy texture, rosemary's aroma, and a smooth garlic butter finish. Great for celebrations or dinners.

Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Thu, 22 May 2025 11:06:34 GMT
Golden, fluffy rolls topped with fresh herbs on a tray. Pin it
Golden, fluffy rolls topped with fresh herbs on a tray. | tastyhush.com

Every time I pull these fluffy rosemary rolls out of the oven, it's like my kitchen turns into a cozy herb garden. That blend of garlic butter and rosemary smells so good, it’s almost impossible to wait. My crew always knows something tasty's coming their way as soon as the oven gets going.

Must-Have Basics

  • Garlic Butter: Whip up melted butter with sea salt, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
  • Milk: Gently heat milk so it’s nice and warm – this makes your rolls softer.
  • Fresh Rosemary: Chopped rosemary gives a punch of fresh herb flavor.
  • Sugar: Sprinkle in just enough sugar to kickstart your yeast.
  • Fresh Yeast: You’ll want fresh yeast for a puffy, light bite.
  • Flour: Go for a reliable flour for the best hold.

Simple Step-by-Step Fun

Bake
Bake till they're deep golden and, right away, hit them with a generous brush of garlic butter.
Shape Rolls
Roll up the dough and set those balls into a greased pan.
Let it Rise
Let your dough chill out and puff until it's about doubled.
Mix the Dough
Toss flour, sugar, rosemary, and yeast together, slowly pour in milk, and mix it up until a dough forms.

My Little Tricks

Nothing beats fresh rosemary right out of the yard. I make sure my milk is barely warm—just enough to feel comfy on my skin. When I'm rolling the dough, I close my hand around each piece for that round top. And don’t forget that swipe of garlic butter right after baking—it turns good rolls into amazing rolls.

Lasts Longer Than You Think

After they've cooled off, tuck them in a sealed container. They'll stay soft for a couple days on the counter or you can stash them in the fridge for extra time. If I’ve got a lot, I wrap them up in foil, pop them in a freezer bag, and they're just as tasty up to three months later. Nuke 'em or bake ‘em back to life, and you'd swear they're fresh.

Get Ahead On Busy Days

When I know I've got no time, I shape the rolls right after they’ve risen once, stick them on a tray, and let them freeze solid. Stash them in a freezer bag and they’ll hang out for up to two months. Just thaw them and let them rise, then bake – nobody will ever guess they weren’t made right then.

Warm Comfort In Each Mouthful

What's so great about these? It’s that perfect mix: soft centers, that herby rosemary hit, and all the melty, garlicky butter on top. I serve them for Sunday suppers or holiday spreads—honestly, folks gobble them up no matter the occasion!

Golden brown rolls sprinkled with herbs, fresh from the oven and nestled in a white pan. Pin it
Golden brown rolls sprinkled with herbs, fresh from the oven and nestled in a white pan. | tastyhush.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why should the milk be warm?

Milk needs to be lukewarm (around 110-115°F) for the yeast to work. Cold milk won't activate it, and hot milk might kill it.

→ Can I prep the rolls in advance?

Sure, make the dough early and chill it after the first rise. When ready, let it sit out, shape, and let it rise again before baking.

→ What if the dough doesn't rise?

Double-check your yeast freshness and milk’s temperature. Also, ensure the room isn’t too cool for rising.

→ Can I swap in dried rosemary?

It’s fine to use dried, but only a pinch (1/2 teaspoon) since it’s more potent than fresh rosemary.

→ How do I freeze the rolls?

Freeze baked rolls plain for up to 2 months. Warm them up later and add freshly melted garlic butter before serving.

Garlic Rolls

Soft golden rolls packed with rosemary flavor, brushed with savory garlic butter. A perfect side for every meal.

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

Category: Breads

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 4 cups plain flour (500g), separated.
02 2 packets instant yeast (4½ teaspoons).
03 1/4 cup white sugar (50g).
04 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary.
05 1 teaspoon coarse salt.
06 1½ cups heated whole milk (366g).
07 1 large egg at room temperature.
08 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted.
09 1 teaspoon freshly minced garlic.
10 1 teaspoon chopped parsley.
11 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt.

Instructions

Step 01

Stir together 3 cups flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and rosemary.

Step 02

Pour in the warm milk and cracked egg. Knead for a couple of minutes. Slowly mix in the leftover flour. Work the dough until it pulls cleanly away from the sides.

Step 03

Move dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let it sit for 45 minutes. It should double in size.

Step 04

Push the air out, split the dough into 12 pieces, roll them into balls, and put them into a greased 9x13 pan. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 05

Preheat oven to 375°F and bake rolls for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.

Step 06

Prepare garlic butter and brush it over the baked rolls while they're still warm.

Notes

  1. Warm milk should be 110-115°F.
  2. You can prepare this ahead of time.
  3. These freeze really well.
  4. Fresh herbs make all the difference.
  5. A hit for special occasions.
  6. Knead by hand or use a stand mixer.

Tools You'll Need

  • Electric mixer with a dough hook.
  • Rectangular 9x13 pan for baking.
  • Small pot or pan.
  • Bowls for mixing.
  • Brush for spreading butter.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter).
  • Includes wheat (flour).
  • Contains 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