Introduction
Texas Roadhouse’s rolls are one of those comfort foods that are nearly impossible to resist. Soft, warm, and delicious, these rolls are the perfect balance of fluffy and sweet, especially when topped with honey cinnamon butter.
This homemade version of the iconic rolls allows you to bring that same magic into your kitchen, so you can enjoy them whenever you want, fresh out of the oven.
The good news is, the recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, and the result is just as satisfying as the original.
Ingredients
For the Rolls: 1 cup warm milk
1 package or 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/3 cup sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the board
1 egg
1/3 cup butter, melted (plus 1/4 cup melted butter for brushing, optional)
1 teaspoon salt
For the Honey Cinnamon Butter:
1/2 cup softened butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
Start by warming up the milk. It should be warm to the touch but not too hot; this helps activate the yeast.
Add the yeast and sugar into the warm milk, stirring until the yeast dissolves. Let the mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add the egg and melted butter, and mix well.
Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until the dough begins to form. If needed, sprinkle in a little extra flour to ensure the dough isn’t too sticky.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl.
cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick.
Cut the dough into squares or use a round cutter to shape your rolls. Place them on a greased baking pan, leaving some space between each roll.
Cover the pan with a towel again and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.
Once they’ve risen, bake the rolls in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
While the rolls are baking, prepare the honey cinnamon butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, cinnamon, honey, and powdered sugar.
Mix until smooth and creamy. Once the rolls are out of the oven, brush them with the melted butter (optional) and serve with the honey cinnamon butter.
How to Make
Making these rolls is easier than you might think, and the process is straightforward with just a few simple steps. Start by activating the yeast with warm milk and sugar.
This step is crucial because the yeast needs warmth to grow and create the fluffiness in the rolls. Allow it to bubble up and get frothy to ensure it’s working properly.
Next, combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, adding in the yeast mixture. The dough might be a bit sticky at first.
so don’t worry; just gradually incorporate flour as needed to make it easier to work with. Kneading is an essential step to build the gluten and structure in the dough.
This ensures your rolls will rise beautifully and have the perfect texture.
After kneading, allow the dough to rest and rise. This step is where the magic happens, as the yeast expands.
making the dough airy and light. It’s important to let it rise in a warm place free from drafts to give the yeast the best chance to do its job. Once it has doubled in size, the dough is ready to be shaped into rolls.
Rolling out the dough to a uniform thickness is key to ensuring the rolls cook evenly. Use a floured surface to prevent sticking.
When cutting the rolls, whether you use squares or a round cutter, make sure they are all roughly the same size for consistent baking.
Place the rolls on a greased pan and allow them to rise again to achieve that perfect, pillowy softness.
Bake the rolls until golden brown, watching carefully so they don’t over-brown. The final touch is brushing them with melted butter for extra richness and flavor.
Serve these fresh out of the oven for the best results. The honey cinnamon butter can be spread generously on top for a sweet, cinnamon-spiced finish.
Variations
Though the classic version of these rolls is a crowd favorite, you can easily add a personal twist to the recipe.
For a savory version, consider adding garlic powder or rosemary to the dough for a herbed flavor. This would pair wonderfully with a variety of meals, from pasta to roasted meats.
You could also experiment by incorporating cheese into the dough, such as cheddar or parmesan, for a cheesy, flavorful roll.
This would add a salty, rich depth to the soft texture, and it pairs especially well with soups and stews.
If you love a bit of sweetness in your bread, adding some cinnamon sugar to the dough before rolling it up can elevate the flavor even further.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan option, you can substitute plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter instead.
The rolls will still have that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the honey cinnamon butter can be replaced with agave or maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
For a fun twist, try stuffing your rolls with chocolate chips, Nutella, or even fruit preserves before baking.
These sweet-filled rolls make for an irresistible treat, and the gooey filling is a delightful surprise with every bite.
To make the rolls smaller or larger, you can adjust the size of your dough portions. Smaller rolls work well as a party.
appetizer or for serving with a variety of dips, while larger rolls make for perfect bread for sopping up sauces and gravies.
Another variation is to bake the dough into a pull-apart bread style, where you form the dough into small, round balls and arrange them in a circle.
This makes for a fun and interactive way to serve the rolls at a gathering, and the pull-apart style adds an extra element of enjoyment.
Finally, for a more rustic feel, consider shaping the dough into loaf forms. This style of bread is perfect.
for sandwiches or as a side to soups and stews. The texture will be slightly denser than the classic rolls, but still incredibly soft and flavorful.
Tips
If your dough isn’t rising as expected, ensure that the yeast is still active by testing it with warm water and sugar before using it.
Yeast can lose its potency over time, so always check the expiration date.
Make sure the milk isn’t too hot when you add the yeast. If the milk is scalding, it can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising properly. Aim for a temperature between 100°F and 110°F.
When kneading the dough, be patient. You want to work it until it’s smooth and elastic, which can take a few minutes. This step is vital for the texture of the rolls, so take your time and enjoy the process.
If you’re making the rolls in advance, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking.
For an extra soft texture, try using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps to create a more chewy and tender roll.
Consider brushing the rolls with melted butter twice – once before baking, and again when they come out of the oven. This ensures they stay soft and flavorful throughout.
Lastly, if you want to speed up the rising process, you can create a warm, moist environment by placing.
the dough in an oven with the light on. This mimics a proofing box and encourages faster rising.
Conclusion
Texas Roadhouse’s rolls are a true indulgence, and making them at home allows you to recreate that experience in your own kitchen. From the soft.
Fluffy texture to the irresistible honey cinnamon butter, they are sure to become a family favorite. These rolls are perfect for any occasion and can be easily customized to suit your preferences.
With a little patience and a few simple ingredients, you’ll be able to enjoy these mouthwatering rolls any time you want.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twists, this homemade version is bound to satisfy your craving for fresh, warm, buttery rolls.