Texas Roadhouse Rolls

These pillowy homemade bread rolls capture the perfect balance of sweetness and buttery goodness that made the Texas Roadhouse version famous. Each bite delivers cloud-like softness with a tender golden crust that simply melts in your mouth. The accompanying cinnamon honey butter transforms these already delicious rolls into an irresistible treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds and thirds.

I first attempted this recipe during a holiday dinner when I wanted something special beyond standard dinner rolls. The moment these came out of the oven, my family crowded around the kitchen, breaking into the warm rolls before they even made it to the table. Now they're requested at every gathering, and I often make a double batch knowing how quickly they disappear.

Selecting Quality Ingredients

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Choosing high-quality, fresh ingredients ensures that your rolls turn out just like the restaurant version.

• Active dry yeast: The leavening workhorse that creates that fluffy texture. For best results, check the expiration date and store in a cool, dry place before using.
• Warm water: Must be approximately 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it. Too hot or too cold water will prevent proper rising.
• Sugar: Serves as food for the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough. Regular granulated sugar works perfectly for this recipe.
• Lukewarm milk: Adds richness and tenderness to the rolls. Whole milk provides the best flavor, but 2% also works well.
• Unsalted butter: Creates that distinctive buttery flavor. Using unsalted allows you to control the salt content precisely.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help with browning. Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the dough.
• Salt: Enhances all other flavors and controls yeast activity. Fine sea salt dissolves most evenly throughout the dough.
• All-purpose flour: Creates the structure while maintaining tenderness. For best results, measure using the spoon and level method.

Mastering The Process

From mixing the dough to achieving the perfect golden crust, following these steps carefully will help you master these iconic rolls.

Proper Yeast Activation:

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the active dry yeast with warm water that feels like comfortable bath water (110°F) and a teaspoon of sugar. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for 10-15 minutes. You should see significant bubbling and foaming, which indicates the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. If little or no bubbling occurs, your yeast may be old or the water temperature was incorrect.

Creating The Perfect Dough:

Once your yeast mixture is foamy, add the lukewarm milk, melted butter, remaining sugar, eggs, and salt. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed for about one minute to combine these wet ingredients. Gradually add the flour one cup at a time, allowing each addition to incorporate before adding more. The dough should come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl but still feel slightly tacky to the touch.

First Rise Development:

Transfer your dough to a large bowl that has been lightly coated with cooking spray. Turn the dough once to coat all surfaces with a thin layer of oil. Cover the bowl with a clean, damp kitchen towel and place in a warm, draft-free location. Ideal rising temperature is between 75-85°F. Allow the dough to rise until doubled in volume, which should take approximately one hour. The dough should look puffy and spring back slowly when gently poked.

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The honey butter component of this recipe has become something of a legend in my household. My husband now requests it for everything from pancakes to sweet potatoes. I discovered through experimentation that allowing the butter to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the cinnamon flavor to fully bloom. When my mother-in-law first tasted these rolls, she insisted I must have secretly purchased them from the restaurant. The proud moment of revealing they were homemade sparked a family tradition of bread-making lessons every holiday season.

Fantastic Serving Ideas

These versatile rolls complement virtually any meal. Serve them alongside hearty soups and stews for the perfect dipping companion. They make an excellent addition to holiday feasts, providing the ideal vehicle for soaking up turkey gravy or cranberry sauce. For breakfast, split and toast leftover rolls for an elevated base for eggs benedict. My personal favorite way to enjoy them is slightly warmed and slathered with the cinnamon honey butter as an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

Proper Storage Instructions

Store completely cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness longer, refrigerate for up to a week, though the texture may become slightly firmer. For longer storage, freeze the baked rolls in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes before serving. The cinnamon honey butter can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks or frozen for up to three months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make Texas Roadhouse Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes, then let rise until doubled before baking. You can also freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months.

→ Why do I need to scald the milk for these rolls?

Scalding the milk (heating it until bubbles form around the edges, then cooling) helps deactivate proteins that can prevent proper gluten development. This results in fluffier, more tender rolls with better rise.

→ Can I make these Texas Roadhouse Rolls without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can mix the dough by hand. Combine ingredients in a large bowl, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

→ How can I tell when my rolls are properly risen?

Properly risen rolls should roughly double in size and look puffy. Gently press a finger into the dough - if it springs back slightly but still leaves a small indentation, they're ready to bake.

→ Can I freeze the honey cinnamon butter?

Yes! The honey cinnamon butter freezes beautifully. Place it in an airtight container or shape it into a log wrapped in parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.