Rhodes Rolls Copycat Recipe: Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Homemade Rolls

The irresistible aroma of freshly baked Rhodes Rolls fills my kitchen, bringing back fond memories of cozy dinners and family gatherings. I’ve always admired how these rolls manage to be both soft and flavorful, making them the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Determined to recreate that magic at home, I experimented with various recipes until I nailed the perfect copycat version. It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience can deliver such delicious results. Now, I can enjoy these delightful rolls any time I want, right from my own oven.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/2 cup warm water (110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon water

Tools and Equipment

To recreate these delicious Rhodes Rolls at home, having the right tools and equipment makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls

I prefer a set of sturdy mixing bowls in various sizes for combining ingredients and allowing the dough to rise.

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer

A stand mixer with a dough hook attachment is ideal for kneading the dough, but a hand mixer works well too if you don’t have a stand mixer.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements are crucial. I use both dry and liquid measuring cups along with a set of spoons to ensure precision.

• Digital Kitchen Scale

For the most accurate measurements, especially when dealing with flour and other dry ingredients, a kitchen scale is invaluable.

• Rolling Pin

A good rolling pin helps flatten the dough evenly for the perfect cinnamon-sugar filling spread.

• Pastry Brush

Use a pastry brush to evenly spread the softened butter on the dough before adding the filling.

• Baking Sheets

I invest in high-quality non-stick baking sheets to ensure the rolls bake evenly and don’t stick during cooking.

• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats

Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the rolls from sticking.

• Cooling Rack

A cooling rack allows excess steam to escape, keeping the rolls soft and preventing them from becoming soggy.

• Loaf Pan (Optional)

If you prefer your rolls in a loaf form, a loaf pan is necessary. Otherwise, baking them as individual rolls on a sheet works perfectly.

• Oven Thermometer

To ensure your oven is at the correct temperature, an oven thermometer is a handy tool for consistent baking results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your own delightful Rhodes Rolls at home. From preparing the dough to baking the perfect rolls, I’ll guide you through the process.

Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 packets (4 ½ teaspoons) of active dry yeast, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of warm milk, 1/2 cup of warm water, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 large eggs.
3. Form the Dough: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.

Prepare the Filling

1. Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, blend 1 cup of brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon until well combined.
2. Soften Butter: Allow 1/2 cup of unsalted butter to soften at room temperature or microwave it for about 20 seconds until spreadable.

Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and place it on a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle approximately 16 by 12 inches.
2. Add Butter: Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough using a pastry brush.
3. Add Filling: Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
4. Roll the Dough: Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
5. Slice the Rolls: Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
6. Arrange in Pan: Place the slices into a greased baking dish or onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
7. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes until puffed up.

Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully heat up.
2. Bake: Place the risen rolls in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until they turn a golden brown color.
3. Prepare Glaze: While the rolls are baking, combine 1/4 cup of honey with 1/4 cup of water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Glaze the Rolls: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them generously with the honey glaze, ensuring each roll is beautifully coated.
5. Cool: Transfer the glazed rolls to a cooling rack and let them sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the warm, sweet aroma and soft texture!

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing Rhodes Rolls in advance can save you time and allow you to enjoy fresh, warm rolls whenever you desire. Here are my top tips for making your rolls ahead of time:

1. Prepare the Dough in Advance

You can prepare the dough up to the first rise a day ahead.

• Mix and Knead: Follow the recipe to mix and knead the dough.
• First Rise: Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
• Refrigerate: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

2. Assemble and Freeze Before Baking

For longer storage, assemble the rolls and freeze them before baking.

• Roll and Fill: Roll out the dough, add the filling, and slice into rolls.
• Arrange on Tray: Place the sliced rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze: Freeze the assembled rolls until solid, about 2-3 hours.
• Store in Bags: Transfer the frozen rolls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

3. Thaw and Bake When Ready

When you’re ready to enjoy the rolls, simply thaw and bake.

• Thawing: Remove the rolls from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
• Second Rise: Allow the rolls to rise again until they puff up.
• Bake: Follow the original baking instructions, adjusting the baking time slightly if necessary.

4. Prepare the Glaze Ahead of Time

You can prepare the honey glaze in advance to streamline the baking day.

• Mix Ingredients: Combine honey and water as per the recipe.
• Store: Keep the glaze in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Apply After Baking: Brush the glaze over the warm rolls right after they come out of the oven.

5. Utilize a Proofing Container

Investing in a proofing container can help maintain the dough’s moisture and structure during storage.

• Cover Properly: Use a container with a lid or a damp cloth to prevent the dough from drying out.
• Maintain Temperature: Store the dough in a cool, consistent environment to ensure a successful rise when you’re ready to bake.

By following these make-ahead tips, you can enjoy delicious, homemade Rhodes Rolls with minimal effort whenever the craving strikes.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage ensures your Rhodes Rolls stay fresh and delicious longer. Here’s how I keep them at their best:

1. Cooling Completely

• Allow the rolls to cool on a cooling rack for at least an hour. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

1. Room Temperature Storage

• Place the cooled rolls in an airtight container.
• Keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• To maintain softness, add a slice of bread to the container.

1. Refrigeration

• Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Before serving, let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.

1. Freezing

• Individually wrap each roll in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, transfer the desired number of rolls to the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.

1. Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with foil to prevent drying.
• Heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• For a quick option, microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds.

Storage Duration Overview

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade Rhodes Rolls anytime without compromising on taste or texture.

Conclusion

Baking these Rhodes Rolls has brought back so many warm memories for me. There’s something special about creating something homemade that tastes just like the ones I remember from family gatherings. The process was simpler than I expected and the results are absolutely rewarding. Anytime I crave that sweet, comforting flavor I know I can whip up a batch with ease. Sharing them with friends and family has been a joy and a great way to spread a bit of nostalgia. If you’re looking to recreate those cherished moments in your kitchen I highly recommend giving this copycat recipe a try. Happy baking!