I remember the first time I tasted those warm, buttery rolls at Texas Roadhouse. There’s something magical about their soft, fluffy texture and that sweet glaze that just melts in your mouth. I couldn’t resist trying to recreate them at home.
After a few attempts, I finally nailed the perfect copycat recipe that brings the same deliciousness right to my kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving that classic Texas Roadhouse experience, these rolls are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup melted butter (for brushing)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Equipment Needed
To recreate those irresistible Texas Roadhouse rolls, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen. Here’s what I use to ensure each batch turns out perfectly soft and buttery:
- Mixing Bowls
A set of medium to large mixing bowls for combining ingredients and allowing the dough to rise.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurement is key. I always have a reliable set of measuring cups and spoons on hand.
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
While I prefer using a stand mixer for its efficiency, a sturdy hand mixer works just as well for kneading the dough.
- Rubber Spatula
Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowls and ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Rolling Pin
Needed for shaping the dough into even portions before baking.
- Baking Sheet
A rimmed baking sheet provides ample space for the rolls to spread and bake evenly.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
Prevents the rolls from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup.
- Pastry Brush
Essential for applying the honey-cinnamon glaze evenly over the warm rolls.
- Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap
Used to cover the dough during the rising process, keeping it moist and warm.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing these Texas Roadhouse Rolls ahead of time is a game-changer for any meal. Here’s how I manage to have warm, fresh rolls ready whenever I need them:
Preparing the Dough
- Mix the Dough: Follow the recipe steps to combine all ingredients and knead the dough until smooth.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Refrigerating the Dough
- Punch Down: After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release excess air.
- Divide and Shape: Divide the dough into equal portions and shape them into rolls.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the shaped rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they have space to expand.
- Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing the Dough
- Prepare the Rolls: After shaping the dough into rolls, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Flash Freeze: Put the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until the rolls are firm.
- Store in Bags: Transfer the frozen rolls to a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Freeze: Keep the rolls in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Baking When Ready
From Refrigerator
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Second Rise: Let the refrigerated rolls sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to rise slightly.
- Bake: Brush the rolls with melted butter and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
From Freezer
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake Frozen Rolls: Place the frozen rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked and golden.
- Glaze: Immediately brush with honey-cinnamon glaze for that authentic Texas Roadhouse finish.
Quick Reference Table
| Make-Ahead Option | Time Required | Storage Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerate | Prep time + 3 days | Up to 3 days |
| Freeze | Prep time + 3 months | Up to 3 months |
By following these make-ahead steps, I ensure that I can enjoy these delicious rolls anytime without the last-minute rush. Whether planning a dinner party or simply craving a warm, buttery treat, these instructions have got you covered.
Directions
I can’t wait to guide you through the steps to create these irresistible rolls. Let’s dive in and bring that Texas Roadhouse magic to your kitchen.
Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk (110°F) with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Sprinkle 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the mixture. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the frothy yeast mixture, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 2 large eggs until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to the wet mixture. Stir with a rubber spatula until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, knead the dough on medium speed for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.
Let the Dough Rise
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Punch Down: Once risen, punch down the dough to release excess air. This ensures a light and fluffy texture in your rolls.
Shape the Rolls
- Divide the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal portions.
- Shape Each Roll: Shape each portion into a smooth ball by rolling them between your palms. Ensure each roll is tight and uniform for even baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the shaped rolls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for expansion.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let them rise for an additional 30 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
Bake the Rolls
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Preheat Oven | 350°F (175°C) |
| Bake Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Brush with Butter | 1/4 cup melted butter |
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush with Butter: Melt 1/4 cup of butter and brush generously over the tops of the risen rolls for a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before the final step.
Serve the Rolls
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over low heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of honey and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until smooth and well combined.
- Glaze the Rolls: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the warm glaze over each roll, allowing it to seep into the soft interior.
- Enjoy: Serve the rolls warm, enticing your guests with their soft texture and rich buttery flavor reminiscent of Texas Roadhouse’s famous rolls.
Tips for Success
As a chef who loves reverse engineering recipes, I’ve picked up a few tricks to ensure your Texas Roadhouse Rolls turn out perfectly every time. Here are my top tips:
1. Activate Your Yeast Properly
Ensure the yeast is active by dissolving it in warm milk. The temperature should be between 105°F and 115°F. If the mixture doesn’t foam within 10 minutes, your yeast might be inactive.
2. Measure Ingredients Accurately
Use a kitchen scale for precision. Accurate measurements of flour, sugar, and liquids are crucial for the right dough consistency.
3. Knead the Dough Thoroughly
Knead the dough for at least 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer. Proper kneading develops the gluten, giving the rolls their soft and chewy texture.
4. Allow Adequate Rising Time
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Proper rising ensures light and airy rolls.
5. Shape the Rolls Consistently
Divide the dough evenly to ensure uniform baking. Aim for rolls that are about 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter for the perfect bite.
6. Maintain Oven Temperature
Preheat your oven to 350°F. An accurate oven temperature is key to achieving that golden-brown exterior without overbaking the inside.
7. Brush with Melted Butter
Brush the rolls with melted butter immediately after baking. This step enhances the rich buttery flavor and keeps the rolls soft.
8. Serve Warm
For the best experience, serve the rolls warm. They are at their peak flavor and texture straight from the oven.
9. Make-Ahead for Convenience
Prepare the dough ahead of time by refrigerating or freezing the shaped rolls. Refer to the table below for storage durations and baking times.
| Storage Method | Storage Duration | Baking Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated | Up to 3 days | Let rolls rise for 30 minutes before baking |
| Frozen | Up to 2 months | Bake directly from freezer, add extra 5 minutes |
10. Experiment with Glazes
Customize the honey glaze by adjusting the honey and cinnamon levels to suit your taste. A good glaze can elevate the flavor of your rolls to the next level.
Conclusion
Creating these Texas Roadhouse-style rolls at home has been so rewarding. There’s something special about enjoying warm buttery rolls fresh from your own oven.
Seeing everyone’s smiles when they take a bite makes all the effort worthwhile. It’s amazing how a simple recipe can bring so much joy to the table.
I’m thrilled to have this recipe in my repertoire and can’t wait to make it again. Give it a go and treat yourself to that classic Texas Roadhouse flavor at home.
