Description
Recreate the beloved Texas Roadhouse Rolls with this sweet, fluffy, and easy copycat recipe. These soft dinner rolls are made with a yeast-based dough enriched with butter and sugar, yielding a tender crumb and golden crust. Perfect for any occasion, topped with melted butter and optionally served with homemade cinnamon honey butter for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon warm water (105-115°F)
- 6 tablespoons (75g) granulated sugar, divided
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (245g) warm whole milk (105-115°F)
- 7 tablespoons (99g) unsalted butter, melted, divided (for dough & brushing)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3 ½ cups (444.5g) bread flour
- ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened (for dough after first rise)
Cinnamon Honey Butter (Optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon warm water (105-115°F), 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Stir gently, then let sit in a warm spot for 5-10 minutes until a foamy layer forms on the surface, indicating activated yeast.
- Prepare Milk & Butter Mixture: While yeast activates, combine 1 cup warm whole milk, approximately 3 tablespoons of the melted unsalted butter (from the 7 tablespoons divided), and the remaining granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Immediately remove from heat and cool to lukewarm (105-115°F) to avoid killing the yeast.
- Combine Wet Ingredients & Knead Dough: Pour the cooled milk and butter mixture into the bowl with the activated yeast. Add the room-temperature large egg and 1 teaspoon kosher salt; whisk to combine. Gradually add the 3 ½ cups bread flour, about 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook on medium-low speed for 6-8 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and passes the windowpane test.
- First Rise (Bulk Fermentation): Lightly grease a large clean bowl with oil or cooking spray. Place the dough ball in the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot (75-80°F / 24-27°C) for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Incorporate Butter & Shape Rolls: Gently punch down the risen dough to release gases. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Incorporate the ¼ cup (57g) softened unsalted butter into the dough by gently folding and kneading until fully blended. Allow dough to rest for 5-10 minutes. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately ½ to ¾ inch thick. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into individual 2×2 inch squares.
- Second Rise: Lightly grease two large baking sheets or line with parchment paper. Carefully transfer the cut dough squares to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll. Loosely cover the baking sheets with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free spot for another 45-60 minutes, or until noticeably puffy and nearly doubled in size.
- Bake the Rolls: About 15-20 minutes before the rolls finish their second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 12-18 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and the rolls are cooked through. The internal temperature should be 200-210°F (93-99°C).
- Finishing Touches & Serve: Once baked, immediately remove the baking sheets from the oven. Generously brush the tops of the hot rolls with the remaining melted unsalted butter (approximately 4 tablespoons from the 7 tablespoons divided). Allow rolls to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm.
- Optional Cinnamon Honey Butter: To prepare Cinnamon Honey Butter, in a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon with ½ cup softened unsalted butter. Mix until light and fluffy. Serve alongside the warm rolls for an authentic experience.
Notes
- Ensure liquids (water and milk) are at 105-115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading dough to the windowpane stage is key for the fluffy texture.
- Butter folded into the dough after the first rise adds richness and softness.
- Allow enough time for both rises; they are critical for light rolls.
- Brush rolls with melted butter immediately after baking for shine and flavor.
- The cinnamon honey butter is optional but highly recommended for authenticity and sweetness.
- Roll size can be adjusted but keep them fairly uniform for even baking.
- Use fresh yeast for best results, check expiration date.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Texas Roadhouse rolls copycat, homemade dinner rolls, soft rolls recipe, sweet rolls, fluffy yeast rolls, cinnamon honey butter, copycat bread recipe
