Texas Roadhouse Rolls are soft, fluffy, slightly sweet dinner rolls that have become an iconic part of the Texas Roadhouse restaurant experience. These rolls are known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and are often served with cinnamon butter, which makes them irresistible. Here’s a recipe to help you recreate these delicious rolls at home!
Ingredients:
For the Rolls:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F-115°F)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup melted butter (divided)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour (start with 4 1/2 cups and add more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing on top of the rolls before baking)
For the Cinnamon Butter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir gently to dissolve. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add 1/4 cup of melted butter, vegetable oil, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
- Add Flour: Gradually add in 4 1/2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. The dough should begin to pull away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
2. Let the Dough Rise:
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Shape the Rolls:
- Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12-16 equal portions, depending on how large you want the rolls to be.
- Shape the Rolls: Roll each portion into a ball and place it in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll. For a classic Texas Roadhouse look, you can form the rolls into “knots” by rolling the dough into a log and tying it into a knot, or just shape them into round balls.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they’re puffy and nearly doubled in size.
4. Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Once the rolls have risen, brush the tops with a little melted butter. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
5. Make the Cinnamon Butter:
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cinnamon butter by mixing the softened butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the cinnamon or sugar if needed.
6. Serve:
- When the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush the tops with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
- Serve the rolls warm with a generous spread of cinnamon butter.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just punch it down in the morning and let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
- Freezing Rolls: These rolls can be frozen either before baking (after the second rise) or after baking. To freeze before baking, freeze the shaped rolls on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them rise and bake as usual. To freeze after baking, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Adjust Sweetness: The cinnamon butter is sweet, but you can adjust the sweetness of the rolls or the butter depending on your taste. Add a bit more sugar or less cinnamon if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your Texas Roadhouse Rolls with a hearty main dish like steak, roast chicken, or pasta.
- They also make a fantastic appetizer when served alongside a bowl of soup or salad.
Enjoy!
These homemade Texas Roadhouse Rolls are soft, fluffy, and sweet, just like the ones served at the restaurant, and the cinnamon butter makes them absolutely irresistible! Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with warm, fresh rolls.
