Texas Roadhouse’s Rolls

Nothing beats the warm, fluffy rolls from Texas Roadhouse, especially when paired with their signature Honey Cinnamon Butter. Now, you can recreate this delightful experience at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, these rolls will impress everyone with their soft texture and irresistible flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Rolls:

• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 package or 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the board
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup butter, melted plus 1/4 cup butter, melted (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Honey Cinnamon Butter:

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Proof the Yeast: In a cup or small bowl, stir together the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow the yeast to proof and begin to activate while you prepare the other ingredients. This step is optional but recommended for better yeast activation.

2. Prepare the Dough: Using a stand mixer or food processor, combine the flour, egg, 1/3 cup melted butter, and salt. Mix until well combined.

3. Add Yeast Mixture: Add the proofed yeast mixture to the dough and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.

5. Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares and place them on a greased baking sheet.

6. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let them rise again until doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.

7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with the remaining melted butter, if desired.

8. Make Honey Cinnamon Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, cinnamon, honey, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Warm Presentation: Serve the rolls warm for the best experience. If they have cooled down, you can reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes.
2. Accompaniments: Pair the rolls with a generous dollop of Honey Cinnamon Butter or regular butter. They also go well with savory dishes like soups, stews, and roasts.
3. Garnish: For an extra touch, sprinkle some coarse sea salt or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the rolls before serving.
4. Serving Size: These rolls are great for sharing at family gatherings or dinner parties. One batch makes about 12-16 rolls, depending on the size.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure the container is well-sealed to prevent the rolls from drying out.
2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
3. Freezing: You can freeze the rolls for up to a month. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, wrap the frozen rolls in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes.
4. Avoid Drying Out: If reheating in the microwave, cover the rolls with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Heat in short intervals to ensure they remain soft and moist.

Variations:

1. Garlic Herb Rolls:
   • Ingredients: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of mixed Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, and rosemary) to the dough.
   • Instructions: Mix the garlic and herbs into the dough during the initial mixing stage. Bake as directed. Serve with herb-infused butter.
2. Cheese Rolls:
   • Ingredients: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the dough.
   • Instructions: Fold the cheese into the dough before shaping the rolls. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top of the rolls before baking.
3. Whole Wheat Rolls:
   • Ingredients: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
   • Instructions: Follow the original recipe, but note that the dough may be slightly denser and require a bit more liquid. Adjust with additional milk if necessary.
4. Sweet Rolls:
   • Ingredients: Increase the sugar in the dough to 1/2 cup and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
   • Instructions: Follow the original recipe. After baking, drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
5. Cinnamon Rolls:
   • Ingredients: Add 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup of brown sugar to the dough.
   • Instructions: Roll out the dough, sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, roll up, and cut into slices. Bake as directed and top with cream cheese frosting.
6. Stuffed Rolls:
   • Ingredients: Small cubes of ham, cheese, or cooked sausage.
   • Instructions: Flatten each piece of dough, place a small cube of the filling in the center, and wrap the dough around it. Pinch to seal and bake as directed.
7. Pretzel Rolls:
   • Ingredients: 1/4 cup baking soda.
   • Instructions: Before baking, boil each roll in water mixed with baking soda for 30 seconds. This gives the rolls a chewy pretzel-like texture. Sprinkle with coarse salt before baking.
8. Herbed Butter Rolls:
   • Ingredients: Mix 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (like parsley, thyme, or chives) into the butter.
   • Instructions: Brush the rolls with herbed butter before baking for a flavorful twist.
9. Pumpkin Rolls:
   • Ingredients: Substitute 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
   • Instructions: Mix the pumpkin puree and spice into the dough with the other wet ingredients. Follow the original recipe.
10. Jalapeno Cheddar Rolls:
    • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped jalapenos and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dough.
    • Instructions: Mix the jalapenos and cheese into the dough before shaping the rolls. Sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for a spicy, cheesy delight.

These variations allow you to customize Texas Roadhouse’s Rolls to suit different tastes and occasions, making them even more versatile and delicious.

FAQs:

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
   • Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but there’s no need to proof the instant yeast in warm milk. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
3. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
   • The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check with a thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).
4. Can I freeze the dough?
   • Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Shape the rolls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before the second rise and baking.
5. What can I substitute for milk in the recipe?
   • You can use water, almond milk, or soy milk as a substitute for regular milk. The texture might vary slightly, but it will still work.
6. How can I make the rolls gluten-free?
   • Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that is a 1:1 substitute for regular flour. The texture may be different, and you might need to adjust the liquid content.
7. Can I add different herbs or spices to the dough?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder, to add extra flavor to the rolls.
8. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
   • Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste.
9. Can I make the honey cinnamon butter ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can make the honey cinnamon butter ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring it to room temperature before serving for easier spreading.
10. How do I store leftover rolls?

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.