Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls Recipe

Name: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 210 min
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 6 Tbsp. (3 oz.) unsalted butter, softened, divided; 1 (1/4-oz.) envelope active dry yeast; 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature; 2 large eggs, at room temperature, divided; 3 3/4 cups (about 16 oz.) all-purpose flour, divided, plus more for work surface; Cooking spray; 1 Tbsp. tap water; Cinnamon Honey Butter , for serving

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Now you dont have to take a trip to Texas Roadhouse to get your hands on those soft, sweet, and irresistibly fluffy rolls. Our copycat version delivers the same warm and comforting delight of those signature dinner rolls right from your very own oven. These went fast in the test kitchen, proving there is nothing better than bread straight out of the oven. These rolls are incredibly easy to make and dont require shaping. Theyre like soft little pillows of goodness!

Not only do these rolls taste just like the real thing, but they also have the iconic Roadhouse roll look, with a square, domed shape and a glossy, golden brown exterior. But, no basket of fresh-baked rolls is complete without our Copycat Cinnamon Honey Butter, which adds a sweet richness to every warm, tender bite.

Ingredients

This recipe was developed with its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. The original recipe (1X) yields 16 servings.

1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, divided
1 (1/4-oz.) envelope active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature, divided
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided, plus more for work surface
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon water
Cinnamon Honey Butter, for serving

Directions

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients to ensure you're ready to begin.

Step 2: Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until just bubbling around the edges (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and pour the milk into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment.

Step 3: Stir in the sugar and 4 tablespoons of butter. Let the mixture cool, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a temperature of 110-120F (43-48C), about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the yeast, then let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

Step 5: Add the salt, egg yolk, 1 egg, and half of the flour. Beat on low speed until combined, which should take about 1 minute.

Step 6: Continue on low speed, carefully adding the remaining flour (1/2 cup at a time), until the dough just comes together, around 1 minute. The dough will be sticky and wet.

Step 7: Increase the speed to medium and beat until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, becoming smooth and elastic (approximately 8-10 minutes).

Step 8: Coat a large bowl with cooking spray and transfer the dough to it. Cover loosely and let rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).

Step 9: Once the dough has risen, punch it down with a clean hand. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and press or roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Trim the edges to form a 16- x 8-inch rectangle.

Step 10: Starting from one long end, fold the dough in half to form a 16- x 4-inch rectangle. Pinch the dough together to seal the edges.

Step 11: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 16 squares, each about 2 inches in size.

Step 12: Place the dough squares onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature until they double in size (about 1 hour). It's okay if the sheet appears a bit crowded.

Step 13: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).

Step 14: Whisk together the remaining egg and water, then brush the tops of the rolls with this egg wash.

Step 15: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 12 to 16 minutes.

Step 16: Microwave the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter on HIGH until melted (about 30 seconds). Immediately brush the warm rolls with the melted butter.

Step 17: Serve the rolls warm with Cinnamon Honey Butter for an extra delicious touch.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 186
Total Fat: 7g (9% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 4g (19% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 61mg (20% Daily Value)
Sodium: 145mg (6% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 26g (9% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 4g
Protein: 5g (10% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
Calcium: 30mg (2% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (8% Daily Value)
Potassium: 70mg (1% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls Recipe

History and Origins of Texas Roadhouse Rolls

The iconic Texas Roadhouse rolls trace their roots to the American South, where bread-making traditions focused on soft, buttery, and slightly sweet dinner rolls that could complement hearty meals. Inspired by classic Southern baking techniques, these rolls gained fame through the Texas Roadhouse restaurant chain, founded in 1993 in Clarksville, Indiana. While the chain itself is not originally Texan, it adopted the spirit of Texas-style hospitality, pairing generous, warm rolls with meals as a signature welcome to diners.

Regional Characteristics

Unlike typical dinner rolls found elsewhere in the U.S., Texas Roadhouse rolls are square-shaped with a golden-brown, glossy crust and a soft, pillowy interior. The subtle sweetness comes from a combination of sugar and milk in the dough, while butter both in the dough and brushed on top creates a rich, moist texture. This balance of sweet, soft, and buttery is a hallmark of Southern-style rolls, distinguishing them from the crustier rolls common in the Northeast or the denser, egg-enriched rolls of the Midwest.

Differences from Similar Breads

While similar to Parker House rolls in shape and sweetness, Texas Roadhouse rolls are uniquely fluffier and slightly sweeter, with a more elastic, tender crumb. Unlike dinner rolls that rely heavily on eggs or cream, these rolls achieve their softness primarily through a combination of milk, butter, and yeast fermentation. The use of melted butter brushed after baking, along with the optional cinnamon honey butter, adds a distinctive flavor layer that sets them apart from ordinary rolls.

Typical Serving Context

These rolls are most often served as a complimentary starter at Texas Roadhouse restaurants, usually alongside a basket of cinnamon honey butter. They pair perfectly with Southern-style entrees such as steaks, ribs, and fried chicken, but they also make a wonderful accompaniment to soups, salads, and holiday meals. At home, they are often served warm, fresh from the oven, with a touch of butter or jam for breakfast or dinner.

Interesting Facts

The rolls are intentionally square, which is unusual for dinner rolls, allowing them to fit neatly in the classic restaurant baskets.
Texas Roadhouse has become famous for its free rolls, creating a cult-like following and inspiring countless copycat recipes online.
The signature cinnamon honey butter served with the rolls was developed to complement their mild sweetness and has become a beloved pairing beyond the restaurant chain.
Despite their name, the rolls are not a traditional Texas recipe but a modern interpretation of Southern-style bread designed to enhance the dining experience.
Home bakers often note that the dough is sticky and wet, which is a key factor in achieving the rolls characteristic soft and fluffy texture.

FAQ about Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls Recipe

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, place them in the freezer. To reheat, wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After kneading, cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature and proceed with the recipe from the shaping step.

Yes, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. It will make kneading much easier and quicker. However, if you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes.

Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

These rolls are perfect with any meal, but they’re especially delicious with butter, honey butter, or cinnamon honey butter. They make a great side dish for soups, stews, or roasted meats.

Yes, cinnamon honey butter can be made ahead of time. Simply combine softened butter, honey, and cinnamon, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 1-2 weeks.

You can perform the 'windowpane test' to check if the dough is kneaded enough. Take a small piece of dough and gently stretch it with your fingers. If the dough stretches into a thin, translucent membrane without tearing, it's ready.

If your dough isn't rising, it may be due to inactive yeast or insufficient warmth. Ensure that your yeast is fresh and the environment is warm (about 75°F or 24°C) for the dough to rise. You can place the dough in a slightly warm oven or near a warm spot in the kitchen.

For the best texture, it's recommended to use all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute with bread flour for a slightly chewier roll. If using whole wheat flour, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.

Comments

Debra Ramirez

12/14/2022 04:33:03 AM

These turned out beautifully soft and incredibly delicious. Although it was quite labor-intensive, each step took longer than expected. Kneading the dough in my KitchenAid mixer alone took about thirty minutes until it met the windowpane test, and the initial proofing required two hours for the dough to double in size. The rolls already looked promising when shaped - light and fluffy. They baked to perfection and looked stunning. This was my first attempt at baking rolls or bread with yeast, and while following the instructions was manageable, I had to do a fair bit of online research to determine when the dough was kneaded and proofed to perfection.

Christopher Wright

08/11/2024 07:42:47 AM

This turned out just like the recipe. The rolls are incredibly soft, slightly sweet, and absolutely delicious!

Cook Time: 25 minutes