Texas Roadhouse’s Rolls

Texas Roadhouse’s Rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet dinner rolls that melt in your mouth, especially when served warm with a generous spread of cinnamon butter. Known for their irresistible pillow-like texture and golden-brown tops, these rolls have become a favorite at the restaurant chain and are just as amazing when made at home. They’re the perfect addition to any meal—from holiday feasts to casual weeknight dinners.

This homemade version captures all the comforting qualities of the original: tender dough, subtle sweetness, and that rich buttery finish. The dough is simple to work with and uses basic pantry ingredients, making it easy to bake a big batch for gatherings or freeze extras for future meals. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying homemade rolls for the first time, these Texas Roadhouse-style rolls are a surefire way to impress at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Incredible Texture: Soft, fluffy, and buttery—just like the restaurant version.
2. Beginner-Friendly: Simple ingredients and steps make it approachable for any home baker.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh before serving.
4. Versatile Side: Great with dinner, soup, or even as slider buns.
5. Better Than Store-Bought: Freshly baked, preservative-free rolls with unbeatable flavor.

Ingredients

• Active dry yeast
• Warm milk
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter (room temperature and melted)
• Egg
• Kosher salt
• All-purpose flour

Variations

• Sweet Cinnamon Rolls: Add cinnamon sugar filling and roll up the dough to create dessert-style rolls.
• Honey Butter Rolls: Mix honey into the melted butter topping for a touch of sweetness.
• Whole Wheat Option: Swap half the flour for whole wheat to make a heartier version.
• Garlic Butter Finish: Brush with garlic-infused butter for a savory twist.
• Cheesy Rolls: Fold shredded cheddar into the dough for added richness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

In a mixing bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk. Let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2

Stir in the sugar, softened butter, egg, and salt until well combined.

Step 3

Gradually add flour, starting with 3 ½ cups and mixing until a soft dough forms. Add more flour as needed.

Step 4

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6

Punch down the dough and roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Cut into squares or rectangles.

Step 7

Place the dough pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.

Step 8

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 9

Brush immediately with melted butter while still warm.

Step 10

Serve warm, optionally with cinnamon butter on the side.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure your milk is warm but not hot—105–110°F is ideal for activating yeast.
• Room temperature ingredients help the dough rise evenly.
• Don’t skip the second rise—it ensures light, fluffy rolls.
• Use a sharp knife or bench scraper for clean roll shapes.
• Brush with melted butter straight out of the oven for that glossy finish.

How to Serve

Serve these warm rolls straight from the oven alongside hearty soups, grilled meats, or holiday roasts. They also work perfectly for sliders, brunch platters, or simply with cinnamon butter as a sweet snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze baked rolls in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven.

Reheating

Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave briefly until soft and warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, but skip the blooming step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

2. What if my dough is too sticky?

Add flour one tablespoon at a time until it’s manageable but still slightly tacky.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate the dough overnight, then bring to room temperature and continue with rising.

4. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just make sure your bowl and baking sheet can accommodate the increased volume.

5. What’s the best way to get even-sized rolls?

Use a ruler and bench scraper or pizza cutter to measure and cut the dough evenly.

6. Why didn’t my rolls rise?

The yeast may have been old or the milk temperature too hot or too cold. Always proof your yeast first.

7. How can I make cinnamon butter?

Mix softened butter with powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a little honey or vanilla.

8. Do I need a stand mixer?

No, the dough can be mixed and kneaded entirely by hand.

9. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes, it will give a slightly chewier texture but still delicious results.

10. What’s the best way to store extra melted butter?

Refrigerate it in a sealed container and reheat gently to reuse on leftovers.

Conclusion

Texas Roadhouse’s Rolls are the ultimate homemade comfort bread—soft, buttery, and lightly sweet with a golden finish. Whether served alongside a hearty dinner or enjoyed with a swipe of cinnamon butter, these rolls will quickly become a family favorite. With easy-to-follow steps and flexible variations, this recipe brings the iconic steakhouse experience right to your kitchen.

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