Texas Roadhouse’s Rolls

Texas Roadhouse is renowned for its mouthwatering rolls, a delightful accompaniment to any meal. Recreating these rolls at home brings warmth and comfort to the kitchen. Here’s a simple recipe to craft these delectable treats, along with a sweet and savory honey cinnamon butter to elevate the experience.

Ingredients:

• 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

Directions:

1. 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 it enhances the flavor and texture of the rolls).
2. Using a stand mixer or food processor, combine the flour, egg, 1/3 cup melted butter, and salt. Add the proofed yeast mixture to the dough ingredients.
3. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a greased baking sheet, allowing some space between each roll.
7. Brush the rolls with melted butter (optional) and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
8. Bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. While the rolls are baking, prepare the honey cinnamon butter by mixing softened butter, cinnamon, honey, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
10. Serve the warm rolls with the honey cinnamon butter on the side for a delightful treat.

Tips:

• Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
• Don’t skip the proofing step for the yeast, as it ensures the rolls rise properly and develop a good flavor.
• If you prefer a richer flavor, brush the rolls with additional melted butter before baking.
• Adjust the sweetness of the honey cinnamon butter according to your taste preferences.

Conclusion:
Indulge in the warmth and aroma of freshly baked Texas Roadhouse rolls with this simple and satisfying recipe. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a snack, these rolls are sure to delight your taste buds with their soft texture and irresistible flavor.

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. However, keep in mind that instant yeast does not require proofing in warm liquid before adding it to the dough. Simply add the instant yeast directly to the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe as instructed. You may also find that instant yeast typically requires less time to rise compared to active dry yeast, so keep an eye on the dough during the proofing stages and adjust the rising time accordingly.

2. How can I tell if the dough has risen enough?
Proper rising is crucial for achieving soft and fluffy rolls. To determine if the dough has risen enough, look for it to approximately double in size after the initial proofing period, which typically takes about 1 hour. You can also perform a simple test by gently pressing your finger into the dough. If the indentation remains and doesn’t spring back, the dough is ready to be punched down and shaped into rolls. During the second rise, the rolls should expand and become noticeably puffy. Keep in mind that rising times may vary depending on factors such as room temperature and the yeast’s activity, so it’s essential to observe the dough’s appearance rather than strictly adhering to specific timeframes.

3. Can I make the rolls ahead of time and freeze them?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time and freeze them for later use. After shaping the dough into rolls and before the second rise, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other. Flash-freeze the rolls by placing the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1 hour or until the rolls are firm. Once frozen, transfer the rolls to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Label the bag or container with the date and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, remove the desired number of rolls from the freezer, place them on a greased baking sheet, and let them thaw and rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, approximately 3-4 hours. Proceed with baking as directed in the recipe, adjusting the baking time as needed until the rolls are golden brown and baked through.

4. How can I store leftover rolls?
If you have leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To maintain their freshness, you can also store the rolls in the refrigerator for extended shelf life, although they may become slightly denser as they chill. Before serving, you can refresh the rolls by reheating them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid storing the rolls in the refrigerator for extended periods, as this may cause them to dry out and lose their soft texture. Additionally, you can freeze leftover rolls by following the same instructions outlined for freezing unbaked rolls. Simply thaw and reheat the frozen rolls as needed for a convenient and delicious treat.