Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls

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Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls — Soft, Sweet, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Perfection

There are dinner rolls… and then there are Texas Roadhouse rolls.
The kind that arrive warm at the table, lightly sweet, impossibly fluffy, and begging to be pulled apart and slathered with honey butter. They’re not just bread — they’re an experience. The kind that makes you forget the steak for a moment and reach for another roll.

The good news? You don’t need a restaurant booth or bottomless basket to enjoy them. These copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls bring that iconic softness and subtle sweetness straight into your kitchen. They’re comforting, nostalgic, and surprisingly easy to make at home — perfect for family dinners, holidays, or anytime you want bread that steals the show.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-soft and fluffy texture just like the restaurant version
• Lightly sweet flavor that pairs with savory or sweet meals
• Perfect for holidays and comfort-food dinners
• Freezer-friendly and make-ahead friendly
• Amazing with honey butter (non-negotiable 😄)

Ingredients

For the Rolls

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 1 package (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt

For Brushing

• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For Serving

• Honey butter or plain honey butter

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of the sugar.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy and bubbly. This means the yeast is alive and ready.

2. Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead Until Smooth

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
(Or knead in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes.)

4. First Rise

Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat.
Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.

5. Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough and divide into 12–16 equal pieces.
Roll each into a smooth ball and place in a greased 9×13-inch pan.

6. Second Rise

Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy and touching.

7. Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown on top.

8. Butter Finish

Brush hot rolls generously with melted butter (mix cinnamon in if desired).

9. Serve Warm

Serve immediately with honey butter and watch them disappear.

Pro Tips for Bakery-Style Rolls

• Warm milk, not hot — too hot kills yeast
• Don’t over-flour the dough; slightly sticky = softer rolls
• Bake rolls close together for ultra-soft sides
• Brush with butter twice if you want extra richness

Variations & Substitutions

• Honey Rolls: Replace 2 tbsp sugar with honey
• No-Egg Version: Replace egg with ¼ cup milk
• Dairy-Free: Use plant milk + vegan butter
• Mini Rolls: Divide into 24 smaller rolls and bake 12–15 minutes

Serving, Pairing & Storage

Serve With

• Steak, chicken, or ribs
• Soups and stews
• Holiday meals (Thanksgiving & Christmas favorite)

Storage

• Room temperature (airtight): 2 days
• Refrigerator: 4–5 days

Freezing

• Freeze baked rolls up to 2 months
• Reheat wrapped in foil at 325°F until warm

FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Shape rolls, refrigerate overnight, then let rise and bake.

Why aren’t my rolls fluffy?
Yeast may be old, milk too hot, or dough over-floured.

Can I use instant yeast?
Yes — skip blooming and mix directly with dry ingredients.

Do I need cinnamon on top?
Optional! Texas Roadhouse flavor comes mostly from butter + sweetness.