Looking for a dish that wows your guests without stressing you out? These Texas Roadhouse Rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next holiday gathering.
There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking on a cold winter day. These rolls are soft, sweet, and perfectly fluffy every single time. You can now bring that famous restaurant magic right into your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner because it delivers restaurant-quality results with simple pantry staples. Your family will love the signature square shape and the sweet, buttery finish. It is the perfect addition to a cozy winter dinner or a festive holiday spread.
Even if you are new to baking with yeast, this method is very forgiving. The dough is easy to handle and rises beautifully. Making these at home is budget-friendly and much more satisfying than buying pre-made rolls.
Simple Method
Making yeast rolls might seem intimidating, but I promise you can do this. We start by blooming the yeast to ensure a perfect rise. Then, we mix the dough until it feels soft and smooth. Most of the time is spent letting the dough rest while you relax.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These rolls use basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
- 4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 cups scalded milk, cooled to lukewarm
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 7 to 8 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for cinnamon butter)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for cinnamon butter)
- 1/4 cup honey (for cinnamon butter)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for cinnamon butter)
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in warm water; let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the lukewarm milk, remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and 3 cups of flour; mix until smooth.
- Gradually add remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, then place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and roll out onto a floured surface to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into 2-inch squares using a pizza cutter and place on greased baking sheets.
- Cover and let rise again until doubled, about 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- While rolls bake, whisk together softened butter, powdered sugar, honey, and cinnamon until light and fluffy.
- Brush warm rolls with additional melted butter and serve with the cinnamon honey butter.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these Texas Roadhouse Rolls warm right out of the oven. Slather them generously with the whipped cinnamon honey butter while they are still steamy. They pair perfectly with a hearty pot roast or a roasted holiday turkey.
For a festive touch, set them in a linen-lined basket on your dinner table. These rolls are also wonderful for making small ham and cheese sliders the next day. They bring a touch of warm comfort to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. This keeps them soft and tender without drying them out.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip the step of scalding the milk for the softest texture.
- Avoid using water that is too hot or it will kill the yeast.
- Use a pizza cutter to get those perfect square edges easily.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot like an unlit oven.
- For Thanksgiving, double the batch because these disappear very fast.
- Whip the cinnamon butter for at least two minutes for a fluffy finish.
- Brush the rolls with extra butter immediately after they leave the oven.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the honey for maple syrup in the butter for a fall twist.
- Top the rolls with flaky sea salt for a savory-sweet balance.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth.
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for a slightly chewier roll.
Common Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can let the dough do its first rise in the fridge overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping your squares. This is a great time-saver for busy holiday mornings.
How do I know if my yeast is active?
After five minutes in the warm water, the mixture should look foamy and bubbly. If it stays flat, your yeast may be expired. It is best to start over with fresh yeast for a guaranteed rise.
Will kids like these rolls?
Absolutely, kids love the soft texture and the sweet honey butter. The square shape makes them fun to eat and easy to hold. They are always a picky-eater favorite at family dinners.
I hope these fluffy rolls bring a little extra warmth to your winter table. There is nothing like homemade bread to make a meal feel special. Give them a try and enjoy every buttery bite!
— Lidia
Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 cups scalded milk, cooled to lukewarm
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg , room temperature
- 2 teaspoons sal t
- 7 to 8 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for cinnamon butter)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for cinnamon butter)
- 1/4 cup honey (for cinnamon butter)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for cinnamon butter)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in warm water; let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the lukewarm milk, remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and 3 cups of flour; mix until smooth.
- Gradually add remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, then place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and roll out onto a floured surface to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into 2-inch squares using a pizza cutter and place on greased baking sheets.
- Cover and let rise again until doubled, about 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- While rolls bake, whisk together softened butter, powdered sugar, honey, and cinnamon until light and fluffy.
- Brush warm rolls with additional melted butter and serve with the cinnamon honey butter.
