Remember that feeling when the basket of warm, fluffy rolls arrives at your table? It is pure magic. Today, we are bringing that magic right into your kitchen. Get ready to bake the most amazing Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls with Honey Butter. They are every bit as soft, sweet, and wonderful as the real thing.
This recipe is surprisingly simple, even if you are new to baking with yeast. We will walk through every step together. Soon your home will fill with the incredible aroma of freshly baked bread. Let’s get started!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor is just unbeatable. These rolls have a gentle sweetness from honey that makes them incredibly special. They are not just bread; they are an experience. You will see what I mean.
The texture is another huge win. We are talking pillowy soft and light as a cloud. Each bite practically melts in your mouth. This is what makes them the best dinner rolls for any occasion.
They are also super versatile. Serve them with a hearty stew, a fresh salad, or just enjoy them warm with a generous smear of honey butter. They make any meal feel a little more special. A true family favorite.
And honestly, making them is so rewarding. There is nothing quite like pulling a tray of perfect, golden brown rolls from your own oven. It is a fantastic weekend baking project that will impress everyone.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather for these incredible sweet dinner rolls. The list is simple, using pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Nothing fancy required!
- 1¼ cups whole milk or plant based milk
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup honey
- 4 tablespoons melted butter or clarified butter (ghee), divided
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups (480 g) all purpose or bread flour
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make some amazing bread? Let’s break it down into easy to follow steps. Don’t worry, it is easier than you think. Just follow along and you will have perfect rolls.
Step 1: Warm The Milk
Pour your milk into a small saucepan. Heat it gently over medium low heat. You want it to get warm enough to steam a little, with tiny bubbles forming at the edges. Be careful not to let it boil.
Once it is warm, take it off the heat. Let it cool down until it feels just slightly warm to the touch. The ideal temperature is between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This is important for our yeast.
Step 2: Activate The Yeast
In a small bowl, pour in the warm milk. Then, stir in the yeast and the honey. Give it a gentle mix to combine everything. Now, just let it sit for about five minutes. You are looking for a foamy layer to form on top. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work.
Step 3: Mix The Dough
Grab a large mixing bowl. Add three tablespoons of your melted butter, the foamy yeast mixture, the egg, and the salt. Then add about half of your flour. Start mixing slowly until it all comes together smoothly.
You can do this by hand with a wooden spoon or use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Once it is smooth, begin adding the rest of the flour gradually. Keep mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. This is the beginning of your wonderful soft dinner rolls.
Step 4: Knead The Dough
Now for the fun part. If you are using a stand mixer, let it knead the dough on a low speed for about eight minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic.
If you are kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about eight to ten minutes. Push, fold, and turn. You will feel the dough transform. It should be smooth, stretchy, and no longer overly sticky when you are done.
Step 5: First Rise
Lightly oil a large, clean bowl. Place your kneaded dough inside. Turn it over once to coat the entire surface with a thin layer of oil. This prevents a dry crust from forming. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
Find a warm, draft free spot in your kitchen for the dough to rise. Let it sit for about one hour, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for creating light and airy rolls.
Step 6: Shape The Rolls
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a rectangle about half an inch thick.
Now, fold the rectangle in half over itself. Gently press the edge to seal it. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 24 even squares. Arrange these squares on two lightly greased baking sheets.
Cover the baking sheets with plastic wrap or a towel. Let the rolls rise for a second time, for about 30 to 40 minutes. They should again double in size and look puffy.
Step 7: Bake
While the rolls are on their second rise, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). When the rolls are ready, place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You are looking for a beautiful light golden brown color on top.
Step 8: Finish
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, they will smell incredible. Melt the remaining one tablespoon of butter. Gently brush this melted butter over the tops of the warm rolls. This gives them a lovely shine and extra flavor.
Serve them warm! These Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls with Honey Butter are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. The honey butter is the perfect companion.
Bread Machine Option
Have a bread machine? You can definitely use it to make the dough. First, warm the milk as described in step one and let it cool slightly. Add the milk, honey, butter, egg, and salt to the bread machine pan.
Next, add the flour on top of the wet ingredients. Make a small well in the center of the flour. Place the yeast inside this well. Make sure the yeast does not touch the liquid ingredients directly.
Set your machine to the dough cycle and let it run. The machine will handle all the mixing and kneading for you. Once the cycle is complete, you can proceed with steps 5 through 8 for the rising, shaping, and baking process.
How To Store Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, storing them is easy. Let the rolls cool completely first. You can store them in an airtight container or a zip top bag at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about two to three days.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a low temperature oven. They will soften right up again.
These rolls also freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and warm before serving.
Tips
For the fluffiest rolls, use bread flour if you have it. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps develop more gluten. This creates a chewier and more structured roll. All purpose flour works great too, though!
Make sure your egg is at room temperature. A cold egg can hinder the yeast’s activity. To quickly warm an egg, place it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes before you start.
Do not skip the second rise. This is what gives the soft dinner rolls their light and airy texture. It allows the yeast to work its magic one more time before baking.
When brushing the melted butter on top, be gentle. You do not want to deflate the beautifully risen rolls. A soft pastry brush is the perfect tool for this job.
Conclusion
There you have it! A simple, straightforward recipe for making your very own Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls with Honey Butter. Baking these at home is such a satisfying project. The aroma alone is worth the effort.
These rolls are more than just a side dish. They are a way to bring warmth and comfort to your dinner table. Whether it is a holiday feast or a simple weeknight meal, these rolls make everything better. Enjoy every soft, sweet bite!
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Milk?
Yes, absolutely. While whole milk gives a rich flavor, plant based milks like oat or almond milk work well in this recipe. Just make sure it is unsweetened to control the sweetness of the rolls.
What If My Yeast Does Not Foam?
If your yeast mixture does not get foamy, it likely means the yeast is no longer active. This can happen if it is old or was stored improperly. Unfortunately, you will need to start over with fresh yeast for the rolls to rise correctly.
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead Of Time?
Yes. You can prepare the dough and let it go through its first rise. Then, punch it down, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and proceeding with the second rise.
Why Are My Rolls Not Fluffy?
There could be a few reasons. Your yeast might not have been fully active. The dough may not have risen long enough in a warm spot. Or, you might have added too much flour, making the dough too dense. Make sure to measure your flour correctly for the best results.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls with Honey Butter
Bring the magic of fresh-baked bread to your kitchen with this simple recipe for copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls. They are every bit as soft, sweet, and fluffy as the original, perfect for serving warm with honey butter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gently warm the milk, then let it cool to 80-90°F. In a small bowl, stir in the yeast and honey and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix 3 tbsp melted butter, the yeast mixture, egg, and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes (or 8 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough. Roll it into a rectangle (½-inch thick), fold it in half, and cut into 24 even squares.
- Arrange the squares on two greased baking sheets, cover, and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes until light golden brown.
- Immediately brush the warm rolls with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Serve warm with honey butter.
Notes
For the fluffiest rolls, use bread flour if you have it. It creates a chewier, more structured roll.
Make sure your egg is at room temperature. A cold egg can slow down the yeast’s activity.
This dough can be made ahead. After the first rise, punch it down, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
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