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## Step-by-Step Guide to Making Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Making these Texas Roadhouse-inspired rolls requires some time and patience, but the end result is well worth it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make perfect rolls at home:
### Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by activating the yeast, which is a crucial step in ensuring that the rolls rise properly.
1. In a small bowl, combine the **warm milk** (about 110°F) and **granulated sugar**. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
2. Sprinkle the **yeast** over the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
### Step 2: Make the Dough
Once the yeast is activated, it’s time to combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients.
1. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine **flour** and **salt**.
2. Add the **butter** and **honey** to the yeast mixture and stir until the butter melts and the mixture is well combined.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms. You can use a spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for this step.
4. Once the dough starts to come together, add the **egg** and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
### Step 3: Knead the Dough
Kneading is essential to develop the gluten in the dough, giving the rolls their soft, pillowy texture.
1. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
2. Alternatively, you can use the stand mixer to knead the dough on low speed for about 5 minutes.
3. Once the dough is smooth, form it into a ball.
### Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Now that the dough is ready, it’s time to let it rise and double in size.
1. Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or butter and place the dough inside.
2. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm area to rise for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
### Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape the rolls.
1. Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and then transfer it to a floured surface.
2. Divide the dough into 12-16 equal pieces, depending on the size of the rolls you want.
3. Roll each piece of dough into a ball by pinching the edges and rolling it between your hands.
4. Place the dough balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure they are touching each other.
### Step 6: Second Rise
Allow the shaped dough balls to rise for a second time.
1. Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until the rolls have puffed up and are touching each other.
### Step 7: Bake the Rolls
It’s time to bake the rolls to golden perfection.
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Once the rolls have risen, place them in the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
3. Remove the rolls from the oven and brush the tops with melted butter for a beautiful, glossy finish.
### Step 8: Prepare the Cinnamon Honey Butter
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cinnamon honey butter.
1. In a medium bowl, beat the **butter**, **powdered sugar**, **cinnamon**, **honey**, and a **pinch of salt** together until smooth and creamy.
2. If desired, store the cinnamon honey butter in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving so it’s easy to spread.
### Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the rolls have finished baking and have cooled slightly, serve them warm with the cinnamon honey butter. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they will keep well for a day or two if stored in an airtight container.
## Tips for Perfect Texas Roadhouse Rolls
1. **Measure the Ingredients Correctly**: Baking is all about precision. Be sure to measure the flour and other ingredients properly for the best results.
2. **Use Warm Milk**: When activating the yeast, make sure the milk is warm but not hot. Milk that’s too hot can kill the yeast, while milk that’s too cold won’t activate it properly.
3. **Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Place**: Yeast rises best in a warm, draft-free environment. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough in an oven with the light on or near a warm stovetop.
4. **Don’t Overcrowd the Rolls**: Make sure to place the rolls close together but not so crowded that they’re squished. This will allow them to rise and bake evenly.
5. **Serve Immediately**: These rolls are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven, especially when paired with the cinnamon honey butter.
## Variations and Serving Suggestions
While the classic Texas Roadhouse rolls are perfect on their own, there are a few fun variations you can try:
1. **Garlic Butter Rolls**: For a savory twist, swap out the cinnamon honey butter for garlic butter. Simply melt butter with garlic and a pinch of salt, then brush the garlic butter on the warm rolls.
2. **Cheese-Stuffed Rolls**: Add a bit of shredded cheese to the center of each dough ball before baking to create a gooey, cheesy surprise inside.
3. **Herb-Infused Rolls**: Add finely chopped fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, to the dough for an aromatic flavor.
## Conclusion
Texas Roadhouse rolls are a beloved staple in American cuisine, and now, with this recipe, you can enjoy these soft, buttery delights at home. The combination of fluffy rolls and sweet, cinnamon honey butter makes for an unforgettable treat that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or just as a special treat for yourself, these homemade rolls are sure to impress.
