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Texas Roadhouse Buttery Dinner Rolls with Cinnamon Butter: A Taste of Comfort

The scent of warm, yeasty bread slathered in sweet, cinnamon-kissed butter is practically a love language in my family. I still remember my grandmother, bless her heart, trying to recreate the magic of those irresistible rolls from Texas Roadhouse. Her kitchen would transform into a flour-dusted haven, filled with the promise of pillowy, golden-brown perfection. While she never quite nailed the exact recipe, every bite was filled with love and the delicious anticipation of something truly special. This recipe, I believe, finally unlocks that coveted secret.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 16-18 minutes
Yields: 12 rolls
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

For the Rolls:

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 1/4 cups warm water (105 to 115 degrees F)
1 large egg, slightly beaten
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted
2 tablespoons butter flavor shortening

For the Cinnamon Butter:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1/3 cup condensed milk, chilled
1/2 teaspoon corn syrup
3/4 – 1 teaspoon cinnamon, to taste

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Plastic wrap
12-cup muffin pan (or two small round cake pans)
Oven
Food processor (or electric mixer)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, place 2 cups of the flour.
Add the yeast, salt, sugar, and dry milk. Set the bowl aside.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the warm water and slightly beaten egg. Stir to blend well. The water temperature is crucial for activating the yeast; too hot, and you’ll kill it; too cold, and it won’t activate properly. Use a thermometer to ensure it’s between 105 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
Pour the water and egg mixture into the well.
Mix by hand, beating 150 strokes, frequently scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated. This initial mixing is vital for developing the gluten and creating a smooth dough.
Add half (4 tablespoons) of the melted butter and beat to incorporate thoroughly.
Gradually add the remaining flour, about 1/3 cup at a time, beating to incorporate each addition. Don’t dump all the flour in at once, or you’ll end up with a tough dough. This gradual addition allows the gluten to develop properly.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
Place the dough in a warm, draft-free place such as an oven (turned off!) with a pan of the hottest tap water on the rack below. The warmth and humidity will encourage the dough to rise.
Allow the batter to rise until doubled in bulk, approximately 1 hour. This rising time can vary depending on the temperature of your environment. Be patient and let the dough double, even if it takes a little longer.
Coat the cups, bottoms, and sides of a 12-cup muffin pan (or two small round cake pans) with shortening. This will prevent the rolls from sticking and ensure they release easily. Butter can be used instead of shortening, but shortening often provides a cleaner release.
Punch down the batter. Be aware that the batter will be extremely soft and sticky – that’s perfectly normal!
Drop the batter by hand or spoonful into the prepared muffin cups, making 12 rolls (or in the pan, touching each other).
Brush the dough with half (2 tablespoons) of the remaining melted butter. This will add flavor and help the rolls brown beautifully.
Let the rolls rise, uncovered, in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in bulk, about 30 minutes. Again, monitor the dough, not just the clock.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bake the rolls on the middle rack for 16-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent burning.
Brush the tops of the baked rolls with the remaining melted butter immediately after removing them from the oven. This final brush of butter adds a wonderful sheen and even more flavor.
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cinnamon butter. Place all of the cinnamon butter ingredients in a food processor or using an electric mixer and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Serve the hot rolls immediately with the cinnamon butter. Any remaining butter may be stored in the refrigerator.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For extra soft rolls, consider using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which will result in a chewier and softer texture.
If you don’t have butter flavor shortening, you can substitute it with regular shortening or even more melted butter. The butter flavor shortening simply enhances the buttery taste of the rolls.
To prevent the rolls from browning too quickly, you can tent them with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
For a sweeter cinnamon butter, increase the amount of condensed milk slightly.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These rolls are best served warm, straight from the oven, with a generous slathering of cinnamon butter. They are the perfect accompaniment to any meal, from hearty stews to grilled meats.

Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a short burst, but they may become slightly tougher.

The cinnamon butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Allow it to soften slightly before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	391.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	240 g	61%
Total Fat	26.7 g	41%
Saturated Fat	15.8 g	78%
Cholesterol	79.9 mg	26%
Sodium	428.5 mg	17%
Total Carbohydrate	32.7 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	1.2 g	5%
Sugars	8.2 g	32%
Protein	6 g	12%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Garlic Herb Rolls: Add 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder and a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, rosemary, or thyme) to the dry ingredients.
Honey Butter: Substitute the corn syrup in the cinnamon butter with honey for a different flavor profile.
Spiced Rolls: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is my dough not rising?
A: Several factors can affect dough rising. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that your water is the correct temperature (105-115 degrees F). Also, make sure the dough is in a warm, draft-free environment.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough, let it rise once, then punch it down, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Q: My rolls are too dense. What did I do wrong?
A: Over-mixing the dough can lead to dense rolls. Be careful not to overwork the dough after adding the flour. Also, ensure you are using the correct amount of flour.

Q: Can I freeze the baked rolls?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through.

Q: Can I use a stand mixer instead of mixing by hand?
A: Absolutely. Use the dough hook attachment and mix on low speed until the dough comes together. Avoid over-mixing.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread, and these Texas Roadhouse-inspired rolls are no exception. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness to any occasion. Don’t be intimidated by the yeast – with a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be rewarded with the most delicious, buttery rolls you’ve ever tasted. So go ahead, dust off your apron, and give this recipe a try. I guarantee you’ll be coming back to it again and again. Perhaps serve these alongside a hearty chili or a comforting pot roast for a truly unforgettable meal. Enjoy!

Texas Roadhouse Buttery Dinner Rolls With Cinnamon Butter Recipe