step one, yeast mixture

1. To start, warm milk in a small bowl until it reaches about 110°F (warm to the touch but not hot). Add active dry yeast and stir in honey. The warmth helps activate the yeast, while the honey helps and adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the flavor of the Texas Roadhouse rolls. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, signaling that the yeast is active and ready to rise, setting the foundation for soft, fluffy dinner rolls.

step two, sift flour

1. In a separate bowl, use a sifter to sift together bread flour and all-purpose flour. Sifting the flours helps remove any lumps and ensures an even texture in your dough, which is crucial for achieving soft, airy Texas Roadhouse-inspired rolls. The combination of both flours creates the perfect balance of structure and tenderness, giving your rolls a light, fluffy texture. Add salt and mix with a whisk.

step three, wet ingredients

1. Next, add butter, egg, and the frothy yeast mixture to the sifted bread flour and all-purpose flour. The butter adds richness and a soft texture to the dough, while the egg helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring a smooth dough. The yeast mixture infuses the dough with flavor and helps it rise, creating the perfect foundation for soft, fluffy dinner rolls.

step four, knead the dough

1. To knead the dough, start by using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Set the mixer on low speed and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re kneading by hand, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and use your hands to push the dough down and away from you, then fold it back over itself. Turn the dough a quarter turn and repeat the process. Knead for about 15 minutes until the dough is soft, smooth, and stretchy

step five, first proof

1. After kneading the dough, place it in a lightly greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough proof in a warm area for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. During this time, the dough should double in size as the yeast works to create air pockets, ensuring your rolls will be light and fluffy.

step six, roll out the dough

1. Once the dough has finished proofing and has doubled in size, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a rectangle shape, making sure the edges are even for uniform-sized dinner rolls. Roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness, ensuring it’s not rolled too thin, as this could affect the texture of your rolls. The rectangular shape makes it easier to cut the dough into even portions, ensuring consistent baking and perfectly shaped rolls.

step seven, fold and cut the rolls

1. After rolling the dough into a rectangle, make one long cut down the center to divide the dough into two long strips. Then, take each long strip and cut it into squares, ensuring each square is roughly the same size for even baking. Gently press down on the squares with the rolling pin to help them stay together, but avoid pressing too hard to maintain the soft texture of the dinner rolls.

step eight, second proof of the dough

1. Once you’ve cut the dough into squares, place them on a greased baking pan, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart to allow room for expansion as they rise. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the dough proof again for about 30 minutes. During this time, the rolls will puff up and rise, becoming light and airy, ready for baking. Make sure to let them rise in a warm, draft-free area for the best results.

step nine, bake them

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). While the oven is heating, brush the rolls with a mixture of beaten egg and a little heavy cream. This will give the rolls a golden, shiny finish as they bake. Once the rolls are brushed, place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and fully cooked through. After baking, brush the rolls with melted butter for a rich, buttery finish and extra softness.

step ten, honey cinnamon butter

1. To make the Texas Roadhouse cinnamon butter, start by softening unsalted butter at room temperature. Once softened, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Add cinnamon, powdered sugar, and honey to the butter. Continue mixing until all ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth and fluffy texture. The sweet cinnamon butter should have a rich, spreadable consistency, perfect for topping your freshly baked dinner rolls.