Print

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread Rolls

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread Rolls - recipe card
Print Recipe

These soft, dark, and slightly sweet brown bread rolls replicate the iconic loaves served at The Cheesecake Factory. Made with molasses, cocoa powder, and a touch of coffee, they have a rich, complex flavor that pairs perfectly with butter. This yeast-risen version yields tender, fluffy rolls with a crackly crust, ideal as an appetizer or side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules (optional, for depth)
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted, for brushing

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water (110°F/43°C), granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active. If it doesn’t foam, discard and start with fresh yeast.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, packed dark brown sugar, kosher salt, and instant coffee granules (if using). Ensure there are no lumps; the cocoa should be evenly distributed.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the room-temperature buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and molasses until smooth. The mixture should be a uniform dark color.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients and the proofed yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until a shaggy dough forms and no dry flour remains. The dough will be sticky.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, adding small sprinkles of flour only as needed to prevent sticking, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and springs back when pressed. Avoid over-flouring, which makes rolls dense.
  6. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. A properly risen dough will hold an indentation when poked.
  7. Punch down the dough gently to release air. Transfer to a clean surface and divide into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Shape each portion into a tight ball by pulling the edges toward the center and pinching the seam underneath.
  8. Place the dough balls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Cover loosely with greased plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes, until puffy and almost doubled. They should feel light and airy when touched.
  9. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven to ensure even baking. If you have an instant-read thermometer, have it ready.
  10. Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, until the tops are firm and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C) when inserted into the center of a roll. If the tops darken too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 5 minutes.
  11. Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the hot rolls with the melted butter for a glossy, soft crust. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter.

Notes

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes, or microwave on high for 15-20 seconds per roll.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesecake Factory brown bread, copycat brown bread recipe, molasses bread rolls, dark bread, yeast rolls, American dinner rolls, easy brown bread, homemade bread, sweet bread, side dish bread, cocoa bread

Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/cheesecake-factory-brown-bread-rolls/