This is my copycat recipe for Texas Roadhouse Rolls! These rolls are incredibly fluffy and buttery, with a gooey honey cinnamon topping that takes them to the next level. They’re perfect for any occasion and will have everyone asking for seconds.
The Best Texas Roadhouse Rolls
I’m thrilled to share my copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls recipe with you—it’s seriously the best way to enjoy those fluffy, buttery rolls without leaving home. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, tender roll that’s perfectly sweet and savory, topped with a rich honey cinnamon butter that makes every bite unforgettable.
What makes this recipe special is how simple it is to make and how delicious the results are. I’ve spent years perfecting the dough to get that signature fluffiness and flavor, and with my expert tips, you’ll achieve bakery-quality rolls every single time. Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve alongside any meal or even enjoy as a tasty snack on their own.
Before You Start
- Check Your Yeast: Make sure your active dry yeast is fresh. If it’s expired, it won’t make the dough rise properly. To test, sprinkle a bit into warm water with sugar—if it foams, you’re good to go!
- Warm Ingredients: Ensure your milk and water are warmed to about 110°F (43°C). Too hot, and it can kill the yeast; too cold, and the dough won’t rise as expected.
- Room Temperature Eggs and Butter: Let your eggs and butter soften at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend smoothly into the dough, creating a tender texture.
- Find a Cozy Rising Spot: Dough loves warmth! If your kitchen is chilly, place the bowl in an oven that’s been slightly warmed (turn it off first) or near a warm spot to help the dough rise faster.
- Measure Flour Carefully: Add the flour gradually to avoid making the dough too stiff. It should be soft and slightly sticky but manageable. You can always add a bit more if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Milk – Scalded and then cooled to lukewarm (about 110°F (43°C)), feel free to use any fat percentage you’d like.
- Sugar – We want a bit of sweetness in our rolls to make them authentic. We will also use a bit of sugar to activate our yeast.
- Butter – Unsalted as we want to control our salt and melted before adding.
- Eggs – The binding agent of our roll recipe.
- Flour – All purpose works perfectly fine. If you’d like to make these rolls gluten free be sure to add 1½ teaspoons of xanthan gum alongside your gluten free flour.
- Yeast – You’ll need active dry yeast for this recipe. You can also use instant yeast, you just don’t need to activate it first.
- Salt – Salt is so important for any baked goods! Without it, your rolls will taste bland.
- Water – Warm water (about 110°F (43°C)) is very important for activating the yeast.
Cinnamon Honey Butter
- Butter – Unsalted and softened.
- Sugar – You’ll want to use powdered sugar to ensure as smooth a spread as possible.
- Honey – The star ingredient of our butter! You can substitute equal parts maple syrup if you’d like.
- Cinnamon – This will give your butter so much flavor, believe me.
How To Make Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Activate the Yeast
Start by combining 4 teaspoons of active dry yeast, ½ cup of warm water, and 1 teaspoon of sugar in your KitchenAid stand mixer bowl. Lightly whisk the mixture and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to foam.
Tip: If the mixture doesn’t foam up, your yeast might be inactive. Start over with fresh yeast to ensure your dough rises properly.
Mix the Dough
Once the yeast is bubbly, add 2 cups of lukewarm scalded milk, 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, ½ cup of sugar, 2 eggs, and 2 teaspoons of salt to the bowl. Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed for about 1 minute until everything is well combined. Gradually add 7 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing gently. Continue adding flour, a little at a time, until a soft dough forms. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl and look smooth and slightly sticky.
Tip: Adding flour slowly prevents the dough from becoming too stiff and ensures a light texture.
Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, turning it once to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with a clean, damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour. While the dough is rising, spray two baking sheets generously with cooking spray.
Tip: A warm, draft-free spot speeds up the rising process, giving you perfectly airy rolls.
Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release the air. Turn it onto a floured surface and divide it into two portions. Roll each portion out to about ½ inch thick, then trim the edges to form perfect rectangles. Cut the dough into squares or rectangles, yielding about 30 to 35 rolls in total.
Second Rise
Cover the shaped rolls with a damp towel and let them rise again until they’ve doubled in size, roughly another hour. While the rolls are on their second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the Rolls
Once preheated, bake the rolls for about 15 to 20 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when they sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Immediately after removing the rolls from the oven, brush them generously with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
Make the Cinnamon Honey Butter
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cinnamon honey butter. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 stick of softened unsalted butter, ¼ cup of powdered sugar, ¼ cup of honey, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Serve the warm, fluffy rolls with a side of your homemade cinnamon honey butter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes Texas Roadhouse Rolls so special?
These rolls are incredibly fluffy, buttery, and soft with a tender crumb. The signature honey cinnamon butter spread on top adds a sweet and savory flavor that makes them irresistible.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, bring it to room temperature before shaping, rising again, and baking.
3. How should I store leftover rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
4. Can I freeze Texas Roadhouse Rolls?
Absolutely! Let the rolls cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.
5. Do I need a stand mixer to make these rolls?
No, a stand mixer makes the process easier, but you can knead the dough by hand. It may take a bit more effort to achieve the right dough consistency, but it’s definitely doable.