If you’ve ever been charmed by the warm, pillowy goodness of those iconic rolls at Texas Roadhouse, you’re in for a treat with this Copycat Texas Roadhouse Dinner Rolls Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe nails that light, buttery softness topped with the sweetest cinnamon honey butter — it’s like having the restaurant magic right in your own kitchen. Stick with me here, because once you make these, your family will be begging for them at every meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor and Texture: This copycat truly captures the soft, fluffy texture and sweet buttery finish of Texas Roadhouse rolls.
- Straightforward Process: With clear steps and helpful tips, even if you’ve never made yeast rolls before, you’ll feel confident and successful.
- Made From Scratch: No shortcuts here — the homemade cinnamon honey butter takes these rolls to the next level.
- Family Favorite: Once I started making these, my family went crazy for them, which is always the best compliment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Copycat Texas Roadhouse Dinner Rolls Recipe lies in the simple, classic ingredients working together: yeast for that perfect rise, creamy milk for softness, and that special touch of cinnamon honey butter you won’t want to skip. When shopping, look for unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness, and make sure your yeast is fresh for a good rise.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for that fluffy rise; fresh yeast gives best results.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast; keep it warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness.
- Milk: Scalded and cooled for richness and tenderness.
- Unsalted butter (melted & softened): Adds moisture and richness while allowing control over salt.
- All-purpose flour: Builds structure; you might need to adjust amount based on dough feel.
- Eggs: Provide richness and help with the soft crumb.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Powdered sugar, honey, cinnamon (for the butter): Together make that iconic cinnamon honey butter spread.
Variations
I love how versatile this Copycat Texas Roadhouse Dinner Rolls Recipe can be. While I stick to the classic recipe most times, there are fun ways to switch things up that I think you’ll also enjoy!
- Whole Wheat Twist: Substitute up to half the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber; just expect a slightly denser roll.
- Garlic Herb Butter: Swap out cinnamon honey butter for garlic butter with fresh herbs — perfect for savory dinners or holidays.
- Mini Rolls: Shape smaller portions for bite-sized rolls that are irresistibly cute and perfect for parties.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter to cater to dietary needs.
How to Make Copycat Texas Roadhouse Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by whisking the yeast, warm water, and a teaspoon of sugar in your mixer bowl. This is where patience really pays off — let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes until it foams up and smells a little yeasty and sweet. I learned the hard way that skipping this step or rushing it often leads to dense rolls.
Step 2: Mix your wet ingredients
Add the scalded and cooled milk, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Use your dough hook and mix everything on low speed for about a minute. This step blends your base before the flour comes in, so don’t rush — your dough will thank you later with great texture.
Step 3: Add the flour and form the dough
Add 2 to 3 cups of flour at a time while mixing, building the dough slowly. You’ll want to keep adding flour until the dough comes clean from the sides of your bowl and forms a soft, but not sticky ball. Depending on humidity and flour brand, you might use anywhere from 6 to 8 cups total. I like to stop adding flour once the dough just barely sticks to my fingers — this keeps the rolls tender and fluffy, not dense.
Step 4: Let the dough rise
Place your dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp kitchen towel, and find a warm cozy spot. It usually takes about an hour or more to double in size depending on your kitchen. I usually preheat my oven to the lowest temp for a few minutes, turn it off, then place the bowl inside — perfect proofing environment.
Step 5: Shape and cut the rolls
Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a floured surface. I like to divide it into two portions for easier handling. Roll each portion into about ½ inch thickness, trimming the edges to get a neat rectangle, then cut into squares or rectangles for uniform rolls. You’ll get around 30 to 35 rolls total. Place them spaced apart on baking sheets sprayed with cooking spray.
Step 6: Final rise and bake
Let the rolls rise again until doubled in size; this usually takes 30-45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F. When ready, bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes until they’re beautifully golden. Brush them right away with melted butter — that’s what gives that irresistible shine and extra softness!
Step 7: Make the cinnamon honey butter
While your rolls bake, whisk together softened butter, powdered sugar, honey, and cinnamon to create that classic cinnamon honey butter. Trust me, slathering this on warm rolls is pure bliss — it’s what brings the whole copycat experience home.
Pro Tips for Making Copycat Texas Roadhouse Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Perfect Yeast Activation: Make sure your water is warm (not hot!) – around 100°F is ideal to wake up the yeast gently.
- Dough Consistency Check: Aim for a soft dough that’s slightly tacky but not sticky, which helps rolls stay light instead of dense.
- Even Shaping: Trim edges and cut rolls evenly for uniform baking and that signature restaurant look.
- Don’t Skip Butter Brush: Brushing hot rolls immediately with butter keeps them soft and gives that beautiful sheen.
How to Serve Copycat Texas Roadhouse Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick to the cinnamon honey butter because honestly, it’s all you need to steal the show. But for fun, sometimes I sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after the butter brush — that sweet-salty contrast is heavenly!
Side Dishes
These rolls pair so well with hearty dishes like BBQ ribs, slow-cooked brisket, or even a warm bowl of chili. I love serving them alongside green beans almondine or a creamy mashed potato for a Texas Roadhouse-style feast at home.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I arrange these rolls in a baking dish, tightly packed for pull-apart style, brushed generously with the cinnamon honey butter. It makes an eye-catching centerpiece, and guests just dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your rolls cool, I usually store leftovers in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for about 2 days. If your kitchen’s warm, pop them in the fridge to prevent spoilage, though that can dry them out a bit.
Freezing
I freeze these rolls almost every time because let’s face it — they’re irresistible! Freeze completely cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or on the counter before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked softness, I reheat rolls wrapped loosely in foil at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. For a quick fix, microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 10-15 seconds. Always brush with a bit of butter after reheating for extra yum.
FAQs
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Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It just takes a bit more elbow grease to get the dough smooth and elastic. Aim to knead for about 8-10 minutes on a floured surface until the dough springs back when poked.
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Can I prepare the rolls the night before baking?
Yes! After shaping and placing the rolls on the baking sheets, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Take them out about an hour before baking to come to room temperature, then bake as directed.
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Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?
Dense rolls usually mean the yeast didn’t activate properly, or too much flour was added making the dough stiff. Be sure to proof your yeast thoroughly and add flour gradually to keep the dough soft and slightly sticky.
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Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
You can, but since instant yeast doesn’t require proofing, just mix it directly with dry ingredients and reduce the warm water slightly. You might see a faster rise, so keep an eye on the dough.
Final Thoughts
Making this Copycat Texas Roadhouse Dinner Rolls Recipe at home has truly changed how I think about bread baking — it’s approachable, rewarding, and tastes just like the rolls we all love. I remember the first time I pulled these golden beauties from the oven and spread on the cinnamon honey butter, I felt like I’d cracked the code to restaurant-worthy goodness. So, roll up your sleeves and try it out; trust me, you’ll want to add this to your kitchen repertoire for every special meal or cozy family dinner!
Print
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 30 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls recipe that produces incredibly fluffy, buttery, and tender rolls served with a delectable cinnamon honey butter. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, these freshly baked rolls are soft, golden brown, and brushed with melted butter for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to activate the yeast)
- 2 cups milk (scalded and cooled to lukewarm)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- ½ cup sugar
- 7 cups all-purpose flour (up to 8 cups)
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons salt
Finishing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for brushing over finished rolls)
Cinnamon Honey Butter
- 1 stick unsalted butter (softened)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Add the active dry yeast, warm water, and 1 teaspoon sugar into the bowl of your mixer and lightly whisk. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes until the yeast dissolves and begins to foam, indicating it is active.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: To the yeast mixture, add the lukewarm milk, melted butter, ½ cup sugar, eggs, and salt. Using the dough hook attachment, mix everything on low speed for about 1 minute to combine.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add 7 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 to 3 cups at a time, mixing between each addition. Add more flour as needed, up to 8 cups total, until the dough forms a soft ball that pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean damp kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Spray two baking sheets with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into two portions. Roll each portion out to about ½ inch thickness and trim edges to form perfect rectangles. Cut the dough into squares or rectangles, yielding approximately 30 to 35 rolls total. Place the shaped rolls onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Second Rise: Allow the rolls to rise again until doubled in size, about 30 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown on top and fully cooked through.
- Brush with Butter: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter for a glossy, flavorful finish.
- Make Cinnamon Honey Butter: While rolls bake, whisk together softened butter, powdered sugar, honey, and cinnamon until creamy and smooth.
- Serve: Serve warm rolls spread with the prepared cinnamon honey butter for the full Texas Roadhouse roll experience.
Notes
- This is an authentic copycat recipe for Texas Roadhouse Rolls, capturing their fluffy and tender texture.
- Adjust flour amount depending on your environment and dough consistency; the dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Ensure milk is cooled to lukewarm after scalding to prevent killing the yeast.
- Brush rolls immediately after baking for best buttery flavor absorption.
- The cinnamon honey butter can be made ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 189 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 168 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg