Few things are more comforting or indulgent than warm, pillowy dinner rolls — and if you’ve ever been to Texas Roadhouse, you know just how iconic their freshly baked rolls are. Soft, buttery, slightly sweet, and served with irresistible cinnamon honey butter, these rolls are legendary. The good news? You can recreate that restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.
This copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls recipe uses simple ingredients and yields bakery-style rolls that are soft and golden with just the right touch of sweetness. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or whenever you want to elevate a homemade meal, these rolls are made from a soft enriched dough that rises beautifully and bakes to perfection.
With a little time and patience (mostly waiting for the dough to rise), you’ll have a basket of fresh rolls that rival — or even surpass — the originals. And of course, don’t forget the cinnamon honey butter: it’s the finishing touch that makes these rolls so memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for a satisfying project, these Texas Roadhouse-style rolls are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Get the same taste and texture of Texas Roadhouse rolls in your own kitchen.
- Perfect Texture: Light, fluffy, and tender inside with a slightly golden, buttery crust.
- Kid-Approved: The sweet, buttery flavor makes these rolls a favorite with kids and adults alike.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze extras for quick future meals.
- Versatile: Ideal for dinner sides, sandwiches, sliders, or holiday feasts.
Ingredients
- Whole milk
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Active dry yeast
- Kosher salt
- Egg yolk
- Large eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Cooking spray
- Water
- Cinnamon honey butter (for serving)
Variations
Whole Wheat Version
Substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and nutty flavor.
Dairy-Free
Use plant-based milk and vegan butter to make the recipe dairy-free.
Herb Butter Topping
Mix garlic, parsley, and chives into melted butter to brush over the top for a savory twist.
Sweet Glaze
Add a light powdered sugar glaze for a dessert-like bread roll.
Shape Options
Instead of traditional rolls, shape the dough into knots or cloverleaf rolls for a fun presentation.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Milk Mixture
Heat the milk in a saucepan until warm (not boiling). Remove from heat and stir in sugar and half the butter until melted. Let cool to lukewarm.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
Sprinkle yeast over the warm milk mixture. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with salt, egg yolk, and one of the eggs. Gradually mix in flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Knead and Let Rise
Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1–1.5 hours).
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough and divide into 16 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a roll and place on a greased baking sheet.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the rolls loosely and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush over rolls. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 8: Butter and Serve
Brush hot rolls with the remaining melted butter. Serve warm with cinnamon honey butter.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Ensure milk isn’t too hot when adding yeast — it should be lukewarm to avoid killing the yeast.
- Room temperature eggs incorporate better and help with rising.
- Use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you want to save time on kneading.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
- Don’t overbake — rolls should be just golden on top and soft inside.
How to Serve
These rolls are best served warm, slathered with cinnamon honey butter. Serve them as:
- A side to soups, stews, or chili
- Part of a holiday dinner spread
- Slider buns for pulled pork or chicken
- A sweet breakfast treat with jam or Nutella
- A snack with tea or coffee
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze baked rolls in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for fresh-from-the-oven texture.
Reheating
Wrap rolls in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or microwave for 15–20 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes, just skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough, let it rise, shape into rolls, then refrigerate overnight before baking the next day.
3. What’s the best way to keep the rolls soft?
Store them in an airtight container or cover tightly with foil to prevent drying out.
4. Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked rolls?
Yes, freeze shaped dough balls before the second rise. Thaw and rise before baking.
5. What makes these rolls sweet?
A small amount of sugar in the dough and the sweet cinnamon honey butter.
6. Can I substitute margarine for butter?
Yes, but real butter gives a richer flavor.
7. Do I need a stand mixer to make these?
No, the dough can be kneaded by hand with a bit of effort.
8. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. What’s in cinnamon honey butter?
Typically, it’s a mix of softened butter, powdered sugar, honey, and ground cinnamon.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just ensure you have enough pans and space for rising and baking.
Conclusion
Texas Roadhouse’s Rolls are more than just dinner rolls — they’re soft, buttery clouds of comfort that make any meal feel special. With this homemade version, you can enjoy that restaurant-style indulgence whenever the craving strikes. Whether served with soup, salad, or on their own with a generous slather of cinnamon honey butter, these rolls are guaranteed to delight. Make them once, and you’ll want to bake them again and again.