Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Skip the trip to the restaurant and make this spot-on copycat recipe for ultra soft Texas Roadhouse rolls and irresistible honey cinnamon butter at home.
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Table of Contents
- About Texas Roadhouse Rolls
- What are Texas Roadhouse rolls?
- What’s in this Texas Roadhouse rolls copycat?
- What tools will you need?
- Can you make these in advance?
- How long are these rolls good for?
- Can these rolls be frozen?
- How to reheat rolls
- Notes & tips for Texas Roadhouse Rolls
- More delicious bread recipes
- Other authentic copycat recipes
- How to make copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls
- Recipe Details
About Texas Roadhouse Rolls
In the world of fan-favorite restaurant foods, few things rival the fame of Texas Roadhouse Rolls and their sumptuously sweet honey cinnamon butter companion. With soft, delectable rolls that meet their match in the form of a velvety, mouthwatering spread, it’s no wonder they’ve garnered the popularity that they have.
And, you guys, now you can enjoy this delicious combo right in the comfort of your own home with this right-on-the-money copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls recipe.
What are Texas Roadhouse rolls?
Served as a complimentary appetizer at the Texas Roadhouse restaurant chain, these dinner rolls have gained fame for their soft, slightly sweet, and incredibly delicious qualities. And while their flavor is a star-worthy dance of buttery goodness and a hint of gentle sweetness, that’s not the only thing that makes them a patron favorite – these rolls also come with a velvety honey cinnamon butter spread that takes their deliciousness to another level.
So, yeah, they’re not just your “ordinary” dinner rolls. They’re the ultimate duo of flavors that’s got everyone coming back for more.
What’s in this Texas Roadhouse rolls copycat?
To make your own spot-on copycat of these delicious rolls at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Whole milk and active dry yeast – Part of what makes these rolls so soft and moist is that they’re yeast rolls, so you’ll need active dry yeast and some warm milk to bloom it in.
- Honey – Used to sweeten the dough and the honey cinnamon butter spread.
- Unsalted butter, fine sea salt, egg, and all-purpose flour – Classic baking ingredients for making the sweet dough. You’ll also need all-purpose flour for working the dough.
- Salted butter – Melted and brushed over the baked rolls. Salted butter is also used as the primary butter in the honey cinnamon butter.
- Powdered sugar and ground cinnamon – For adding the sweet cinnamon flavor to the honey cinnamon butter.
What tools will you need?
To make these rolls, make sure you have the following on hand:
- Multiple mixing bowls, including one microwave-safe mixing bowl.
- A food thermometer or candy thermometer will be needed to ensure the milk is heated enough.
- A whisk and a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cooking spray for coating the bowls and dough.
- Plastic wrap for covering the dough while it rises.
- A pizza cutter to cut the dough into shape.
- Baking sheet and parchment paper for baking.
- A basting brush for coating the rolls in melted butter.
Can you make these in advance?
Certainly! These rolls can easily be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready to eat. To do this, follow these steps:
- Follow the recipe instructions up until you’ve prepared the dough and allowed it to rise in the bowl for the first time. Knead and shape the dough into dinner roll shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spray some plastic wrap with cooking spray, then tightly cover the rolls on the baking sheet.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and store for up to 24 hours. The cold temperature slows down the rise of the dough, allowing you to delay baking.
- When ready to bake, take the baking sheet out of the refrigerator and remove the plastic wrap. Let the rolls set at room temperature for 60-90 minutes or until they double in size.
- Follow the rest of the recipe instructions as written.
And as for the honey cinnamon butter, this can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. For best results, let the honey cinnamon butter set out at room temperature for 30 minutes so that it’s soft and spreadable.
How long are these rolls good for?
Once prepared, Texas Roadhouse rolls can be stored in a sealed container at room temperature for up to three days. Honey cinnamon butter can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to seven days.
Can these rolls be frozen?
Yes, they totally can! These rolls can be frozen for later both before and after baking. To do this, follow these instructions:
To freeze before baking:
- Follow the recipe instructions up until you’ve prepared the dough and allowed it to rise in the bowl for the first time. Knead and shape the dough into dinner roll shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and allow the dough to partially freeze, halting the rising process and making them easy to handle.
- Wrap each roll in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn., then transfer them to a sealed storage container or a freezer bag.
- Return the rolls to the freezer. Rolls can be frozen for up to two to three months.
- When ready to eat, rearrange frozen rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and transfer it to the refrigerator. Allow the rolls to thaw overnight, and once thawed, set the rolls on the counter and allow them to do their second rise at room temperature over the next 60-90 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Follow the rest of the baking instructions as directed.
To freeze after baking:
- Allow the rolls to cool completely, then wrap each roll in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Transfer the rolls to a sealed container or freezer bag.
- Rolls can be frozen for up to two to three months.
And as for the honey cinnamon butter, this can also be frozen in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to two to three months. For best results, divide the honey cinnamon butter into servings-sized portions, wrap them in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then freeze.
How to reheat rolls
When reheating these rolls, it’s best to do so in the oven or air fryer. Reheating in the microwave is another method, although this may result in a chewier texture..
- Oven method
- Preheat to 350 degrees F and wrap each roll in aluminum foil (if not already done so) to keep rolls from drying out.
- If the rolls were frozen, heat for about 10-15 minutes. If the rolls were chilled in the refrigerator, heat for about 5-7 minutes.
- Air fryer method
- Preheat to 350 degrees F and cook for two to three minutes.
- Microwave method
- For frozen rolls, heat for 30-60 seconds.
- For rolls chilled in the refrigerator, heat for 15 seconds.
Notes & tips for Texas Roadhouse Rolls
- I have personally only tried this copycat recipe for Texas Roadhouse rolls with whole milk. However, this recipe should work with most types of milk or milk substitutions; just keep in mind that the consistency of the finished rolls might not be as soft.
- This dough will be sticky to work with, so don’t hesitate to use as much flour as you need to work it.
- This recipe is designed to make large rolls like the ones Texas Roadhouse serves in the restaurant. However, feel free to adjust the size of the rolls (for instance, you could reduce the size to make up to 24 rolls instead of the listed 12) to suit your needs. However, cooking time may vary, so keep a close eye on them when baking. As a general rule, the rolls are done with the tops are golden brown.
- Whenever possible, these rolls are best served warm with a softened spread.
- The honey cinnamon butter is delicious but totally optional. These copycat rolls would be equally good when served with classic salted butter or even just on their own.
More delicious bread recipes
Other authentic copycat recipes
How to make copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls
This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. If you’re looking for the full recipe measurements and instructions, scroll down to Recipe Details.
Step 1 – Start with adding the whole milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short 15-second bursts until it’s between 115-120 degrees F. Be careful not to exceed 120 degrees F.
Step 2 – Grab the active dry yeast and sprinkle it into the warmed milk. Give it a gentle stir and let the magic happen – allow the yeast to bloom for around 5 minutes.
Step 3 – In a separate bowl, add the unsalted butter, honey, and fine sea salt. Pour in that lovely yeast-milk mix and whisk it all together for about 2-4 minutes. Don’t worry if the butter doesn’t fully melt – it’s all part of the plan.
Step 4 – Now, add the egg to the mix and give it a whisk to bring all these flavors together.
Step 5 – Stir in the all-purpose flour with a trusty wooden spoon or spatula. Keep stirring until the dough is all mixed in and things get a little sticky.
Step 6 – Time to get your hands floured up! Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and plop that dough down. Dust the top and your hands with more flour, and start kneading away for 2-5 minutes. You’re aiming for that smooth, ‘ready-to-be-awesome’ dough texture.
Step 7 – Get yourself another big (clean) bowl, give it a coat of cooking spray, and place the dough inside. Cover it up with plastic wrap and let it chill out in a warm, dry place for about 60-90 minutes.
Step 8 – When you’re in the rollin’ mood, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and give your work area and rolling pin a sprinkle of flour. Punch the dough down to release the excess air, then place it on your work area. Roll out the dough to about half an inch thickness, then use a pizza cutter to cut it into your desired roll-sized squares or rectangles. Pop them on the prepared baking sheet, giving each roll some space.
Step 9 – Cover formed dough rolls with plastic wrap and let them double in size again for around 60-90 minutes.
Step 10 – When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the plastic wrap, and if any rolls have gotten too cozy together, gently separate them with a butterknife.
Step 11 – Bake!
Step 12 – Once the rolls are out of the oven, give them a buttery hug by brushing the tops with 2 tablespoons of melted salted butter.
Step 13 – While those rolls are baking and cooling down, it’s time to whip up the honey cinnamon butter. Grab a stand mixer (or hand mixer + large bowl) and combine salted butter, powdered sugar, honey, and ground cinnamon. Whip it all together on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth.
Step 14 – Let rolls rest for 5-10 minutes to cool slightly.
Step 15 – Serve and enjoy!
Texas Roadhouse Rolls with Honey Cinnamon Butter (Copycat)
Ingredients
Texas Roadhouse Rolls
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, thinly sliced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Honey Cinnamon Butter
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
Instructions
For the Texas Roadhouse Rolls
- In a microwave safe bowl, add milk. Heat in the microwave in 15 second intervals until milk reaches 115-120 degrees F. Do not exceed 120 degrees F.1 1/4 cups whole milk
- Add yeast to bowl and stir. Allow yeast to bloom for 5 minutes.2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- In another large bowl, add unsalted butter, honey, and salt. Pour in yeast milk mixture and whisk well, about 2-4 minutes. The butter will not melt completely; this is okay.1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup honey, 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Add egg and whisk to combine.1 large egg
- Add flour and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until incorporated and dough is sticky.3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Generously dust a clean work surface with flour. Turn out dough onto prepared area, then dust top of dough and your hands with more flour. Knead the dough by hand, adding more flour as needed, for 2-5 minutes or until dough is smooth.
- Spray another large mixing bowl with cooking spray. Add dough to bowl and gently roll it around, coating it in cooking spray. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let dough rest and rise in a warm, dry place for 60-90 minutes.
- When ready to form rolls, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then set aside. Dust a clean work area and a rolling pin with more flour. Bring out bowl with dough and remove plastic wrap. Firmly punch the dough down, removing excess air.
- Place dough in center of prepared work area. Lightly dust top of dough with flour and roll it out into a rectangular shape, about 1/2 inch thick. Using a pizza cutter, cut off uneven edges of the dough rectangle; set scraps aside to be used later. Cut dough into squares or rectangles of your desired roll size, then place finished rolls on prepared baking sheet, spacing each roll roughly 1 inch apart. Repeat this process with dough scraps until you have 12 roll-shaped pieces, each 1/2 inch thick.
- Cover baking sheet with plastic wrap and allow rolls to double in size, about another 60-90 minutes.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove plastic wrap from baking sheet. It's okay if some dough is touching, but if separation detail has been lost, use a butterknife to gently separate any fused rolls.
- Bake rolls for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Remove rolls from oven and immediately use a basting brush to coat tops of rolls with melted butter.2 tablespoons salted butter
For the Honey Cinnamon Butter
- While rolls bake and cool, prepare honey cinnamon butter. Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer + large bowl), whip together the butter, powdered sugar, honey, and cinnamon on medium-high speed until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.1 cup salted butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/3 cup honey, 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Putting it all Together
- Allow rolls to cool slightly for 5-10 minutes, then serve them warm with honey cinnamon butter.
Nutrition
I do my best to provide nutrition information, but please keep in mind that I’m not a certified nutritionist. Any nutritional information discussed or disclosed in this post should only be seen as my best amateur estimates of the correct values.