If you’ve ever tasted Texas Roadhouse dinner rolls, you know they are not just ordinary bread. These soft, fluffy rolls are warm, slightly sweet, and brushed with melted butter right out of the oven. What truly makes copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls special is their light texture and the famous cinnamon honey butter served on the side. The dough is rich and tender, almost like a pillow, which makes them different from regular homemade yeast rolls. Many people search for a Texas Roadhouse rolls recipe because they want to recreate that restaurant-style experience at home. The mix of sweetness, buttery flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth softness is what keeps everyone coming back for more and why this homemade Texas Roadhouse bread recipe is so popular.
Ingredients
To make truly soft, fluffy copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls, it helps to understand how each ingredient works. When you know the role behind every item, your Texas Roadhouse rolls recipe becomes easier and more reliable:-
- Flour (All-Purpose or Bread Flour): Flour builds structure. Its protein forms gluten, which traps air and gives your Texas Roadhouse dinner rolls their soft yet sturdy texture. All-purpose flour keeps rolls lighter, while bread flour makes them slightly chewier.
- Active Dry Yeast or Instant Yeast: Yeast makes the dough rise. Active dry yeast needs to be dissolved first, while instant yeast can be mixed directly into flour. Both work well for homemade yeast rolls, as long as they are fresh.
- Warm Milk (100–110°F): Warm milk activates yeast and adds richness. It helps create tender, restaurant-style rolls instead of plain bread.
- Sugar: Sugar feeds the yeast, supports rising, and adds the subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon honey butter.
- Eggs (Egg-Enriched Dough): Eggs add moisture, softness, and a light golden color. This enriched dough is what makes copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls from scratch taste buttery and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Step 1 – Proofing the Yeast Properly
Start by warming milk to 100–110°F (warm like bath water, not hot). Stir in sugar and active dry yeast. Let it sit 5–10 minutes.
Visual cue: the top should look foamy and bubbly.
Troubleshooting: If there’s no foam, your yeast may be old or the milk was too hot/cold.
Step 2 – Mixing & Kneading the Dough
Mix the yeast mixture with eggs, butter, and flour until a soft dough forms. Knead 8–10 minutes by hand or 6–8 minutes in a stand mixer.
Visual cue: dough should be smooth, stretchy, and slightly tacky not sticky.
Troubleshooting: If it feels dry, add 1 tablespoon milk at a time. If sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time (don’t overdo it).
Step 3 – First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot (75–85°F) for 60–90 minutes.
Visual cue: dough should double in size and spring back slowly when poked.
Troubleshooting: If your kitchen is cold, place the bowl in an oven that’s OFF with the light on.
Step 4 – Shaping the Signature Square Rolls
Punch down dough gently, then roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Cut into squares or rectangles (about 2×2 inches).
Visual cue: pieces should look even and puffy, not flattened paper-thin.
Troubleshooting: Uneven cutting = uneven baking. Use a ruler or bench scraper for clean edges.
Step 5 – Second Rise & Baking Tips
Place rolls on a lined baking sheet, cover, and rise again 30–45 minutes at 75–85°F until puffy. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Brush with melted butter right away.
Visual cue: tops should be light golden, and rolls feel soft when pressed.
Troubleshooting: If they brown too fast, your oven may run hot check with an oven thermometer.
This method gives you Texas Roadhouse dinner rolls that are soft, fluffy, buttery, and perfect with cinnamon honey butter.
Cinnamon Honey Butter
Let’s be honest the real magic of copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls isn’t just the bread. It’s that soft, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon honey butter. When it spreads over warm Texas Roadhouse dinner rolls, it slowly melts into every bite. That’s the moment everyone loves.
The Perfect Sweet & Creamy Ratio
You only need four simple ingredients:
- ½ cup softened butter
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
This balance gives you butter that’s sweet, smooth, and not too sugary. The honey adds richness, and the cinnamon gives that warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with soft fluffy rolls.
Whip It Until Light & Fluffy
- Make sure the butter is room temperature (soft but not melted).
- Beat everything together for 2–3 minutes.
- Keep mixing until it looks light, creamy, and slightly pale.
Tip: If it looks greasy, the butter may be too warm. Chill it for a few minutes and whip again.
How to Store It
- Keep it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- You can freeze it for up to 2 months.
Spread this homemade Texas Roadhouse honey butter recipe over warm rolls, and you’ll instantly feel like you’re back at the restaurant.
Why Your Rolls Might Turn Out Dense (And How to Fix It)
There’s nothing more disappointing than pulling copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls out of the oven and finding them heavy instead of soft and fluffy. The good news? Dense rolls usually happen for simple reasons — and they’re easy to fix.
One common problem is yeast not activating properly. If your milk was too hot, it may have killed the yeast. If it was too cold, the yeast may not have woken up. Always use milk around 100–110°F and look for a foamy top before mixing.
Another reason is adding too much flour. Over-flouring makes dough dry and tight, which leads to dense Texas Roadhouse dinner rolls. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky, not stiff.
Under-kneading is another issue. Kneading develops gluten, which traps air and gives rolls structure. If the dough isn’t smooth and stretchy, keep kneading.
On the other hand, over-proofing can also cause problems. If dough rises too long, it collapses and loses strength. The dough should double in size, not triple.
Finally, a cold kitchen slows down yeast activity. If your home is below 70°F, let the dough rise in a slightly warm spot, like an oven with the light on.
Fix these small mistakes, and your homemade Texas Roadhouse rolls recipe will turn out light, airy, and perfectly tender every time.
Bread Machine Version (Hands-Off Method)
If you love the idea of making copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls but want less hands-on work, a bread machine makes the process simple and stress-free. You’ll still get soft, fluffy Texas Roadhouse dinner rolls, just with less effort.
For best results, use the Dough setting on your bread machine. This setting mixes, kneads, and completes the first rise automatically. It usually runs for about 90 minutes, depending on your machine.
When adding ingredients, follow this order (unless your machine manual says otherwise):
- Warm milk (100–110°F)
- Melted butter
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Flour
- Yeast (add last, on top of the flour)
Adding yeast last keeps it separate from liquids until mixing begins, helping it activate properly.
Once the dough cycle finishes, remove the dough, roll it to ½-inch thickness, cut into squares, and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
This method makes your Texas Roadhouse rolls recipe easier while still delivering that soft, buttery texture perfect for spreading with cinnamon honey butter.
Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing Guide
If you’re making copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls for a holiday, dinner party, or meal prep, this is the section that saves you time. These soft, fluffy Texas Roadhouse dinner rolls store well, if you do it the right way.
Can you freeze the rolls before baking: Shape the dough into squares, place them on a tray, and freeze until firm. Then move them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place frozen rolls on a baking sheet, cover, and let them thaw and rise until puffy (usually 4–6 hours at room temperature, or overnight in the fridge). Bake at 350°F as normal.
Freeze after baking: Let baked rolls cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. This works great for make-ahead Texas Roadhouse rolls with cinnamon honey butter.
How to reheat without drying them out: The best trick is moisture + gentle heat. Wrap rolls in foil and warm at 300°F for 10–12 minutes. For quick reheating, microwave for 10–15 seconds with a damp paper towel over them.
How restaurants keep them soft: They don’t let bread sit uncovered. Soft rolls stay soft because they’re kept warm, lightly covered, and brushed with butter right away. Do the same at home brush with melted butter, then cover with a clean towel while they cool. That’s the secret to keeping your homemade Texas Roadhouse bread recipe tender and fresh.
How These Rolls Compare to Regular Dinner Rolls
Many people wonder what makes copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls different from regular dinner rolls. At first glance, they may look similar but the taste and texture tell a different story.
The first big difference is the sweetness level. Traditional dinner rolls are usually neutral in flavor, meant to pair with savory meals. Texas Roadhouse dinner rolls, however, have a slight sweetness from sugar and honey. This sweetness balances perfectly with the famous cinnamon honey butter, creating that signature restaurant flavor.
Next is the texture difference. Regular rolls can be firm or slightly crusty on the outside. In contrast, soft fluffy rolls like these are pillowy, tender, and lightly brushed with butter for extra softness.
Finally, it comes down to enriched dough vs lean dough. Regular rolls often use a lean dough (just flour, water, yeast, and salt). This Texas Roadhouse rolls recipe uses eggs, milk, butter, and sugar, making it an enriched dough. That’s why homemade Texas Roadhouse rolls feel richer, softer, and more melt-in-your-mouth than basic bread rolls.
Best Meals to Serve with Texas Roadhouse Rolls
One of the best things about copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls is how versatile they are. These soft, fluffy dinner rolls fit perfectly with both special occasions and simple family meals.
For holiday dinners, they shine on the table next to turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Their slight sweetness balances savory dishes, making them a favorite for Thanksgiving dinner rolls or Christmas meals. Add a bowl of cinnamon honey butter, and guests will reach for seconds.
On steak night, nothing pairs better than warm Texas Roadhouse dinner rolls beside a juicy steak. They’re perfect for soaking up steak juices or enjoying between bites.
With BBQ plates, these buttery rolls complement ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and grilled chicken. Their soft texture contrasts beautifully with smoky meats.
Even for weeknight meals, serve them with soups, chili, pasta, or roasted chicken. This homemade Texas Roadhouse rolls recipe turns an ordinary dinner into something special.
Nutrition Information & Portion Tips
When enjoying copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls, it’s helpful to know what you’re eating — especially if you’re serving them at large dinners or holidays.
On average, one Texas Roadhouse dinner roll (without butter) contains about 150–180 calories, depending on size. It also includes carbohydrates for energy, a small amount of protein from the flour and eggs, and fat from butter and milk. When you add cinnamon honey butter, calories increase by about 70–100 calories per tablespoon.
Because these are sweet, enriched dough rolls, they are richer than basic bread. That’s what gives them their soft, fluffy texture but it also means portion control matters.
For balanced meals:
- Serve 1–2 rolls per person.
- Pair with lean protein and vegetables.
- Enjoy honey butter in moderation.
This way, you can enjoy your homemade Texas Roadhouse bread recipe while keeping your meal balanced and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in this copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls recipe. Simply mix it directly into the flour and reduce the rise time slightly. You don’t need to proof it separately, but make sure your milk is still warm (100–110°F) for best results.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
If your Texas Roadhouse dinner rolls didn’t rise, the yeast may have been expired, or the milk was too hot or too cold. Yeast activates best at 100–110°F. A cold kitchen can also slow rising, so place the dough in a warm spot.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this homemade Texas Roadhouse rolls recipe doubles well. Just make sure your mixing bowl is large enough, and allow a little extra rising time if the dough mass is bigger.
How long do these rolls stay fresh?
These soft fluffy rolls stay fresh at room temperature for about 2–3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Let it come to room temperature and complete the second rise before baking. This works great for holidays and busy weeknights.
Conclusion
Making copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls at home is easier than you might think. With the right ingredients, proper yeast activation, and simple rising tips, you can create soft, fluffy Texas Roadhouse dinner rolls that taste just like the restaurant. The secret lies in the enriched dough, gentle kneading, and that final brush of melted butter.
Don’t forget the creamy cinnamon honey butter, it’s what turns warm rolls into something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday dinner, steak night, BBQ plate, or a simple weeknight meal, these rolls always impress.
Now that you understand the science, techniques, and storage tips, you’re fully prepared to master this homemade Texas Roadhouse bread recipe. Bake a batch, serve them warm, and watch them disappear from the table.
Recipe Card Summary
Recipe Name: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Yield: About 24 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (total)
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Ingredients (Rolls)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (100–110°F)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
Ingredients (Cinnamon Honey Butter)
- ½ cup softened butter
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Quick Instructions
- Proof yeast in warm milk and sugar until foamy.
- Mix in butter, egg, salt, and flour. Knead until smooth.
- Let dough rise until doubled (about 60–90 minutes).
- Roll out, cut into squares, and rise again 30–45 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes. Brush with butter and serve warm with cinnamon honey butter.
These soft, fluffy Texas Roadhouse dinner rolls are perfect for holidays, steak nights, BBQ plates, or cozy family dinners.
