Texas Roadhouse Rolls

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Texas Roadhouse Rolls are famous for their pillowy texture, sweet buttery flavor, and the irresistible pairing with cinnamon honey butter. In this article, you’ll discover exactly how to make these soft dinner rolls from scratch using simple pantry staples. From mastering the enriched dough to serving it with that signature honey butter, every step is broken down for success. We’ll also cover expert tips, common baking pitfalls, and creative ways to serve your rolls—plus answers to popular questions . Looking for inspiration? Try our fluffy ciabatta bread recipe to expand your baking repertoire.

JUMP TO

What Makes Texas Roadhouse Rolls So Irresistible?

The Signature Flavor & Texture Combo

Texas Roadhouse Rolls stand out because they strike the perfect balance between fluffy softness and subtle sweetness. Unlike typical dinner rolls, they aren’t just bread—they’re a comfort food experience. The texture is enriched by a combination of milk, butter, and eggs, giving it a tender, moist bite. Meanwhile, honey infuses a deep warmth that dances between savory and sweet, making every bite memorable.

The Role of Honey in the Dough

Here’s the twist that surprises many: these rolls pack a hefty ½ cup of honey into the dough. This isn’t just for flavor—it affects the texture too. Honey acts as a natural humectant, helping the rolls stay soft longer and giving them that golden, slightly shiny crust after baking. It’s also a key player in that addictively sweet aroma they release fresh out of the oven.

Why They’re Perfect with Cinnamon Honey Butter

You haven’t fully lived until you’ve slathered one of these warm rolls with cinnamon honey butter. The sweet spiced spread complements the dough’s mild flavor, making it a must-have duo. Don’t miss our blueberry butter for a fruity twist on flavored spreads. Whether you’re serving steak, soup, or a holiday meal, these rolls add a restaurant-style touch to your table.

Ingredients & Substitutions You’ll Need

Key Pantry Ingredients

To get that authentic taste, gather these essential ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Bread Flour	2½ cups	Adds structure
All-Purpose Flour	3 cups	Keeps texture soft
Instant Yeast	4½ tsp (2 envelopes)	Speeds up rise time
Water	1¼ cups	Activates yeast
Milk	½ cup	Enriches dough
Honey	½ cup	Adds sweetness
Unsalted Butter	⅓ cup	Tender crumb
Salt	1½ tsp	Enhances flavor
Eggs	2 large	Adds richness

This combo of bread and all-purpose flour is intentional—bread flour gives the rolls their chewy edge, while all-purpose keeps them fluffy inside.

What If You Don’t Have Bread Flour?

No worries. While bread flour is ideal for structure, you can swap it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly softer and less chewy, but still totally delicious. Just be mindful not to over-knead the dough if using all-purpose flour alone.

Instant Yeast vs. Active Dry: What’s Best?

This recipe uses instant yeast for a quicker, hassle-free rise. If you only have active dry yeast, bloom it first in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding to the flour. Remember, active yeast needs more time, so let the dough rise 15–20 minutes longer during both rise stages.

Discover great ideas like this crusty Italian bread recipe if you want to explore more styles of artisan baking.

Step-by-Step Texas Roadhouse Rolls Recipe

Prepping the Enriched Dough

Start by combining 2 cups of bread flour and your instant yeast in a stand mixer bowl. In a saucepan, heat your milk, honey, butter, and water until warm—not hot. With the mixer running on low, slowly pour the wet mixture into the flour. Beat for two minutes, then add salt, eggs, and remaining bread flour.

Next, gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until the dough pulls away from the bowl. At this point, it should be slightly sticky but hold shape.

Kneading, Rising & Shaping Explained

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Don’t skip this—it’s what gives the rolls structure. Let it rise in a warm spot for one hour or until doubled.

After the first rise, roll out the dough into a rectangle about ½-inch thick. Using a dough blade or pizza cutter, slice into 24 squares or rectangles—mimicking the signature Texas Roadhouse look.

Place them on a greased baking sheet and let them proof for another 30 minutes. They should look soft and puffy before they hit the oven.

Baking and Finishing with Melted Butter

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes, until they turn a rich golden brown. Immediately brush with melted salted butter for that glossy finish. Serve warm with cinnamon honey butter—or if you’re feeling adventurous, pair with this sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken for a tropical dinner.

Don’t miss our no-knead bread recipe if you want simpler homemade options too.

Expert Tips for Perfect Copycat Rolls Every Time

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple roll recipe can go sideways if you’re not careful. One of the most common missteps? Skipping the knead. Under-kneaded dough results in flat, dense rolls. Also, resist adding too much extra flour while kneading—your dough should be slightly tacky, not dry. Another issue is water temperature. Yeast dies above 140°F, so aim for warm, not hot liquids.

Another rookie mistake: cutting corners on rise time. It might feel tempting to rush it, but skipping either rise flattens the flavor and texture. Take the time—your patience will pay off.

How to Knead Dough Without a Stand Mixer

No stand mixer? No problem. Just mix your dough in a large bowl using a wooden spoon until shaggy. Then transfer it to a floured surface and knead with your palms for about 8–10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when lightly pressed.

To test if it’s ready, poke your finger gently into the dough. If it bounces back slowly, you’re golden.

Check out our crusty batard bread recipe for another satisfying project using hand-kneading techniques.

Tips for Cutting Uniform Square Rolls

To mimic that Texas Roadhouse shape, roll your dough into a large rectangle and cut it into even 2-inch squares. A pizza cutter works wonders here—just press straight down and avoid dragging. This ensures clean cuts and even baking. For best results, place rolls about 1.5 inches apart on a greased sheet. They’ll puff up during the second rise and bake into a beautiful soft batch.

Don’t crowd them too much or they’ll merge together like pull-apart rolls—which isn’t bad, but not authentic Roadhouse style.

Cinnamon Honey Butter: The Iconic Pairing

Quick Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe

This spread is legendary for a reason, and it only takes five minutes to make. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Amount
Salted butter (softened)	½ cup
Honey	¼ cup
Powdered sugar	¼ cup
Ground cinnamon	1 tsp

Instructions:
Beat all ingredients together in a mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Bring it to room temperature before serving so it spreads like a dream over warm rolls.

Looking for inspiration? Try our blueberry cream cheese bars for another sweet treat that pairs well with homemade spreads.

Can You Prep the Butter in Advance?

Yes! Cinnamon honey butter actually tastes better after resting. Prep it up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate in a lidded jar. If you want to go the extra mile, roll it into a log using parchment paper and slice off pats for serving—it’s bakery-style presentation made simple.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. For longer storage, freeze rolls in a ziplock bag and thaw at room temp before warming.

Store leftover honey butter in the fridge, or freeze it in small batches. It also melts beautifully over pancakes, waffles, or sweet potatoes.

Creative Ways to Serve Texas Roadhouse Rolls

Pairing with Dinners, Soups, and Steaks

These rolls are a hit with just about anything on your menu. They’re particularly fantastic with hearty main courses like pot roast, pork chops, or grilled steak. Try them with this creamy potato and pea chowder for the ultimate cozy combo. The sweetness of the roll plays nicely against savory dishes.

Turning Leftovers Into Next-Day Sandwiches

Slice cold rolls in half and turn them into slider buns for leftover turkey, ham, or BBQ chicken. Add a slice of cheese, warm them in the oven, and you’ve got next-level mini sandwiches for lunch or snack time.

Making It a Brunch Staple

These rolls don’t have to be dinner-only. Serve them at brunch with whipped butter, fruit preserves, or even alongside eggs and bacon. Their subtle sweetness is versatile enough to go sweet or savory.

Don’t miss our no-added sugar pumpkin banana bread if you want to round out your brunch spread with more homemade goodness.

FAQs About Texas Roadhouse Rolls

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you’ll need to proof it first. Mix active dry yeast with warm water (not hotter than 110°F) and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy before adding to the flour. Note that rise times may be slightly longer.

How do I know when the dough is done rising?

The dough should roughly double in size. Gently press a fingertip into the dough; if the indentation remains, it’s ready. Avoid over-proofing, which can cause the rolls to collapse or lose structure when baked.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely. Prepare the dough through the first rise, then punch it down and refrigerate overnight in a covered bowl. Let it come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and baking. It’s a smart way to get ahead on holiday prep.

Do I need to use both types of flour?

Using both bread flour and all-purpose flour provides the perfect texture—chewy on the outside, soft inside. But if you’re short on one, using all of either type will still yield delicious results.

What’s the best way to store baked rolls?

Store baked rolls in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5. For long-term storage, freeze in an airtight bag and thaw before reheating at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.

Conclusion

Texas Roadhouse Rolls aren’t just any dinner rolls—they’re a crave-worthy blend of sweet, soft, and satisfying that can elevate any meal from good to unforgettable. With the right ingredients and a little know-how, you can recreate this iconic restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re pairing them with steak, making cinnamon honey butter, or transforming leftovers into sandwich sliders, this copycat recipe opens up endless delicious possibilities. Don’t forget to browse our fluffy French bread and other homemade bread recipes to keep your oven—and your table—warm and inviting.

Table of Contents