If you’ve ever craved those soft, buttery rolls from Texas Roadhouse, here’s how you can make them at home, complete with that sweet cinnamon butter. The secret lies in a few simple ingredients and a patient’s touch for kneading the dough.

These rolls are a showstopper for any gathering or family meal, and pairing them with the cinnamon butter takes them to another level of deliciousness.

• Cuisine: American
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 11-13 minutes
• Total Time: 2-3 hours (including rising time)
• Servings: 24 rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly soft and buttery, just like the restaurant favorite.
• Simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
• Versatile—excellent for breakfast, as a side, or as a snack.
• The cinnamon butter adds a sweet, comforting touch.

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Essential for leavening, adding volume to the rolls.
• ¼ cup warm water (about 100 degrees Fahrenheit): Activates the yeast. Ensure it’s not too hot to protect the yeast.
• 1 cup milk: Provides richness and moisture. Heat to 180 degrees Fahrenheit for better dough texture.
• 2 tablespoons butter (softened): Adds flavor and softness to the dough.
• 1 tablespoon butter (melted): For brushing the baked rolls, giving them a shiny finish.
• ¼ cup + 1 teaspoon sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the rolls slightly.
• 3 ½ – 4 ½ cups flour: Provides structure. Start with less and add gradually until the right dough consistency is reached.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 egg: Adds richness and color to the rolls.
• Cinnamon Butter Ingredients
• 1 stick butter (softened): The base for the cinnamon butter, making it easy to spread.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Offers a lovely warmth and spice to the butter.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the butter naturally.
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and a smooth texture to the butter.

How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Heat the milk to 180 degrees Fahrenheit on the stove or in the microwave to denature the whey proteins, which helps the dough maintain its structure and rise better. Once heated, remove from heat and stir in the softened butter to ensure it melts evenly. Allow it to cool down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit before proceeding.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Dissolve yeast with 1 teaspoon sugar in the warm water, at about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature helps the yeast activate and start to bubble, which is critical for a good rise. Let the yeast sit for 5 minutes until it foams, indicating it’s ready to use.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

In a stand mixer bowl, combine the activated yeast, milk mixture, sugar, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Use a whisk or paddle attachment to mix until smooth. Add the egg and blend well, ensuring the mixture is uniform. Gradually add 2 more cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing to incorporate fully before each addition.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Switch to the dough hook and add flour ½ cup at a time, mixing on low speed until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Knead with the dough hook on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten structure necessary for the rolls to rise well.

Step 5: First Rise

Grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning it over to coat both sides. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for at least an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size. A great spot is in an oven with the light on to provide gentle warmth.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

Once risen, turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and roll it to ½ inch thick. Use a dough scraper or pizza cutter to slice out rectangles of 2×3 inches. Fold the short edges of each rectangle under to form a rounded top, which will help them bake evenly and look uniform.

Step 7: Second Rise

Arrange the roll forms on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Cover and let them rise again until they double in size, which can take 15 minutes to 1½ hours, depending on room temperature. This second rise gives the rolls their distinctive fluffiness.

Step 8: Bake and Serve

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember to remove the rolls if they’re rising in the oven. Bake them for 11-13 minutes or until they are deep golden brown. Once baked, brush them with melted butter for a delicious finish. Serve these delightful rolls with smooth cinnamon butter.

Step 9: Prepare the Cinnamon Butter

In a medium bowl, cream together softened butter, cinnamon, honey, and powdered sugar until smooth and well combined. Serve alongside the warm rolls for the full Texas Roadhouse experience.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough and complete the first rise. After shaping, cover and refrigerate the rolls for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow them to come to room temperature and rise as needed before baking.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix the dough by hand. Use a wooden spoon for initial mixing and your hands for kneading. It’s just as effective, although it requires more manual effort.

Can I freeze the rolls?

These rolls freeze well. After baking, cool them completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in a preheated oven until warmed through.