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If there’s one thing that makes Thanksgiving dinner unforgettable, it’s the bread basket. And nothing beats the warm, buttery goodness of Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls. These pillowy soft rolls melt in your mouth and pair perfectly with a whipped cinnamon honey butter that adds just the right touch of sweetness.
Right after your first bite, you’ll wonder why you ever waited for a restaurant to enjoy these. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving feast or a cozy family dinner, these rolls bring homemade comfort to the table with every golden bite.
Try them once, and you’ll want them on your Thanksgiving table year after year.
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Why You’ll Love These Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Perfect for Holiday Baking
These rolls are a dream to serve at your Thanksgiving dinner. They’re made with pantry staples, come together in just a few steps, and can even be prepped ahead to free up oven space on the big day. Fluffy, lightly sweet, and brushed with butter right out of the oven, they’re just the kind of warm welcome your guests will remember.
Soft, Fluffy Texture
The texture is everything you want in a dinner roll. Each one is airy and soft on the inside with just a slight chew at the edges. A swipe of cinnamon honey butter adds a creamy contrast that balances out savory dishes on your Thanksgiving menu.
Family-Friendly and Freezer-Ready
This recipe makes 16 rolls, which is great for a big meal, but they also freeze beautifully. If you’re prepping ahead for Thanksgiving, bake them now and warm them just before serving.
Ingredients and Simple Substitutions
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Rolls:
- ⅓ cup warm water (110°F–115°F)
- 1 cup whole milk, scalded and cooled
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled), plus 2 tablespoons extra for brushing
For the Cinnamon Honey Butter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Ingredient Tips
- Scald the milk before mixing. This helps the dough rise better and gives the rolls a soft texture.
- Measure flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Too much flour leads to dense rolls.
- Room temperature eggs and butter blend more evenly with the dough.
Easy Substitutions
- You can use oat or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
- Maple syrup can replace honey in the cinnamon butter for a fall-inspired flavor.
- Use instant yeast if that’s what you have, just skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Rolls Step by Step
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, whisk together warm water, scalded milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy. This shows the yeast is active and ready to work.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add flour, salt, egg, and 4 tablespoons of melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Switch to a dough hook if using a mixer, and knead for 5 to 7 minutes (or 8 to 10 minutes by hand) until the dough is smooth and elastic.
If the dough feels too sticky, add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time, but avoid going over ½ cup extra.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Roll one half into a rectangle about 11 by 4.5 inches. Fold the dough over itself, pinch to seal, and roll it back out. Cut into 8 even squares.
Repeat with the second half of dough to make 16 total rolls.
Step 5: Second Rise
Place the dough squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover again and let them rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes until golden brown on top. Brush with melted butter immediately after baking.
Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Honey Butter
In a medium bowl, whip the softened butter, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until fluffy and well-blended. Use a mixer for best results.
Serve the butter with the warm rolls or keep it chilled until ready to use.
Thanksgiving Serving Ideas
What to Serve with These Rolls
These rolls belong on every Thanksgiving plate. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Roasted turkey or glazed ham
- Buttery mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Cranberry sauce
They also make amazing mini sandwiches with leftover turkey and gravy the next day.
Presentation Tips
Line a bread basket with a cloth napkin and tuck the rolls in to keep them warm. Add a small dish of cinnamon honey butter in the center for a cozy and inviting touch.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat
- Oven: Wrap rolls in foil and warm at 300°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Place one roll on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. After shaping the rolls, you can cover and refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.
Check the temperature of your water and milk. If they’re too hot, they can kill the yeast. Also, make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired.
Yes. Shape the rolls, then freeze them on a baking sheet before the second rise. Once frozen, store in a sealed bag. Let them thaw and rise before baking.
Try More Roll Recipes
If you’re in the mood for more Thanksgiving bread options, check out these soft and fluffy roll recipes:
Soft Dinner Rolls for Thanksgiving
Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
Both recipes offer step-by-step instructions and tips for making your bread basket extra special this holiday season.
Get More Recipes on Pinterest
Looking for more Thanksgiving recipes, sides, and bread ideas? Follow along on Pinterest for fresh inspiration and seasonal favorites:
These Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls are sure to become a family tradition. They’re easy enough to make from scratch and special enough for your Thanksgiving menu. Be sure to let us know how they turn out and tag us with your beautiful bread baskets.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 Rolls 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bring your favorite taste of Texas Roadhouse right to your table with these copycat rolls. Each warm fluffy bite is paired with sweet cinnamon butter that makes these simply irresistible.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup warm water (110°F-115°F)
- 1 cup whole milk, scalded and cooled to 110°F to 115°F
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (plus extra 2 tbsp melted to brush rolls)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for cinnamon honey butter)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Whisk the warm water, scalded milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl of an electric stand mixer (or in a large bowl), just until combined. Set aside for 10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
- Add flour, salt, egg, and 4 tablespoons of melted butter to the foamy yeast mixture. Mix with a paddle attachment until a sticky dough forms, then switch to a dough hook.
- Mix on medium speed for 5 to 7 minutes (or 8 to 10 minutes if kneading by hand). Add flour 2 tablespoons at a time if dough is too sticky (do not exceed 6 to 8 tablespoons extra).
- Form the dough into a ball and place into a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Roll half on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, fold it over itself, pinch edges, and roll again into an 11” x 4.5” rectangle.
- Cut rectangle in half lengthwise, then into 8 squares. Place squares onto a baking sheet lined with parchment. Cover and repeat with the second half of the dough.
- Let both pans of dough rise at room temperature for 30 minutes in a warm place. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake rolls for 15 to 25 minutes or until golden brown on top. Optionally, spray with water before and midway through baking for a softer texture.
- Place rolls on wire racks immediately after baking and brush with remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter.
- To make cinnamon honey butter, whip softened butter, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a mixer on medium-high for 3 minutes until fluffy. Serve with warm rolls.
Notes
Best enjoyed fresh. Rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer. Cinnamon honey butter can be refrigerated and used on toast, pancakes, or sweet potatoes too.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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