INTRODUCTION
These Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls are soft, warm, and sweet. They bring a familiar comfort to any meal. You can make them at home for a family night or a small party. They pair well with coffee and milk drinks, so try them with an Apple Crisp Oat Milk Frappuccino copycat for a sweet treat after dinner by following the simple pairing idea in that recipe Apple Crisp Oat Milk Frappuccino copycat.
This article shows step-by-step directions. It also gives healthy swaps and meal prep tips. The language is clear and simple. The goal is a lighter option that still tastes like the rolls you love. These ideas can help you make a healthy version for families and people who want portion control or a good meal plan for weight loss.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- The rolls are soft and rise well with simple ingredients.
- These rolls work as a lighter option when you use smart swaps.
- The recipe is great for meal prep because you can freeze extra rolls and thaw them later.
- You can make a healthy version with whole grain flour and less sugar.
- With small changes, the rolls can be part of a balanced meal that helps with weight loss goals.
- They make a great side for lean protein and vegetables, which helps build a high protein meal.
HOW TO MAKE Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Follow the directions below to make these rolls. I keep steps simple so anyone can try them at home. You will find ideas for healthier swaps and a low-carb or high-protein version later.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Stand mixer with dough hook (or a large bowl and strong arm)
- Pastry mat or clean surface for rolling
- Cookie sheet pan
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife or bench scraper
- Kitchen towel and saran wrap
- Small bowl for cinnamon honey butter
- Hand mixer for the butter spread
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1/2 cup water (warmed to 110 degrees), 1 Tbsp instant yeast, 1 tsp sugar, 3-3/4 to 4-1/2 cups AP flour, 3/4 cups milk (warmed slightly to take off the chill), 1/4 cup melted salted butter (cooled slightly), 1/3 cup sugar, 1 egg (slightly beaten), 1 tsp salt, 3 additional Tbsp melted butter for brushing, 1 cup salted butter (room temp), 1/2 cup honey, 2 tsp cinnamon
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Melt your 1/4 cup butter and set aside to cool slightly, Warm your 3/4 cup milk in the microwave for 1 minute to take any chill off of it and set aside., In your mixer bowl, combine the warm water, yeast and the 1 tsp sugar. Stir, then let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy., Add 3-3/4 cups of the flour, warmed milk, slightly cooled melted butter, the 1/3 cup sugar, egg, and salt., Mix with your dough hook on low speed until combined., Turn mixer to speed 2 and let knead for 5 minutes, scraping down as needed and adding up to an additional 3/4 cup flour as needed to create a ball that is tacky to the touch, but does not stick to your fingers., Once the kneading is complete, scrape the dough in to a ball, and spray around the bowl, moving the ball to make sure you get under it as well., Cover the bowl with saran wrap and a clean cotton towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1-1/2 hours until doubled in size., Punch the dough down and empty on to a lightly floured pastry mat or clean surface. Knead in to a ball., Roll dough into a rectangle about 1” thick. Use a sharp knife to cut dough into 18 to 20 squares., Place squares on a large cookie sheet pan lined with parchment paper and lightly cover with a cotton towel for another 30 minutes., Preheat oven to 350F, Bake rolls for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and immediately brush generously with the additional 3 Tbsp of melted butter., For the cinnamon honey butter, use a hand mixer to whip together the room temperature butter with the honey, and cinnamon until light, fluffy, creamy and smooth., Serve the rolls with cinnamon honey butter! You can store any remaining honey butter in the refrigerator, you will be happy you made extra!
HOW TO SERVE Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Serve the rolls warm with one or two tablespoons of cinnamon honey butter. For a healthier version, serve one small roll per person with lean protein and veggies. A good plate looks like this: 1 small roll, grilled chicken or turkey, and a big side salad. This gives protein, fiber, and balance.
Portion control tips:
- Limit to one small roll per serving if you aim to cut calories.
- Use a light spread of the honey butter, or swap for a lower-sugar spread.
- Pair with plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a high protein meal.
These tips help you enjoy the rolls as a balanced part of a meal that can be good for weight loss and heart healthy plans.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls
- At room temp: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- In the fridge: Keep rolls in a sealed bag or container for up to 5 days.
- To freeze: Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp for 1 hour. Warm in an oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes, or microwave for 20–30 seconds.
These storage tips make these rolls great for meal prep. Freeze extras and pull them out when you need quick sides or snacks.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Balanced plate: One roll, baked or grilled fish, and steamed broccoli.
- Light side: One roll with a bowl of vegetable soup for a low calorie lunch.
- Brunch: Split a roll and top with smoked turkey and a light Greek yogurt spread.
- Coffee pairing: Serve with a brown sugar shaken espresso or caramel drink for a treat. A simple idea is to sip a Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso while you enjoy a roll at brunch by reading a short recipe for that drink Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso copycat.
Choose at least one veggie or salad to add fiber and volume. This helps keep your meal lighter and more filling without many extra calories.
VARIATIONS
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Healthier version:
- Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour.
- Reduce the sugar in the dough to 1/4 cup and cut the cinnamon honey butter honey to 1/4 cup.
- Use light butter or a heart-healthy spread for brushing.
This creates a healthier version with more fiber and fewer added sugars.
-
High-protein or low-carb version:
- For higher protein, add 1/4 cup unflavored whey protein powder to the flour mix and increase the liquid by 1–2 tablespoons if needed. You can also mix in vital wheat gluten (1–2 tbsp) to keep texture.
- For a low-carb option, try making a small batch of rolls using a low-carb dough recipe based on almond flour and egg whites. Note that texture will differ from the classic roll.
These swaps can help create a high protein meal or a lower carb side for diabetic-friendly plans.
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Air fryer or oven-baked version:
- Oven: Follow the main directions and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Air fryer: Preheat to 325°F. Place rolls in the basket with space between them. Cook for 8–10 minutes or until golden. Brush with melted butter after cooking.
The air fryer gives a quick option that is great for meal prep and for a lighter option because it may require less brushing of butter.
-
Flavor twists:
- Add shredded cheddar for a savory roll. Use less sugar in dough.
- Add herbs like rosemary and garlic to the butter for a savory spread.
FAQs
Q: Are these rolls good for people watching calories?
A: Yes, with portion control you can enjoy one small roll. Use the healthier version swaps like half whole wheat flour and less sugar to make them lower calorie.
Q: Can I make these diabetic-friendly?
A: You can make them more diabetic-friendly by reducing sugar, using a sugar substitute in the dough, and serving with lean protein and vegetables. The cinnamon honey butter can be made with a lower-carb sweetener.
Q: How long will the dough rise?
A: The recipe asks for 1 to 1-1/2 hours until doubled in size. Warmer rooms speed this up; cooler rooms slow it down.
Q: How do I store the cinnamon honey butter?
A: Store the butter in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Let it soften at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. You can make the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring it back to room temp and let it rise again before cutting and baking.
Q: Are these rolls heart healthy?
A: The classic recipe is rich in butter and sugar. For a heart healthy option, reduce butter, use plant-based spreads, or increase whole grains. Pair with lean proteins and vegetables to keep the meal balanced.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls
- Make dough the night before: After the first rise, punch down and place covered in the fridge. Next day, let it come to room temp, roll out, cut, and bake. This is great for meal prep.
- Freeze baked rolls: Bake full batch, cool, then freeze in a sealed bag. Reheat quickly for fast meals.
- Prep the cinnamon honey butter ahead: Store it in the fridge so you can spread it on warm rolls in seconds.
- Double the recipe: Freeze half for future meals. This saves time and makes these rolls a quick side for busy days. Saying these tips out loud, this recipe is great for meal prep and batch cooking.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Melt 1/4 cup butter and set aside to cool slightly. Warm the 3/4 cup milk in the microwave for 1 minute to take off any chill.
- In a mixer bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Stir and let sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
- Add the 3-3/4 cups of flour, warmed milk, cooled melted butter, 1/3 cup sugar, egg, and salt.
- Mix with a dough hook on low speed until combined.
- Increase speed to 2 and knead for 5 minutes, adding up to an additional 3/4 cup of flour as needed to create a ball that is tacky but does not stick to your fingers.
- Scrape the dough into a ball and spray around the bowl with non-stick spray. Cover with saran wrap and a clean towel. Let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1-1/2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch the dough down and empty it onto a lightly floured surface. Knead into a ball.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 18 to 20 squares with a sharp knife.
- Place squares on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and brush with the additional 3 Tbsp of melted butter.
- In a small bowl, whip the room temperature butter with honey and cinnamon using a hand mixer until light, fluffy, creamy, and smooth.
- Serve the rolls warm with cinnamon honey butter.