If you’ve ever been to Texas Roadhouse and found yourself eating way too many warm rolls “for research purposes,” then you already know exactly why this cinnamon honey butter deserves its own moment.
I’m not exaggerating when I say this butter is dangerously good.
The kind of good where you “just taste it” with a spoon and suddenly half the bowl is gone.
I love this recipe because it’s:
- Ridiculously Easy: No cooking, no special equipment, no stress
- Made with Pantry Staples: If you bake even occasionally, you probably have everything
- Fast: Five minutes from craving to spreading bliss
- Versatile: It’s not just for rolls (trust me)
I’ve tested this version multiple times, tweaking the sweetness and cinnamon levels until it tasted just like the restaurant version, maybe even better because it’s fresh and customizable.
I’ve made it for brunch spreads, holiday dinners, and random Tuesday nights when we needed a little joy. Every single time, someone asks for the recipe.
There’s also something deeply satisfying about recreating a restaurant favorite at home. It feels a little magical, like you cracked a secret code.
Plus, when you make it yourself, you control the quality of ingredients, real butter, real honey, and just the right warmth of cinnamon.
If you love cozy flavors, nostalgic comfort food, or anything that makes bread taste like a hug, this cinnamon honey butter is about to become a staple in your fridge.
What is the Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe?
Table of Contents
At its heart, Texas Roadhouse cinnamon honey butter is a sweet, whipped butter flavored with honey, powdered sugar, and cinnamon.
It’s served alongside their iconic fluffy yeast rolls, and honestly, it steals the show. The rolls are just the delivery system.
This butter is light, creamy, and perfectly balanced, not too sweet, not overly spiced.
The cinnamon is warm but subtle, and the honey adds depth rather than straight sugariness.
When whipped properly, it becomes almost mousse-like, spreading effortlessly over warm bread and melting into every nook and cranny.
What makes it special (and different from just mixing butter and honey) is the texture. Whipping air into softened butter transforms it from dense to dreamy.
It’s the difference between “good butter” and “how did I eat six rolls without realizing it?”
I first tried recreating this after one too many Roadhouse visits where I left thinking more about the butter than the steak.
After a few test batches, some too sweet, some too heavy, I landed on this version that hits all the right notes.
The best part? It tastes indulgent but is incredibly simple. No fancy techniques, no cooking skills required.
If you can operate a hand mixer (or even a fork), you can make this.
Key Ingredients
This recipe keeps things simple, but each ingredient really matters. Quality in = wow flavor out.
Butter
- Use unsalted butter, fully softened
- Soft butter is crucial for that whipped, fluffy texture
- If you forget to soften it (been there), cut it into cubes and let it sit for 15–20 minutes
Honey
- Adds natural sweetness and a floral depth
- I prefer mild, light-colored honey so it doesn’t overpower the cinnamon
- Local honey works beautifully here
Powdered Sugar
- Gives the butter that smooth, creamy sweetness
- Dissolves easily without grit (unlike granulated sugar)
- Start small, you can always add more
Cinnamon
- Warm, cozy, and essential
- Use fresh cinnamon for the best flavor
- A little goes a long way; this isn’t meant to be spicy
Salt (Optional but Recommended)
- Just a pinch brings everything into balance
- Especially helpful if your butter is very mild
These simple ingredients come together to create something way more special than the sum of its parts.
It’s proof that sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is blissfully simple, but a few small details make the difference between good cinnamon honey butter and wow-this-tastes-like-the-restaurant cinnamon honey butter.
I’ve made it enough times now that I could probably do it in my sleep, and honestly, that’s part of why I love it.
1. Soften the Butter
Start with fully softened butter. I cannot stress this enough. You want it soft enough that your finger leaves an indent easily, but not melted.
Melted butter won’t whip properly and you’ll lose that fluffy texture that makes this butter so irresistible.
If you’re short on time:
- Cut the butter into cubes
- Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes
2. Whip the Butter
Add the butter to a mixing bowl and whip it using a hand mixer or stand mixer for about 1–2 minutes.
You’ll see it lighten in color and become airy and smooth. This step is where the magic starts.
3. Add the Sweetness
Drizzle in the honey, sprinkle in the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt. Start with the lower amounts, you can always adjust later.
Mix again until everything is fully combined and silky smooth.
4. Taste and Adjust
This is the most important step. Taste it.
- Want it sweeter? Add a little more powdered sugar or honey
- Want more warmth? Add a pinch more cinnamon
- Too sweet? A tiny pinch of salt fixes everything
5. Chill (Optional)
You can use it immediately, but chilling it for 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and firm it up slightly for spreading.
Variations and Substitutions
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how forgiving it is.
Once you’ve made it once, you can tweak it in a dozen cozy little ways depending on your mood, pantry, or what you’re serving it with.
Maple Cinnamon Butter
Swap the honey for pure maple syrup. It gives the butter a deeper, almost caramel-like flavor that’s amazing on biscuits and cornbread.
Brown Sugar Version
Replace powdered sugar with finely packed brown sugar for a richer, slightly molasses-y taste. Whip extra well to avoid graininess.
Dairy-Free Option
Use a plant-based butter (the stick-style ones work best). Make sure it’s unsalted and softened well before whipping.
Extra Cinnamon Kick
If you’re a cinnamon lover, add:
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Or a drop of vanilla extract for bakery-style vibes
Less Sweet Version
Cut the powdered sugar in half and rely more on honey for a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory breads.
I’ve tried most of these variations at least once, and honestly, none of them have disappointed me.
This butter is very “choose your own adventure,” which makes it perfect for experimenting.
Meal Ideas
Sure, this butter was born to live on warm rolls, but don’t stop there.
Once you have a container of this in your fridge, you’ll start finding excuses to put it on everything.
Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Fresh dinner rolls or yeast rolls (obviously)
- Buttermilk biscuits for brunch
- Cornbread, sweet butter + corn is elite
- Pancakes or waffles instead of syrup
- Toast or English muffins on slow mornings
- Sweet potatoes, try it once, thank me later
- Banana bread or zucchini bread
I’ve even melted a little over roasted carrots for a sweet-savory side dish moment, and it was shockingly good.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does cinnamon honey butter last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it lasts up to 2 weeks. Just let it soften at room temperature before using.
Can I freeze cinnamon honey butter?
Yes! Freeze it for up to 3 months. I like freezing it in small portions so I can grab what I need.
Why is my butter not fluffy?
Most likely the butter was too cold or overmixed after adding sweeteners. Start with properly softened butter and whip it before adding anything else.
Can I make this without a mixer?
You can, but it takes some elbow grease. Use very soft butter and a sturdy fork or whisk. The texture won’t be quite as airy, but it’ll still taste amazing.
Is this the exact Texas Roadhouse recipe?
It’s a copycat, but after plenty of testing, it’s incredibly close, and honestly, I like this homemade version even better.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Add softened butter to a bowl and whip until light and fluffy.
- Add honey, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Whip until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or cinnamon as needed.
- Serve immediately or chill for later use.
