Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe

Few restaurants manage to create a cult following with a side item quite like Texas Roadhouse has with its cinnamon honey butter. Served warm with freshly baked rolls, this creamy, sweet, and lightly spiced spread has become one of the restaurant’s most iconic and beloved offerings. It’s not uncommon for guests to rave more about the butter than their entrees, and many have tried to recreate it at home, often with mixed results.

Texas Roadhouse, known for its laid-back, Western-themed atmosphere, hand-cut steaks, and hearty meals, doesn’t just serve food—it delivers a dining experience that feels warm, familiar, and indulgent. Among its most treasured comforts is the simple but unforgettable pairing of soft dinner rolls and the sweet butter that accompanies them. For those who’ve tasted it, the memory is vivid: rich creaminess balanced with warm cinnamon and the golden sweetness of honey. It’s nostalgic, satisfying, and undeniably addictive.

What makes this cinnamon honey butter so special? Is it the ratio of ingredients? The quality of the butter? The touch of spice from the cinnamon or the smooth sweetness of the honey? Perhaps it’s all of the above. Recreating that perfect blend at home might seem daunting, but with the right approach, ingredients, and techniques, it’s more than possible to replicate—or even enhance—the original.

This article explores the Texas Roadhouse cinnamon honey butter recipe in exhaustive detail. We’ll cover its origins, the role each ingredient plays, and how to adjust the recipe for various dietary needs and taste preferences. Whether you’re a home cook looking to impress, a foodie intrigued by the science of flavor balance, or someone simply craving that unforgettable taste, this guide is designed to equip you with everything you need.

We’ll begin by understanding the cultural and culinary significance of cinnamon honey butter in American comfort food. Then, we’ll dive into the specifics of the Texas Roadhouse version—what sets it apart and how it achieves its signature flavor. From there, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting texture and consistency, and creative serving suggestions. We’ll also explore variations and substitutions to accommodate different diets, as well as troubleshooting tips for common mistakes.

By the end of this article, not only will you know how to make a copycat version of Texas Roadhouse cinnamon honey butter—you’ll understand why it works, and how you can make it your own.

Whether served alongside freshly baked rolls, pancakes, waffles, cornbread, or even grilled meats, this butter is more than a spread—it’s a flavor experience. Let’s begin the journey into one of the most deliciously simple recipes ever to grace an American steakhouse table.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Honey Butter – Step-by-Step Instructions

Recreating Texas Roadhouse’s famous cinnamon honey butter is surprisingly straightforward. The recipe is made with just a few basic ingredients, but the key to getting it right lies in the quality, temperature, and ratio of those ingredients. Let’s dive into every detail.

1. Gather Your Ingredients

The simplicity of this butter makes each ingredient crucial. Here’s what you’ll need for a standard batch (about 1½ to 2 cups of butter):

Essential Ingredients:

• Salted Butter – 1 cup (2 sticks), softened

• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar) – 1 cup

• Honey – ½ cup (preferably raw or high-quality honey)

• Ground Cinnamon – 1½ to 2 teaspoons

Note: You can scale the recipe up or down depending on how much you want to make. It stores well in the fridge and even better in the freezer, so making extra is always a good idea.

2. Select the Right Butter

Butter is the foundation of this recipe. Texas Roadhouse likely uses high-quality, salted butter for extra richness. Choose a good brand — one that’s creamy, smooth, and not overly watery.

Why salted butter?
Salt enhances the sweetness and brings out the flavor of the cinnamon and honey. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of fine sea salt (about ¼ teaspoon).

Room Temperature Is Key:
Let your butter sit out for at least 1–2 hours before mixing. It should be soft enough to press with a finger, but not melted.

3. Cream the Butter

Use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer with a large mixing bowl.

1. Place the softened butter in the bowl.

2. Beat on medium-high speed for 1–2 minutes, until it becomes fluffy and pale.

3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.

Why this matters: Whipping air into the butter gives the final spread a light, creamy texture — just like the restaurant version.

4. Add the Honey

Next, add the honey slowly while mixing:

1. Pour in the ½ cup of honey gradually while the mixer is on low.

2. Once incorporated, increase speed to medium and beat for another 30 seconds.

Pro Tip: Warm your honey slightly (10–15 seconds in the microwave) if it’s thick. This helps it blend more easily into the butter without clumping.

5. Add the Powdered Sugar

Sift the powdered sugar if it’s clumpy. Then:

1. Add it ¼ cup at a time while the mixer is on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud.

2. Once fully added, beat for another 1–2 minutes on medium-high until the mixture is smooth.

Why powdered sugar? It dissolves easily into the butter, creating a velvety texture. Granulated sugar would make it gritty.

6. Incorporate the Cinnamon

Sprinkle in the cinnamon (1½ to 2 teaspoons, depending on how strong you want the flavor).

1. Mix on low until it begins to combine.

2. Then switch to medium-high and beat for 30–45 seconds to fully incorporate.

Taste at this point. Want more cinnamon warmth? Add an extra ¼ teaspoon at a time until it hits your preference.

7. Final Whip and Texture Check

After all ingredients are mixed:

1. Whip the butter on high speed for 30–60 seconds to incorporate more air.

2. Scrape down the bowl and give it one final mix.

You’re aiming for a light, fluffy, and spreadable consistency that holds its shape when scooped but melts gently on warm bread.

8. Optional Variations (Flavor Twists)

If you’re feeling creative, try these subtle additions:

• Vanilla Extract – ¼ teaspoon for a deeper sweetness

• Nutmeg or Allspice – a pinch for autumn vibes

• Maple Syrup – substitute part of the honey for a rich maple twist

• Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar – for a caramel undertone

Always mix these additions in after the basic recipe is done, so you can taste and adjust.

9. How to Store It Properly

Once made, the butter should be stored in an airtight container.

• In the refrigerator: Keeps for up to 2–3 weeks

• In the freezer: Can be stored for up to 3 months

Bring it back to room temperature before serving. Do not microwave it to soften, as this will alter the texture.

Storage Tip: Scoop butter into ramekins or shape into logs with parchment paper if you want a restaurant-style presentation.

10. Serving Suggestions

This butter isn’t just for rolls. Here are some delicious ways to use it:

• Spread on freshly baked bread or rolls

• Add a dollop to pancakes, waffles, or French toast

• Melt over cornbread or muffins

• Use it to glaze sweet potatoes

• Swirl into oatmeal or cream of wheat

• Top warm apple slices or cinnamon toast

• Serve with biscuits for a breakfast side

Want to elevate your steak night? Add a pat of cinnamon honey butter to a grilled ribeye for a surprising flavor contrast.

11. Troubleshooting Common Mistakes

• Butter too hard or chunky: Make sure it’s fully softened before mixing.

• Too runny: Likely due to warm ingredients or overmixing in a hot kitchen. Chill for 15–20 minutes to firm up.

• Too sweet: Reduce powdered sugar by ¼ cup or increase butter.

• Grainy texture: Possibly from granulated sugar or cold butter. Always use powdered sugar and room-temp butter.

• Separation: Overmixing at high speed for too long in a warm environment can cause ingredients to separate. Whip only until smooth.