Cheddars Copycat Honey Butter Croissants Recipe for Home Bakers

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Copycat Cheddar’s Honey Butter Croissants (Soft, Flaky & Sticky-Sweet)

If you’ve ever sat down at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and tasted their warm basket of honey butter croissants, you know exactly why people dream about them later. They’re soft, flaky, and dripping with that glossy, sweet honey butter. In this post, I’ll walk you through an easy copycat Cheddar’s Honey Butter Croissants recipe you can make at home with simple ingredients and basic tools. No fancy pastry school skills required.

A Quick Background on Cheddar’s & Their Famous Honey Butter Croissants

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is known for comfort food made from scratch—big portions, bold flavors, and a cozy, casual vibe. But for a lot of us, the real star of the meal shows up first: those warm, buttery, cloud-like croissants brushed with shiny, sweet honey butter. They’re:
  • Flaky – soft layers that pull apart in steamy ribbons.
  • Buttery – rich, melt-in-your-mouth dough.
  • Sweet & sticky – that warm honey butter glaze is what makes them unforgettable.
This recipe is a homemade copycat version, inspired by the flavors and textures of the restaurant’s croissants. It is not the restaurant’s actual recipe, just my best take on it using home-kitchen techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Honey Butter Croissant Recipe

  • Beginner-friendly: Uses store-bought dough for a quick version, and a from-scratch option if you want to go all in.
  • Fast enough for weeknights: The shortcut method is ready in about 30 minutes.
  • Perfect for brunch, holidays, or “just because”: Kids and adults both love these.
  • Easy to customize: I’ll include tips for air fryer, gluten-free, and dairy-free versions.
Have you ever wanted restaurant-style bread on a Tuesday night without spending all day in the kitchen? This recipe is for that.

Recipe Overview

Homemade copycat Cheddar’s honey butter croissants brushed with glossy honey butter, showing soft flaky layers and warm golden tops on a baking sheet.
Warm, flaky homemade honey butter croissants inspired by Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen — soft inside, golden outside, and dripping with sweet honey butter

Servings: 8 croissants (about 4 servings, 2 croissants each)
Prep Time: 10 minutes (shortcut version)
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: about 25–30 minutes
Skill Level: Easy (shortcut) / Intermediate (from-scratch option below)

Ingredients for Copycat Cheddar’s Honey Butter Croissants

Shortcut Version (Using Store-Bought Dough)

For the croissants:
  • 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough (makes 8 croissants)
  • 1–2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing before baking, optional)
For the honey butter glaze:
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2–3 Tbsp powdered sugar (for extra sweetness and thickness)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)

From-Scratch Flaky Croissant Dough (Optional Upgrade)

If you want to take the long route and get closer to a true bakery-style croissant, you can use this dough instead of canned dough. This is more time-consuming but very rewarding.
For the dough:
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/4 cup warm water (about 105–110°F)
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (about 105–110°F)
  • 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 3/4 to 3 cups all-purpose flour (start with 2 3/4 cups, add more as needed)
For the butter layer:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter
For finishing:
  • 1 egg + 1 Tbsp water (egg wash, optional but gives shine)

Step-by-Step Instructions (Shortcut Version)

This is the easiest way to get Cheddar’s-style honey butter croissants on the table fast.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (or follow the temperature on your crescent roll package).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Shape the Croissants

1. Open the can of crescent roll dough and gently unroll it on a clean surface.
2. Separate along the perforated lines into 8 triangles.
3. Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle toward the tip to form a crescent shape.
4. Slightly bend the ends inward to create a “C” shape.
5. If you like them extra buttery, brush lightly with melted butter before baking.

Step 3: Bake the Croissants

1. Place the croissants on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them to puff up.
2. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until:
  • The croissants are puffed and the tops are a deep golden brown.
  • The internal temperature reaches at least 190°F (for baked dough) when checked with a kitchen thermometer.
3. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for about 2–3 minutes while you make the honey butter.

Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Glaze

1. In a medium bowl, add the softened butter. (It should be soft enough to press with a spoon, but not melted.)
2. Whisk or beat in the honey until smooth.
3. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
4. Mix until creamy and slightly fluffy. It should be pourable but thick enough to coat a spoon.
If it’s too thick, add a few drops of warm water or a little extra honey. If it’s too thin, whisk in a bit more powdered sugar.

Step 5: Glaze the Warm Croissants

1. While the croissants are still warm (but not scorching hot), spoon or brush the honey butter generously over each one.
2. Let some honey butter drip down the sides—that sticky, shiny finish is part of the Cheddar’s-style experience.
3. Serve immediately, with extra honey butter on the side for dipping or spreading.

From-Scratch Flaky Croissants (Optional, More Advanced)

If you want to level up your copycat Cheddar’s honey butter croissants, try this homemade dough. Plan for about half a day total with resting time.

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a small bowl, stir the yeast into the warm water and let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and salt. Stir to dissolve.
3. Stir in the yeast mixture.
4. Add 2 3/4 cups flour and mix until a soft dough forms. Add up to 1/4 cup more flour if it’s very sticky.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3–5 minutes, until smooth.
6. Shape into a ball, place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise at room temperature for about 1–1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Block

1. Place the 2 sticks of cold butter between two pieces of parchment paper.
2. Use a rolling pin to pound and roll the butter into a rectangle about 5 x 8 inches.
3. Keep it as even as possible, then refrigerate until firm but still pliable (about 20–30 minutes).

Step 3: Laminate (Create the Layers)

1. Roll the risen dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 10 x 15 inches.
2. Place the chilled butter block in the center, with the shorter side parallel to the short side of the dough, leaving margins around it.
3. Fold the dough over the butter like an envelope, fully encasing it. Pinch edges to seal.
4. Roll the dough gently into a long rectangle, about 8 x 20 inches.
5. Fold into thirds like a letter (this is one “turn”).
6. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
7. Repeat the roll-and-fold step 2 more times, chilling 30 minutes between each turn.
This layering is what gives you those tender, flaky, pull-apart croissant layers.

Step 4: Shape and Proof the Croissants

1. After the final chill, roll the dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Cut into long triangles (base about 3–4 inches wide).
3. Roll from the wide end toward the point, then curve into a crescent.
4. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise at room temperature for 1–2 hours, until puffy.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Brush croissants lightly with egg wash if desired.
3. Bake 12–15 minutes, until deep golden brown and crisp on the outside. Internal temperature should reach at least 190°F.
4. Remove from oven and immediately brush or spoon on the prepared honey butter glaze (from the shortcut recipe above).

Approximate Nutrition (Per Croissant, Shortcut Version)

These numbers are estimates and will vary with brands and portion sizes.
  • Calories: ~220
  • Carbohydrates: ~21 g
  • Protein: ~3 g
  • Fat: ~14 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~8 g
  • Sugar: ~10–12 g
  • Sodium: ~230 mg
If you’re tracking closely, you can plug your exact ingredients into a nutrition calculator for more precise numbers.

Food Safety & Baking Tips

  • Check doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer if you’re unsure. Baked dough should reach about 190°F internally and look golden brown.
  • Handle dough with clean hands: Always wash your hands before and after working with raw dough.
  • Freshness: These croissants taste best warm, within a few hours of baking. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or in an air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes. Avoid microwaving too long; it can make them tough.

Even Easier Options & Time-Saving Tricks

Short on time or tools? Here are some simple shortcuts.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Croissants

Using crescent roll dough:
1. Preheat air fryer to 320–330°F.
2. Shape croissants as directed.
3. Arrange in the basket with space between (you may need to work in batches).
4. Air fry for 6–9 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Brush with honey butter while warm.

Canned Biscuits Twist

If you don’t have crescent dough:
1. Use refrigerated biscuit dough.
2. Split each biscuit in half horizontally and roll into a loose rope, then twist and curve into a crescent shape.
3. Bake according to package directions and glaze with the same honey butter mixture.
It won’t be quite as flaky as a true croissant, but you’ll still get that warm, buttery, honey-drizzled goodness.

Allergy-Friendly & Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Version

  • Use a gluten-free crescent roll or biscuit dough if your store carries one (brands and availability vary by region).
  • Always check labels to be sure they’re certified gluten-free.

Dairy-Free Version

  • Use a dairy-free crescent dough (some store brands are accidentally vegan—check the label).
  • Swap butter for a dairy-free plant-based butter stick in the honey butter glaze.
  • Honey is naturally dairy-free but not vegan (see below).

Vegan Version

  • Choose a vegan crescent dough (no butter, milk, or eggs listed).
  • Use plant-based butter for the glaze.
  • Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness and shine.

Paleo-Inspired Option

A true croissant isn’t paleo, but you can get a similar flavor profile:
  • Use a grain-free roll or biscuit recipe made with almond or cassava flour.
  • Top with a mixture of ghee and honey instead of regular butter.
Always tailor these ideas to your personal dietary needs and speak with a medical professional or dietitian if you have serious allergies or medical conditions.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

  • Serve warm: These are best right out of the oven, when the centers are soft and the honey butter is slightly melted.
  • Brunch board: Pair with eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and coffee for a weekend spread.
  • Dessert twist: Slice open a croissant and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, then drizzle with extra honey butter.
To store: Let croissants cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze: Freeze baked, unglazed croissants in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 300°F oven until warm, then glaze with fresh honey butter.

Let’s Talk Croissants – Share Your Version!

Did you try this copycat Cheddar’s honey butter croissants recipe?
  • Did you use the shortcut crescent dough or the from-scratch version?
  • Did you tweak the honey butter—more honey, a pinch of cinnamon, or maybe a drizzle of vanilla?
I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Drop a comment below with your tips, questions, or your family’s reaction, and feel free to share this recipe with a friend who loves Cheddar’s as much as you do.

Important Disclaimers

  • This recipe is a homemade copycat inspired by Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen honey butter croissants. It is not the original restaurant recipe, and no insider knowledge, proprietary information, or confidential formulas are used or implied.
  • All trademarks, restaurant names, and related references are the property of their respective owners and are used here for identification and descriptive purposes only.
  • Simply Copycat Recipes is an Amazon Associate and may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
Enjoy your warm, sticky-sweet, homemade “Cheddar’s style” honey butter croissants!
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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