Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe
There’s something downright magical about pulling a pan of Caramel Pecan Rolls out of the oven—the sweet scent of cinnamon, toasted pecans, and bubbling caramel turns any morning into a special occasion. These rolls are soft, pillow-like swirls of dough, made extra luxurious by their buttery caramel topping and nutty crunch. Whether you’re gathering with friends, spoiling your family, or simply treating yourself, Caramel Pecan Rolls are that feel-good favorite you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe pulls its weight, from the golden butter in the dough to the creamy caramel that soaks through each swirl. There’s nothing fancy here—just a handful of simple staples that work together to create something irresistibly delicious.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and gives richness to the dough for tender rolls.
- Active dry yeast: The secret behind the fluffy, sky-high texture we love.
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough just enough.
- Large eggs: Make the dough rich and soft by adding structure and moisture.
- Unsalted butter: Used in the dough, filling, and caramel, butter brings the flavor and decadence.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances every other component.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the rolls, creating structure and a soft crumb.
- Brown sugar: Key for that deep, caramel flavor in both the filling and the topping.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds comforting warmth and spice to the filling—classic!
- Heavy cream: Turns the caramel topping extra smooth and silky.
- Chopped pecans: Add crunch and earthy sweetness to offset the gooey caramel.
How to Make Caramel Pecan Rolls
Step 1: Make and Rise the Dough
Start by combining the warm milk, yeast, and sugar in your stand mixer’s bowl. After about 5–10 minutes, you’ll see the mixture turn nice and foamy—a sure sign the yeast is alive! Add the eggs, soft butter, salt, and most of the flour to create a luscious, sticky dough. Mix with the dough hook on medium until it’s soft yet workable, adding the last bit of flour if you need it. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, then cover and let it rise somewhere cozy until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours. Watching it puff up is half the fun!
Step 2: Prepare the Caramel and Pecan Layer
As your dough rises, it’s time for the show-stopping caramel. In a saucepan, melt together the butter, brown sugar, and cream, stirring often until smooth and just thickened. Pour this dreamy mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the top generously with chopped pecans. This sticky layer becomes pure gold once the rolls are baked and flipped!
Step 3: Roll Out, Fill, and Slice
Once your dough has finished its first rise, gently turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 16×12 inches—don’t sweat making it perfect. Slather on more softened butter, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the top. Roll up the dough tightly from the long side, pinching the seam closed, and slice into 12 generous rolls. You’re almost there!
Step 4: Assemble and Rise Again
Nestle each roll, cut-side up, on top of that glorious caramel pecan layer you made earlier. The dough will look a bit snug, but after a 30–45 minute second rise, they’ll puff up and fill the pan beautifully. This extra rise is what gives Caramel Pecan Rolls their signature, cloudlike softness.
Step 5: Bake and Invert for Caramel Glory
Bake the rolls at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, until they’re gloriously golden and your kitchen smells like pure heaven. Let them cool for about five minutes, then carefully invert the pan onto a serving tray so all the gooey caramel and pecan goodness pools over the top. Serve warm for ultimate melt-in-your-mouth pleasure!
How to Serve Caramel Pecan Rolls
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, dust the rolls with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or drizzle a touch of additional warm caramel sauce over each one just before serving. If you really want to impress, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns Caramel Pecan Rolls into a decadent dessert everyone will rave about.
Side Dishes
These rolls are already a headliner, but they pair wonderfully with savory touches for breakfast or brunch. Think fluffy scrambled eggs, fresh fruit salad, or a smoky strip of bacon on the side—simple dishes that let the sweet rolls shine while rounding out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try arranging the rolls on a pretty serving platter and scatter more toasted pecans over the top for extra crunch and drama. For a brunch buffet, cut the rolls into quarters and serve on cupcake liners for bite-sized treats. You can even turn Caramel Pecan Rolls into a celebratory layer by stacking them in a pyramid and dusting with powdered sugar!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any rolls left over (lucky you!), cool them completely before storing in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and soft at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure the caramel glaze is sealed in so every bite stays moist.
Freezing
Caramel Pecan Rolls freeze beautifully—just let them cool, then wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them overnight in the fridge or for a couple hours at room temp.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, pop a roll in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds, or warm in a 300°F oven, covered loosely with foil, for 10–15 minutes. The caramel melts into the rolls again, making them soft, gooey, and totally irresistible.
FAQs
Can I make Caramel Pecan Rolls the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking as usual. This makes for an easy, no-stress breakfast treat.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you’re not a pecan fan or need a nut-free version, walnuts are a great substitute, or you can simply skip the nuts altogether. The caramel layer alone is fantastic, so feel free to get creative with your favorite add-ins—or none at all.
How do I make the rolls extra gooey?
For a stickier, more decadent result, drizzle a couple tablespoons of heavy cream over the rolls just before baking, or pour extra caramel sauce on top after inverting. The cream soaks into the dough, creating a gooey, custard-like texture.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Instant yeast can be swapped for active dry yeast in equal amounts. You can add it right in with the dry ingredients—no need to proof it first—a real time-saver on busy mornings.
What’s the best way to slice the dough without squishing it?
Dental floss (unflavored) makes this job foolproof! Slide the floss under your rolled dough, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight for clean, even slices. This keeps the pretty swirls—and all the gooey filling—intact.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy treat, these Caramel Pecan Rolls are just the ticket. They disappear quickly at any table, and you’ll love how simple ingredients come together for truly memorable results. Give them a whirl, and don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite reason to gather in the kitchen!
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Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and sticky goodness of homemade Caramel Pecan Rolls. These soft and fluffy rolls are filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious caramel pecan glaze that makes them perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit until foamy. Add eggs, butter, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth. Let rise.
- Make the Caramel Topping: Melt butter, brown sugar, and cream in a saucepan. Pour into a greased baking dish, sprinkle with pecans.
- Assemble and Bake: Roll out dough, spread butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Roll up, slice, and place in the baking dish. Let rise. Bake until golden. Invert onto a tray.
Notes
- These rolls can be prepared the night before and refrigerated after assembly. Let come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking.
- For extra gooeyness, drizzle with more cream just before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
