If you have a sweet tooth and a love for irresistible comfort food, this Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Picture soft, tender rolls layered with a buttery cinnamon filling, baked to golden perfection atop a luscious caramel pecan glaze that’s both sticky and heavenly. Every bite melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and warmly spiced flavors. Whether you’re making these for a brunch, holiday treat, or cozy weekend indulgence, these caramel pecan rolls promise to wrap you in pure joy with every gooey, soft bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beautiful part about this recipe: with a handful of simple, staple ingredients, you create unforgettable flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, ensuring the rolls are fluffy, the caramel rich, and the pecans add that wonderful crunch.
- Warm milk (1/2 cup): Activates the yeast gently, vital for soft dough rising.
- Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons): The magic behind the dough’s airy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough just right.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup + 1/2 cup): Used in the dough, caramel, and filling for rich flavor and tenderness.
- Large eggs (2): Adds structure and richness to the dough.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups + extra for dusting): Creates the perfect dough consistency.
- Salt (1 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth to both dough and caramel.
- Brown sugar (1 cup + 1/2 cup): Caramelizes perfectly in both the sauce and the filling.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Adds luscious creaminess to the caramel sauce.
- Chopped pecans (1 1/2 cups): Gives delightful crunch and nutty aroma.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The classic spice that fills the rolls with cozy warmth.
How to Make Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it rest until it becomes foamy and bubbly, about 5 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial because it ensures your dough will rise beautifully, setting the foundation for soft rolls that practically melt in your mouth.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl or your stand mixer, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until a soft dough forms. Then knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes by hand or with a dough hook until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading develops the gluten, giving you tender rolls with good structure.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and set it somewhere warm. Let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size. This rising time lets the dough become airy and fluffy, a key part of making these rolls so irresistibly soft.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Pecan Base
While the dough is rising, melt butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing it gently to a boil. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour this luscious caramel sauce into a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans on top. This gooey layer will infuse your rolls with nutty sweetness as they bake.
Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Filling
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until perfectly blended. This fragrant filling is what brings those warm, spicy notes we all adore in pecan rolls.
Step 6: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
Once your dough has doubled, punch it down to release the air and roll it out on a floured surface to about an 18×12-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border to seal the rolls later.
Step 7: Shape and Slice the Rolls
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log and seal the edge. Slice into 12 to 15 even pieces based on your preferred roll size. The neatness of the roll impacts how the cinnamon filling swirls beautifully inside each piece.
Step 8: Assemble and Final Rise
Arrange your slices cut-side up in the prepared baking dish over the caramel pecans. Cover with a towel and allow them to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled. This second rise is what gives you those cloud-like, soft centers.
Step 9: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes. They should come out golden brown, beautifully cooked, and delightfully sticky on top. The aroma alone at this stage will have everyone hovering around the kitchen.
Step 10: Flip and Serve
Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, flip the entire baking dish over onto a large platter to let the caramel pecan topping drip down the sides of each roll. Serve the rolls warm for extra gooey goodness, and watch smiles spread around the table!
How to Serve Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these rolls, sprinkle a little powdered sugar or drizzle extra melted butter over the top right before serving. You can also add a light glaze of cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast to the caramel’s sweetness, but honestly, these rolls are stunning and satisfying all on their own.
Side Dishes
Pairing these rolls with fresh fruit or a cup of robust coffee makes for an unbeatable breakfast or brunch. A side of fresh berries or a creamy yogurt parfait balances out the richness, giving you a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual rolls in small ramekins topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist. Alternatively, place them on a rustic wooden platter with extra pecans and cinnamon sticks for a cozy, inviting centerpiece that’s sure to wow guests at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying these heavenly rolls, you can keep leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best texture, avoid refrigeration as it tends to dry out the rolls.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead for a special occasion, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap the unbaked, sliced rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight and allow the rolls to rise before baking as usual.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat the rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes. You can also zap individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds when short on time, but beware of losing some crispness in the process.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work beautifully in this recipe and bring their own unique crunch and flavor while maintaining that classic nutty quality you expect in caramel rolls.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out butter and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives like coconut oil or vegan butter and almond or oat cream. The texture might be slightly different but still deliciously satisfying.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should roughly double in size and look puffy. When you gently press a finger into it, the indentation should remain rather than springing back immediately, indicating it’s ready for the next step.
Can I prepare these rolls the night before baking?
Definitely! After shaping the rolls and placing them in the pan, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Remove them from the fridge about an hour before baking to let them come to room temperature and rise slightly.
What if the caramel sauce is too runny?
If your caramel doesn’t thicken enough, you can gently simmer it for a minute or two longer before pouring it in the pan. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn; it should be pourable but luscious and sticky.
Final Thoughts
I truly encourage you to try this Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe as soon as you can. It’s one of those comforting, homemade treats that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with happiness. Whether for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a special brunch gathering, these rolls deliver an unforgettable experience with each gooey, nutty, cinnamon-spiced bite. Believe me, once you make them, they’ll be requested again and again!
Print
Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls are irresistible, featuring a tender yeast dough rolled with a buttery cinnamon filling and topped with a rich, gooey caramel pecan sauce. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, these rolls combine a soft texture with a sticky, nutty caramel glaze for a delightful indulgence.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Sauce and Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Cinnamon Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms, combining all ingredients thoroughly.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook, until the dough is smooth and elastic, developing gluten for a tender roll.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size, indicating the yeast fermentation is complete.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Assemble Caramel Base: Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the caramel sauce. Set aside to prepare rolls.
- Make Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well until fully combined and spreadable.
- Roll Out Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 18×12 inches, preparing it for filling.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the rolled dough, leaving approximately a 1-inch border around the edges to avoid spilling during rolling.
- Roll Dough: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape, sealing the edge well to maintain structure.
- Slice Rolls: Cut the rolled dough into 12-15 even slices, depending on desired roll size, to create individual cinnamon rolls.
- Arrange Rolls: Place the sliced rolls cut-side up in the prepared baking dish over the caramel and pecans for an even caramel topping infusion.
- Second Rise: Cover the baking dish with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled in size, ensuring light and airy rolls.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the centers cooked through, achieving a perfect balance of soft dough and caramelized topping.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes to set the caramel sauce slightly.
- Invert to Serve: Carefully flip the baking dish over onto a large platter or tray to release the sticky caramel pecan topping onto the rolls, creating a luscious sticky glaze.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the caramel pecan rolls warm for maximum gooeyness and flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- For evenly sized rolls, use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the dough log.
- Allow the rolls to rise adequately after shaping for a fluffy texture.
- Be cautious when flipping the baking dish to avoid spills from hot caramel.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to retain softness.
