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
Scale
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.
