If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that wraps warm, gooey caramel with toasted pecans inside soft, fluffy rolls, then this Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These rolls are a decadent treat that perfectly blend buttery dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and a luscious caramel pecan topping so irresistibly sticky you’ll want to dive right in from the very first bite. Whether it’s a special brunch or a cozy weekend indulgence, these rolls bring comfort, sweetness, and a bit of show-stopping magic to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the key to creating these incredible Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe. Each item plays a vital role, contributing to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that golden color our eyes crave.
- Warm milk (110°F/45°C): This helps activate the yeast for a light and airy dough.
- Active dry yeast: The essential leavening agent that makes the dough rise beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to the dough.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Ensures richness and tenderness in the dough and filling.
- Large eggs: Adds structure and moisture, keeping the rolls soft.
- All-purpose flour: The body of the dough, providing the perfect chew without toughness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm aroma and depth to the dough and caramel sauce.
- Brown sugar: The secret to that deep caramel flavor and lovely sticky topping.
- Heavy cream: Richens the caramel sauce for that silky, luscious texture.
- Chopped pecans: For the delightful crunch and nutty contrast in the topping.
- Ground cinnamon: A classic spice for the sweet, fragrant filling inside each roll.
How to Make Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough
Start by combining warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets bubbly and foamy – this ensures your dough will rise perfectly. Then, mix together your flour and salt, add the yeast mixture along with softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until you have a soft dough ready for kneading.
Step 2: Knead and Rise
Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes on a lightly floured surface or use your stand mixer’s dough hook until it’s smooth and elastic. Then, place it in a greased bowl covered with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for around 1 to 1.5 hours, doubling in size and filling your kitchen with that wonderful homemade aroma.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Pecan Topping
While the dough rises, melt butter over medium heat and stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat, add vanilla, and pour this rich caramel sauce into your baking dish. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the caramel for a perfect balance of sticky sweetness and nutty crunch.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until combined to form the luscious cinnamon filling. This layer will add warm spice and sweetness inside every roll, complimenting the caramel topping perfectly.
Step 5: Roll Out and Assemble
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 18 by 12 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly, leaving an inch border free. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a neat log and slice into 12-15 rolls, depending on how thick you want each piece.
Step 6: Second Rise and Bake
Place the rolls cut side up over the caramel and pecans in the baking dish, cover loosely, and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until beautifully golden and fully baked through.
Step 7: The Grand Finale
Once out of the oven, allow the rolls to cool slightly, then flip the entire pan onto a platter so the sticky caramel and pecans smear wonderfully over the rolls. Warm, gooey, and irresistible, your Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe is ready to be devoured.
How to Serve Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle some chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the rolls before serving. You can also drizzle a little extra caramel sauce or a simple vanilla glaze to enhance that sticky, sweet experience. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese works beautifully as well.
Side Dishes
These rolls are a showstopper on their own, but if you want to create a full brunch spread, think fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or savory scrambled eggs to create a balanced meal that complements the richness of the caramel pecan rolls without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a brunch or special occasion, consider serving your Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe warm on a rustic wooden board with a pot of hot coffee or tea nearby. Wrap individual rolls in parchment for grab-and-go treats, or stack them in a tiered cake stand to add height and eye appeal to your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover caramel pecan rolls keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. After that, refrigeration helps maintain freshness up to 5 days, though remember to bring them back to room temp or warm slightly before serving to rediscover that signature softness.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked rolls after the first rise by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, let them rise a second time, then bake as usual for fresh-from-the-oven taste anytime you crave them.
Reheating
To revive your caramel pecan rolls, gently warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individually for 20-30 seconds. This melts the caramel just right and restores that soft, sticky texture we all love.
FAQs
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes and offer interesting flavor variations. Just toast them lightly for best texture and taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap out the butter with vegan butter and use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk. The caramel sauce can be made with coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a luscious dairy-free option.
How can I tell when the rolls are fully baked?
They should be golden brown on top and feel springy to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no raw dough.
Can I make the dough in advance?
You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise once, punch it down, then refrigerate it overnight. Roll, fill, and bake the next day for a fresh breakfast with minimal morning effort.
What’s the best way to flip the rolls out of the pan without breaking the caramel layer?
Run a knife around the edges to loosen the rolls, then place a large plate or tray over the pan and carefully invert. Use a spatula gently to loosen stubborn spots. Patience and a steady hand are key!
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like sharing warm, sticky, caramel-coated pecan rolls fresh from the oven with the people you love. This Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe has become a beloved go-to for special mornings and cozy weekends because it delivers not just incredible flavors but a comforting homemade experience. Go ahead, try it out – your kitchen is about to smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you in the sweetest way.
Print
Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls are the perfect indulgent treat featuring a tender, fluffy dough swirled with a cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with gooey homemade caramel sauce and crunchy pecans. Baked to golden perfection, these rolls are an irresistible sweet breakfast or dessert that melt in your mouth with every bite.
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, granulated 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.
- Combine Dough Ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes by hand or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- 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 until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel. Set aside.
- Make Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined to form a smooth cinnamon filling.
- Roll Out Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into an 18×12 inch rectangle.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the rolled dough, leaving about a 1-inch border on all sides.
- Roll Dough Log: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, sealing the edge to secure it.
- Slice Rolls: Cut the rolled dough into 12-15 evenly sized slices depending on preferred roll size.
- Arrange Rolls: Place the slices cut-side up into the prepared baking dish over the caramel and pecans.
- Second Rise: Cover the baking dish with a clean towel and allow the rolls to rise for 30-45 minutes, until they become puffy and nearly double in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and fully cooked through.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Unmold and Serve: Carefully invert the baking dish onto a large platter or tray to release the sticky caramel pecan topping. Serve the rolls warm to enjoy their gooey, sweet deliciousness.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to activate yeast without killing it.
- Knead the dough thoroughly for a soft, elastic texture in the rolls.
- Letting the dough rise fully is key for fluffy rolls.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the rolled dough cleanly.
- The caramel sauce thickens slightly as it cools, so serve the rolls warm for best gooey texture.
- Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for 1-2 days or freeze for longer storage.
