Heavenly Caramel Pecan Delight Rolls Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Sweet caramel pecan delight rolls combine comfort and decadence in a single bite.

Imagine warm, pillowy dough swirled with rich, buttery caramel and crunchy toasted pecans.

Memories of cozy mornings flood back when you smell these fragrant pastries baking.

Soft textures and deep, complex flavors create an irresistible breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug.

Delicate spirals promise a luxurious experience that blends traditional baking techniques with indulgent ingredients.

Nutty undertones and golden-brown caramel weave magic into each carefully crafted roll.

You can want to savor every single delectable morsel of this mouthwatering creation.

Caramel Rolls You Can’t Resist

• The rich, gooey caramel topping creates an irresistible sweet cascade that transforms ordinary rolls into a luxurious dessert experience.
• This recipe offers a simple, step-by-step process that allows both novice and experienced bakers to create bakery-quality rolls with ease and confidence.
• Warm, soft rolls packed with cinnamon filling and topped with crunchy pecans make this a guaranteed hit for family breakfasts, brunches, or special gatherings that bring people together.
• The addition of chopped pecans provides a delightful nutty contrast to the soft, pillowy dough and smooth caramel, creating a multi-dimensional sensory experience in every bite.

Sweet and Nutty Ingredient List

• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a light, fluffy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: The main structural ingredient for the rolls, providing a soft and tender base.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough ingredients together.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast.
• Unsalted Butter (Melted): Adds flavor and helps create a soft, tender dough.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Classic filling combination that adds warmth and sweet depth to the rolls.
• Softened Butter: Creates a smooth, spreadable filling mixture.
• Heavy Cream, Butter: Key components for creating a rich, silky caramel topping.
• Pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the caramel base.

Roll and Bake Like a Pro

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Pour milk into a saucepan and warm to 110°F. Sprinkle granulated sugar and active dry yeast into the warm milk. Let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and fragrant.

Step 2: Create the Dough Foundation

• Flour
• Salt
• Yeast mixture
• Melted butter
• Egg

Mix these ingredients in a large mixing bowl until a soft, slightly shaggy dough forms. The texture should be slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 3: Knead with Love

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Use the heel of your hand to push, fold, and stretch the dough. Continue kneading for 6-8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, silky, and elastic.

Step 4: First Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and set in a warm, draft-free spot. Allow the dough to rise and double in size, which typically takes about 1 hour.

Step 5: Craft the Caramel Base

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Pour this luscious caramel into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle chopped pecans across the caramel for extra crunch.

Step 6: Prepare the Delectable Filling

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Mix until the ingredients create a creamy, spreadable filling.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

Gently punch down the risen dough. Using a rolling pin, stretch the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangular shape.

Step 8: Spread and Roll

Evenly spread the cinnamon filling across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight log.

Step 9: Slice and Arrange

Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls cut-side down on top of the caramel in the baking dish.

Step 10: Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise again for approximately 30 minutes. They should look puffy and slightly larger.

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

After baking, let the rolls rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully invert the dish onto a serving platter, allowing the caramel to cascade over the rolls. Serve warm and watch everyone’s faces light up with delight!

Keep Rolls Soft and Sweet

• Refrigerate: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm rolls at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning. This method helps restore their soft texture and revive the caramel's gooey goodness.
• Microwave Option: Quickly reheat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Add a small drizzle of milk or cream to keep them moist and prevent rubbery texture.

What Makes the Best Accompaniment

• Sip Sweet Bourbon Bliss: Pair these caramel pecan rolls with a smooth bourbon cocktail that complements the rich, nutty flavors. The bourbon's warmth and slight oak notes will dance perfectly with the caramel's sweetness.
• Brew Creamy Coffee Companion: Match the rolls with a velvety latte or cappuccino. The creamy milk and espresso will cut through the rolls' sweetness while highlighting the caramel and pecan undertones.
• Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Delight: Top the warm rolls with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy texture against the warm, gooey rolls creates an incredible flavor and temperature contrast that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Enjoy Fresh Berry Contrast: Add a small side of fresh mixed berries to bring a bright, tart element that balances the rolls' rich, sweet profile. Strawberries or raspberries work wonderfully to cleanse the palate between bites.

Try These Additions for Extra Flavor

• Maple Pecan Paradise: Swap caramel sauce with pure maple syrup, adding maple extract to the dough for an extra woodsy flavor profile.
• Tropical Coconut Crunch: Replace pecans with toasted coconut flakes and add a hint of rum extract to the filling for a Caribbean-inspired version.
• Apple Cinnamon Comfort: Mix finely diced fresh apples into the filling and sprinkle additional cinnamon on top before baking for a fruity autumn-inspired variation.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Indulgence: Substitute pecans with chopped hazelnuts and swirl melted chocolate into the filling for a rich, decadent alternative.

Sticky Bun Questions Solved

• Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to let them come to room temperature.

• How do I store leftover Caramel Pecan Delight Rolls?

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

• Can I substitute the pecans?

Absolutely! You can use walnuts, almonds, or skip the nuts entirely. The caramel topping will still be delicious.

• What if my dough isn't rising properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and your liquid is warm (not hot) – around 110°F. A warm, draft-free spot is crucial for proper rising. If it’s still not rising, your yeast might be old or inactive.

Tips for Sticky Perfection

• Nail the Yeast Activation: Ensure milk is precisely lukewarm (around 110°F) to wake up yeast without killing it, creating a perfectly frothy mixture.
• Master Dough Kneading: Work the dough on a floured surface with consistent, firm motions until it becomes smooth and springs back when gently pressed.
• Control Caramel Consistency: Stir caramel mixture continuously and watch carefully to prevent burning, aiming for a silky, glossy texture that coats the rolls evenly.
• Optimize Roll Placement: Position rolls slightly apart in the pan to allow minimal spreading during the second rise, ensuring uniform size and shape.
• Perfect Baking Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm accurate heat, rotating the pan halfway through baking for consistent golden-brown coloration.

Caramel Pecan Delight Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet, gooey caramel pecan delight rolls melt together with rich, buttery layers of dough and a golden pecan crunch. Warm spices and caramel glaze create an irresistible Southern comfort classic you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups (437.5 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
• ½ cup (60 grams) chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. Nurture the yeast by gently warming milk to a tepid 110°F, blending in granulated sugar and active dry yeast. Let the mixture transform into a frothy, bubbling elixir over 5-10 minutes.
2. Create a flour foundation in a spacious mixing vessel, crafting a central hollow. Pour in the awakened yeast mixture, liquefied butter, and a single egg. Stir until a rustic, textured dough emerges.
3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly dusted surface, massaging and stretching for 6-8 minutes until achieving a silky, resilient consistency.
4. Nestle the dough into a buttered bowl, drape with a soft cloth, and allow it to rise luxuriously in a nurturing warm environment for approximately one hour, doubling in volume.
5. Construct a luscious caramel base by melting butter over medium heat, incorporating brown sugar and heavy cream into a velvety sauce. Cascade this golden mixture into a prepared baking vessel, optionally scattering chopped pecans across the surface.
6. Blend softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a harmonious, fragrant filling.
7. Deflate the risen dough and roll into a generous 16×12-inch canvas. Lavish the cinnamon mixture across the expanse, preserving a delicate border.
8. Tightly roll the dough from its elongated edge, then segment into 12 uniform spirals.
9. Arrange the rolls cut-side down atop the caramel landscape. Shroud and permit a secondary rise for half an hour.
10. Ignite the oven to 350°F, baking the rolls until they transform into a golden, enticing constellation, approximately 25-30 minutes.
11. Rest the rolls briefly in their pan, then gracefully invert onto a serving platter, allowing the caramel to cascade dramatically. Serve while warmth lingers.

Notes

• Make the dough in a warm kitchen for optimal yeast activation and rising.
• Precisely warm milk to 110°F to ensure active yeast without killing its live cultures.
• Always use fresh, room-temperature ingredients for the most consistent and fluffy rolls.
• Allow sufficient rising time to develop rich, tender texture and deep flavor profiles.
• Check caramel color during baking to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown finish.
• Invert rolls immediately after baking to capture maximum caramel goodness and prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg