Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of the ultimate indulgent breakfast or dessert, this Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe is going to make that dream come true. Picture fluffy, tender rolls swirled with a cinnamon-sugar filling, drenched in a luscious caramel sauce, and topped with crunchy toasted pecans. Every bite is a perfect harmony of soft dough, sticky caramel, and nutty crunch that will have you savoring each moment. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, these rolls are guaranteed to become your new go-to sweet treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are deceptively simple but perfectly balanced to give you the ideal texture, flavor, and color that define the Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe. Each component plays a role, from the warm milk nurturing the yeast to the brown sugar enhancing that signature caramel richness.

• Warm milk (1/2 cup): Ideal temperature (110°F/45°C) activates the yeast for perfect dough rise.
• Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons): The magic behind your rolls’ fluffy and airy texture.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Keeps the dough rich and tender.
• Large eggs (2): Provide structure and richness to the dough.
• All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups plus extra): The foundation for your dough with just the right gluten content.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic note to the dough.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup for caramel): Creates that luscious base for the caramel sauce.
• Brown sugar (1 cup packed for caramel): Brings deep molasses-rich sweetness to the caramel.
• Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Forms a silky, creamy caramel with the right consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon for caramel): Enhances the caramel flavor beautifully.
• Chopped pecans (1 1/2 cups): Provide delightful crunch and nuttiness.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup for filling): Gives the cinnamon filling a creamy texture.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup for filling): Sweetens the cinnamon swirls perfectly.
• Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds classic warming spice to the filling.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon for filling): Balances the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar mixture.

How to Make Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This step wakes up the yeast and ensures your dough will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl or your stand mixer, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft, cohesive dough forms. This is the base of your delicious Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe, so make sure everything comes together nicely.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes, or use a dough hook attachment. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic texture that stretches just enough without tearing. This kneading builds gluten, which is key to those pillowy rolls.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Find a cozy, warm spot and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size. This resting period is where the dough develops flavor and that airy softness.

Step 5: Make the Caramel Sauce

While the dough rises, melt the butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle boil. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. This rich sauce is the signature sticky, sweet layer of this Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Dish

Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, then sprinkle chopped pecans on top. This layering traps the nuts on the bottom, so when you flip the rolls out after baking, they’ll form a gorgeous and crunchy topping.

Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. This cinnamon filling is the indulgent swirl inside every roll, adding spicy sweetness that makes you want more.

Step 8: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 18 by 12 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides to make rolling easier.

Step 9: Form the Rolls

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Seal the edges so it stays snug while baking. Then slice into 12 to 15 even pieces depending on your preferred roll size.

Step 10: Arrange and Second Rise

Place each slice cut-side up in the caramel-pecan lined baking dish, fitting them snugly. Cover again with a towel and let the rolls puff up for 30 to 45 minutes until they nearly double in size. This last rise ensures soft, fluffy rolls after baking.

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown on top and fully cooked through. This gentle baking time lets the caramel get delightfully sticky without burning.

Step 12: Flip and Serve

Once baked, allow the rolls to cool a few minutes, then carefully invert the baking dish onto a large platter. The sticky caramel pecan topping will beautifully cover the rolls, inviting you to dig into this warm, scrumptious treat.

How to Serve Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

While these rolls are decadent on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze really takes them over the top. Freshly chopped pecans sprinkled on top right before serving can add an extra nutty crunch to complement the caramel.

Side Dishes

For a complete breakfast spread, serve these rolls alongside fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance the richness. A cup of bold coffee or spiced chai pairs beautifully and rounds out the indulgent flavors of the Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Arrange the rolls in individual mini cast-iron skillets or use cupcake tins for perfectly portioned caramel pecan bites. You can also serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover rolls keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For best texture, reheat gently in the oven or microwave to revive their softness and gooey caramel charm.

Freezing

These rolls freeze well either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked rolls, go through the first rise, then shape and arrange them in the baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before the second rise and baking. For baked rolls, cool completely and freeze in an airtight container; thaw and reheat when ready to delight.

Reheating

To bring your Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe back to life, reheat individually in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This maintains the soft texture while reactivating the caramel’s heavenly stickiness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully as alternatives and provide their own unique crunch and flavor. Just be sure to toast them lightly to enhance their nuttiness.

Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk warmed to the same temperature. The rolls will still be deliciously soft and sticky.

How long do the rolls need to rise?

The initial rise should be about 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size, and the second rise after shaping lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Proper rising is key for fluffy rolls with perfect texture.

Can I prepare the rolls the night before?

Definitely! After shaping the rolls in the dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Take them out about 1 hour before baking to allow for a final rise at room temperature, then bake as directed.

What causes the rolls to be less sticky?

If the caramel sauce doesn’t thicken enough, it might not become sufficiently sticky. Make sure to cook the caramel mixture until it thickens slightly and avoid lowering the heat too early. Also, flipping the rolls out warm helps that caramel coat the rolls beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Making this Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe is truly a labor of love that pays off in every gooey, nutty bite. From start to finish, the process fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delivers a final product that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I encourage you to give these rolls a try, whether for a cozy family breakfast or an impressive dessert. Once you taste that sticky-sweet caramel paired with soft, tender rolls and crunchy pecans, you’ll understand why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your baking repertoire.

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