The Perfect Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe for Brunch

My weekend mornings always feel magical when warm caramel pecan rolls fill the kitchen with their irresistible aroma.

Baking these delectable treats requires patience and careful attention to detail.

Sweet memories of grandmother’s baking sessions inspire this particular recipe.

Clusters of toasted pecans nestled within soft, pillowy dough create an incredible sensory experience.

Melted caramel transforms ordinary breakfast pastries into something extraordinary.

Comfort and indulgence merge perfectly in each delightful bite.

Let’s uncover the secrets to creating these mouthwatering rolls that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Are Popular

• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Perfect for bakers of all levels, this recipe guides you through each step with simple instructions that make creating delicious caramel pecan rolls feel like a breeze.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: These rolls deliver warm, gooey satisfaction that brings everyone together, making them ideal for family breakfasts, brunches, or sweet weekend treats.
• Customizable Deliciousness: Adjust the filling by adding extra nuts, switching spices, or experimenting with different caramel variations to match your personal taste preferences and culinary creativity.
• Stress-Free Preparation: With straightforward techniques and basic ingredients, these rolls eliminate complicated baking challenges while promising a professional-quality dessert that looks and tastes impressively homemade.

Key Ingredients for Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls

• Flour: The main structure for creating soft and fluffy rolls.
• Warm Milk: Helps activate the yeast and provides moisture to the dough.
• Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a light texture.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the rolls.
• Eggs: Provide richness and help bind the ingredients together.
• Melted Butter: Adds flavor and helps create a tender dough.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.

• Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, caramel-like sweetness in the filling.
• Softened Butter: Helps distribute the filling evenly and adds richness.
• Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the rolls.
• Chopped Pecans: Adds a nutty crunch and texture to the filling.

• Caramel Sauce: Adds a luxurious, sweet finish to the rolls and provides a glossy coating.

How to Bake Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls

Step 1: Activate Yeast Magic

Grab warm milk and sprinkle yeast with a touch of sugar. Let the mixture bubble and foam for 5-10 minutes, creating a fragrant, active base for your rolls.

Step 2: Create Dough Foundation

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Pour in the frothy yeast mixture and blend thoroughly.

Step 3: Knead Silky Smooth Dough

Gradually incorporate flour until a soft dough emerges. Transfer to a floured surface and knead with love for 6-8 minutes until the texture becomes smooth and elastic.

Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.

Step 4: Craft Decadent Filling

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Chopped pecans

Mix until the ingredients create a rich, crumbly mixture.

Step 5: Roll and Spread Flavor

Gently roll the risen dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the filling evenly, ensuring every inch is covered with nutty, sweet goodness.

Step 6: Shape Delightful Rolls

Tightly roll the dough into a log, then slice into 12 even pieces. Nestle the rolls into a greased baking pan, allowing them to touch and support each other.

Step 7: Final Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 20-30 minutes, becoming puffy and irresistible.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).

Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 9: Drizzle and Devour

Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with warm caramel sauce.

Allow to cool slightly, then serve these mouthwatering rolls to eager friends and family.

Pro Tips for Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls

• Use a warm, draft-free spot for dough rising to ensure optimal yeast activation and soft, fluffy texture.
• Measure flour carefully by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off to avoid dense, heavy rolls.
• Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the filling.
• Let ingredients like eggs and milk come to room temperature for better ingredient integration and smoother dough.
• Warm caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to ensure smooth, even distribution over the freshly baked rolls.

Flavor Variations for Caramel Pecan Rolls

• Gluten-Free Caramel Pecan Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, using xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap milk with almond or oat milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and create a dairy-free caramel sauce using coconut cream.
• Nutty Seed Variation: Substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option, maintaining the same caramel and cinnamon flavor profile.
• Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: Use plant-based milk, flax eggs, vegan butter, and maple syrup caramel sauce to create a completely animal-product-free version of the classic recipe.

Pairings That Complement Caramel Pecan Rolls Well

Perfectly Matched Companions

Strong, dark roast coffee cuts through the caramel’s sweetness, balancing the rich, sticky pecan rolls with its robust flavor profile.

Vanilla bean ice cream provides a cool, smooth counterpoint to the warm, spiced rolls, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast.

Hazelnut latte echoes the pecan’s nuttiness, amplifying the rolls’ depth while adding a sophisticated, creamy dimension to each bite.

Aged bourbon whiskey with caramel notes intensifies the dessert’s own caramel undertones, offering a sophisticated adult twist to the sweet treat.

Best Storage Practices for Caramel Pecan Rolls

• Store rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw frozen rolls overnight in refrigerator. Warm at 300F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning. Drizzle fresh caramel sauce before serving.
• Heat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds. Add caramel sauce right after heating to restore moisture and enhance flavor.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the dough soft and fluffy?

Warm milk, active dry yeast, and proper kneading help create a tender, soft dough texture. The yeast helps the dough rise and develop a light, airy consistency.

• How do I know if my yeast is still good?

Check for frothy bubbles after mixing yeast with warm milk. If the mixture doesn’t become foamy within 5-10 minutes, the yeast is likely expired and won’t make the dough rise properly.

• Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After kneading, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let the dough come to room temperature and rise before rolling and filling.

Soft And Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Caramel pecan rolls deliver sweet Southern comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Gooey layers of buttery dough, rich pecans, and golden caramel create a breakfast masterpiece you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Leavening and Binding Agents:

• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 2 large eggs

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping:

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by whisking warm milk, yeast, and a hint of sugar in a small vessel. Allow the mixture to bloom and become frothy for 5-10 minutes.
2. Create a smooth base by combining remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate the activated yeast mixture thoroughly.
3. Gradually fold in flour, transforming the mixture into a soft, pliable dough. Knead the dough on a flour-dusted surface for 6-8 minutes until achieving a silky texture.
4. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm environment until it doubles in volume, approximately 1 hour.
5. Craft the filling by blending softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and finely chopped pecans into a rich, aromatic mixture.
6. Gently roll the risen dough into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface. Distribute the filling evenly across the entire surface.
7. Tightly roll the dough into a compact log, then slice into 12 uniform portions. Arrange the rolls in a prepared baking pan.
8. Allow the rolls to undergo a second rise, covered, for 20-30 minutes to develop volume and softness.
9. Heat the oven to 350F (175C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they transform into a golden, enticing delicacy.
10. Immediately drizzle warm caramel sauce over the freshly baked rolls. Rest briefly before serving to allow the caramel to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Activate yeast properly by ensuring milk temperature is between 100-110°F to guarantee perfect rise and soft texture.
• Prevent dough from drying out by covering with damp cloth during rising process, which helps maintain moisture and ensures consistent texture.
• Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the caramel rolls’ overall taste profile.
• Consider making dough night before and refrigerating to develop richer flavors and simplify morning preparation.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 344 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 135 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg