Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls

There’s something magical about the combination of soft, pillowy dough, sticky caramel, and crunchy pecans, isn’t there? Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of freshly baked rolls, the buttery caramel dripping down the sides, and the pecans adding that perfect crunch—yep, that’s exactly what these Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls bring to the table.

Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside. Whether you’re baking for a special breakfast, a cozy weekend brunch, or just because you deserve something amazing, these rolls will make you feel like a pro in the kitchen (even if you’re not!). Get ready for a dessert-style breakfast experience that’s nothing short of heavenly.

Why You’ll Love Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls

This recipe isn’t just about the delicious ingredients—it’s about creating moments you’ll want to savor. Whether you’re enjoying these rolls on your own, sharing them with family, or impressing guests, they’re bound to be the star of the show. Here’s why this recipe is a favorite:

Versatile

These rolls aren’t just for breakfast. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch gathering or enjoying a cozy evening snack, they fit any occasion. Trust me, once you’ve tasted them, you’ll want to make them over and over.

Budget-Friendly

You don’t need to break the bank to make these rolls. The ingredients are simple and affordable, yet they come together to create something absolutely extraordinary. If you’re like me and love a good budget-friendly recipe, this one’s for you.

Quick and Easy

I’m all about recipes that are easy to follow—especially when you’re craving something sweet and warm. These rolls come together in just a few steps, and while they may take a little time to rise, it’s mostly hands-off. No stress, just deliciousness!

Customizable

Love cinnamon? Throw in a sprinkle. Prefer a different nut? Swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds. This recipe is forgiving and ready to be adapted to your personal tastes.

Crowd-Pleasing

If you’re hosting a breakfast or brunch, these rolls are a guaranteed hit. They’re soft, sticky, and full of flavor, making them a crowd favorite—kids, adults, and anyone in between will be asking for seconds (or thirds!).

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Ingredients in Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls

Here’s the magic of these rolls: simple ingredients that work together to create something extraordinary. You probably already have most of these in your kitchen, making this recipe as accessible as it is delicious.

  • Flour: The base of the dough. It’s going to give those rolls their soft, pillowy texture.
  • Active Dry Yeast: This little packet of magic helps your dough rise and become wonderfully fluffy.
  • Butter: It’s buttery dough, caramel, and sticky pecans—do I need to say more? Butter makes everything better.
  • Milk: To add moisture and help the dough come together perfectly.
  • Sugar: Sweetness that works in the dough and the caramel sauce—everything needs a little sugar, right?
  • Eggs: For richness and a tender crumb. You’ll love the texture they bring to the rolls.
  • Pecans: These add that perfect crunch and nutty flavor that pairs so well with the sticky caramel.
  • Brown Sugar: A little deeper, richer flavor for the caramel sauce—sweet, sticky, and irresistible.
  • Vanilla Extract: For that lovely depth of flavor that makes these rolls taste like they came from a bakery.
  • Heavy Cream: To give the caramel sauce a silky, luscious texture.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions for Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls

Let’s dive into the steps to create these warm, gooey rolls. You’ve got this!

Prepare Your Dough

First, you’ll combine your flour, yeast, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add in your milk, butter, and eggs, and stir until everything comes together into a dough. This dough needs to rest, so let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until it’s nice and puffy.

Roll Out Your Dough

Once your dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread softened butter over the dough, and sprinkle it with brown sugar and cinnamon (if you’re a fan!). Then, roll it up tightly and cut it into individual rolls.

Prepare the Caramel Sauce

While the rolls are rising, make the caramel sauce by melting butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan. Add a splash of vanilla and a little heavy cream to make it extra silky. Pour this glorious caramel sauce into the bottom of your baking dish and scatter the pecans on top.

Assemble the Rolls

Place the rolled dough spirals into the baking dish on top of the caramel and pecans. Let them rise again until they’re beautifully puffed up, about 30 minutes. The anticipation is real, right?

Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pop the rolls in and bake for about 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and bubbling with sticky caramel goodness.

The Best Part—Flip and Serve!

Once the rolls are done, let them sit for a few minutes (this is the hardest part, I know!). Then, carefully flip the rolls onto a platter or large serving dish. You’ll be rewarded with the most beautiful caramel-pecan topping that’s going to make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Serve warm, and enjoy the ultimate indulgence.

How to Serve Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but here are some ways to elevate your experience:

Fresh Fruit

Pair with some fresh berries or a citrus salad to cut through the richness and add a burst of freshness.

Hot Coffee or Tea

These sticky rolls pair perfectly with your favorite morning beverage. Whether it’s coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, you can’t go wrong.

Creamy Yogurt

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt for a rich and creamy contrast.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make your caramel pecan rolls even better:

Prep Ahead

Make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. This saves you time in the morning and results in an even fluffier texture.

Spice It Up

Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or a little cardamom to the sugar filling for a unique twist.

Store Leftovers

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven for that fresh-baked taste.

Double the Batch

These rolls freeze beautifully! Make a double batch and freeze the extras for later. You’ll thank yourself when you have a batch of warm rolls ready for a lazy Sunday morning.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
A1: Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts would be great alternatives.

Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or oven.

Q4: Can I freeze these rolls?
A4: Yes! Once they’ve cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat when you’re ready to indulge.

Q5: How do I reheat the rolls?
A5: Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave them for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure you have a larger baking dish to fit the extra rolls. Cooking time may need slight adjustments.

Q7: Are these rolls suitable for a vegan diet?
A7: You can make them vegan by swapping the butter for a dairy-free alternative and using plant-based milk.

Q8: What side dishes go well with these rolls?
A8: Fresh fruit or a light salad would balance out the richness of the rolls.

Q9: How can I make these rolls healthier?
A9: You can try substituting part of the butter with applesauce or use whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier option.

Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A ceramic or glass baking dish works best for even cooking and easy cleanup.

Conclusion

These Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls are truly a treat for all the senses. Perfectly sweet, irresistibly sticky, and oh-so-soft—this is one recipe you’ll make over and over. Get ready to treat yourself to the best caramel rolls of your life. Happy baking!

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Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls

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These Caramel Pecan Rolls are the ultimate treat—soft, fluffy brioche dough swirled with a sticky, buttery caramel sauce and loaded with toasted pecans. Perfect for a decadent breakfast, brunch, or special dessert, these homemade pecan sticky buns taste just like they came from a bakery

  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale


  1. For the Sweet Dough:


    • 1 cup whole milk, warm


    • 1 tbsp active dry yeast


    • 5 tbsp granulated sugar


    • 2 large eggs


    • 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled


    • 1 tsp kosher salt


    • ½ cup salted butter, very soft (divided, 1 stick)


    For the Caramel Sauce:


    • ¾ cup salted butter (1 ½ sticks)


    • 1 ½ cups brown sugar, firmly packed


    • ⅓ cup honey


    • ⅓ cup heavy cream


    • ⅓ cup water


    • ¼ tsp kosher salt


    For the Roll Filling:


    1. 1 ¾ cups pecans, toasted (about 8 oz)


    2. ⅓ cup granulated sugar


    3. ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed


    4. ½ tsp cinnamon


    5. Dash nutmeg (optional)




Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweet Dough:
    Warm 1 cup whole milk in the microwave in 20-second increments until it reaches 105-110°F (about the temperature of a warm bath).
    Stir in 1 tbsp yeast and 5 tbsp granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
    Whisk in 2 eggs until smooth.
    In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt.
    Pour in the wet ingredients and mix using the paddle attachment until just combined.

  2. Knead and Rise:
    Switch to a dough hook (or knead by hand) and gradually add ½ cup softened butter, kneading for 8-10 minutes until dough is smooth.
    Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.

  3. Make the Caramel Sauce:
    In a saucepan, melt ¾ cup butter over medium heat.
    Stir in brown sugar, honey, heavy cream, water, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, until smooth.
    Pour caramel sauce into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle toasted pecans over the caramel.

  4. Assemble the Rolls:
    Roll out the risen dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
    In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle evenly over the dough.
    Roll up tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal slices.

  5. Second Rise & Bake:
    Place rolls over the caramel pecan layer. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
    Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.

  6. Flip & Serve:
    Let rolls cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter so the caramel drips over the rolls.
    Serve warm and enjoy these soft, sticky, caramel-drizzled pecan rolls!

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, let the caramel sauce simmer for an extra 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.

 

  • These rolls are best served warm, and the caramel sauce can be a bit messy, so make sure to have napkins ready!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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