Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

by
Print Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of caramel, and the crunch of pecans for a truly indulgent breakfast or dessert. The soft, fluffy dough is rolled with a generous amount of cinnamon and sugar, then topped with a luscious caramel sauce and sprinkled with toasted pecans. Every bite offers the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and spiced flavors, making these rolls a favorite for any occasion.

I make this dish, and as the dough rises, the kitchen fills with the comforting scent of cinnamon. I roll the dough, spreading the sweet cinnamon filling, then carefully roll it up, slice it into perfect portions, and place them in the pan. The caramel sauce bubbles and browns, creating a rich, golden glaze that soaks into the warm rolls. The pecans add a satisfying crunch, balancing out the softness of the dough and the sweetness of the caramel. When I take them out of the oven, the golden brown rolls gleam, and their scent is absolutely irresistible.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can swap the pecans for walnuts or add a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of decadence. These Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re a moment of pure indulgence that fills your home with warmth and deliciousness.

Perfect For

I bake these rolls for special occasions, holiday breakfasts, or weekend brunches when I want to treat myself and others to something extra special. They’re great for a cozy morning or a festive gathering, and they make a great gift for friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Decadent: The warm caramel sauce combined with the pecans and cinnamon filling creates a luxurious flavor.
  • Easy to Make: I prepare the dough in advance, making this a stress-free recipe even on busy mornings.
  • Comforting: There’s nothing like sinking your teeth into a soft cinnamon roll with gooey caramel sauce, especially with a cup of coffee.
  • Perfect for Sharing: These rolls are perfect for feeding a crowd or sharing with loved ones.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Serving Portion

  • This recipe makes 8 rolls, perfect for serving a small group or family.

Calories and Key Nutrients

  • Calories: Approximately 350 calories per roll
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g

Ingredients

Cinnamon Rolls:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm milk
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 egg

Caramel Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Pecan Topping:

  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Ingredient Highlights

  • Pecans: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the rolls, perfectly complementing the soft dough and gooey caramel.
  • Brown Sugar: It gives the caramel sauce its rich, molasses-like flavor.
  • Active Dry Yeast: The yeast helps the dough rise and become soft and fluffy, creating the perfect texture for cinnamon rolls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough

  1. I start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, I combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, I mix the flour and salt. Then, I pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg, stirring until a dough forms.
  3. I knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. I cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

Prepare the Caramel Sauce and Pecan Topping

  1. While the dough is rising, I make the caramel sauce. I melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. I let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
  2. I chop the pecans and set them aside for the topping.

Roll and Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls

  1. After the dough has risen, I roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 12×8 inches.
  2. I spread melted butter on the dough, then sprinkle it with cinnamon and sugar.
  3. I roll up the dough tightly from one edge, then slice it into 8 even pieces.
  4. In the bottom of a greased baking dish, I pour the caramel sauce and sprinkle the chopped pecans over the sauce. Then, I arrange the cinnamon rolls on top, making sure they’re evenly spaced.

Bake the Rolls

  1. I bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the caramel is bubbling around the edges.
  2. Once they’re done, I let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

How I Serve It

I serve these caramel pecan cinnamon rolls warm, directly from the baking dish. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast or dessert. For an extra touch, I drizzle some of the leftover caramel sauce over the top before serving.

Additional Tips

  • If I want a stronger cinnamon flavor, I can add more cinnamon to the filling.
  • To make the rolls even richer, I can add a layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
  • If I want to make them ahead of time, I can prepare the dough and assemble the rolls the night before, then refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, I simply bake them.

Recipe Variations

  • Nut-Free: If I want to make these rolls nut-free, I can simply omit the pecans and still enjoy the warm, gooey rolls with the rich caramel sauce. The absence of nuts lets the cinnamon flavor shine even more, while the caramel sauce still provides that irresistible sweetness and depth of flavor. This variation is perfect for those with nut allergies or anyone who prefers a simpler cinnamon roll experience without the added crunch.
  • Sticky Buns: For a gooey, sticky twist, I can use the same dough and caramel sauce, but before rolling it up, I add a layer of brown sugar and butter to the dough. As the rolls bake, the sugar and butter melt into a syrupy glaze that coats the buns, creating a sticky, caramelized exterior. This version is perfect for those who love a more indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth sticky bun experience, with a perfect balance of sweetness and richness in every bite.
  • Chocolate: To give these rolls a chocolatey twist, I can fold mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon filling. The warm melted chocolate adds a rich, creamy texture that complements the spicy cinnamon and sweet caramel sauce. This variation is perfect for chocolate lovers, creating a delicious balance of flavors between the cinnamon, chocolate, and caramel. I can even drizzle some melted chocolate over the top after baking for an extra layer of decadence!

Freezing and Storage

  • Storing: I store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps to keep them soft and fresh. If I want them to stay even fresher for longer, I can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds, or warm them in the oven at a low temperature (about 300°F) for 5-10 minutes, which will make them taste just like they were freshly baked.
  • Freezing: To make cinnamon rolls ahead of time, I freeze them before baking. After assembling the rolls in the baking dish and drizzling with caramel sauce, I cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze them for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to bake, I let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, I can bake them as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed. This method preserves the texture and flavor of the rolls, making them a convenient option for when I want a homemade treat without the hassle of preparing the dough from scratch.

Special Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin
  • 9×9-inch baking dish

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
A: Yes, if I want to save time, I can use store-bought cinnamon roll dough, then just follow the steps for the caramel sauce and pecan topping.

Q: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, I can prepare the dough and assemble the rolls the night before and bake them the next morning.

Q: Can I use a different nut?
A: Yes, I can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Whip up Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls and indulge in a decadent, comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a gooey caramel center, crunchy pecans, and the irresistible flavor of cinnamon, these rolls are a true crowd-pleaser. They’ll elevate your breakfast, brunch, or dessert, leaving everyone craving more.

Feel free to get creative with your rolls by adding other mix-ins, like chocolate chips or a dash of sea salt, for a unique twist. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or reheat for that perfect melty goodness.

Bake a batch today, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of caramel and cinnamon. Don’t forget to snap a picture of your creation and share it on Instagram—tag me so we can celebrate your baking triumph. Happy baking!

Leave a Comment