Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls

Oh my goodness, you are in for a treat with these Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls! Imagine fresh-from-the-oven rolls, soft and pillowy, smothered in a gooey caramel sauce and topped with crunchy, toasted pecans. They’re sweet, rich, and just the perfect balance of gooey and buttery. You won’t be able to resist reaching for one… or maybe two… or even three! These rolls are a game-changer for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon snack. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought rolls again.

Why You’ll Love Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls

Heavenly Sweetness

These rolls are the ultimate in sweet indulgence. The caramel sauce is rich and buttery, and the toasted pecans add a lovely crunch that perfectly contrasts the softness of the dough.

Comfort Food Vibes

Every bite of these rolls will make you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm hug. The gooey caramel oozing from the soft dough creates that cozy, comforting feeling you crave, especially on chilly mornings or when you want to treat yourself.

Made from Scratch, But Not Hard to Make

While these rolls may seem like a decadent bakery treat, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up at home. The dough is simple to make, and with a bit of patience, you’ll have perfect, soft, sticky rolls ready to devour.

Perfect for Sharing

Whether it’s for a holiday brunch, a family breakfast, or just because you deserve it, these rolls are perfect for sharing. They’re so rich and satisfying, everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour: The base of the dough that makes it soft and fluffy.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough.
• Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly, giving it that soft texture.
• Milk: For richness and tenderness.
• Butter: Gives the dough a buttery flavor and helps it stay soft.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.

For the Caramel Sauce:

• Butter: The base for the rich, buttery caramel sauce.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and richness to the caramel flavor.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce creamy and luscious.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness of the caramel and brings it all together.

For the Filling:

• Brown sugar: For that extra layer of sweetness inside the rolls.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice.
• Butter: Spread onto the dough to create the gooey, melty filling.
• Chopped pecans: Toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

In a small saucepan, warm milk over low heat until it’s just lukewarm. Add the granulated sugar and yeast, stirring to dissolve. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Mix until the dough comes together and is smooth and elastic (about 5-7 minutes by hand or 3-5 minutes with a stand mixer). If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour.

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Caramel Sauce

While the dough is rising, make the caramel sauce. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Stir until everything is fully combined and the sauce is smooth and bubbling. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the caramel sauce and set aside.

3. Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

4. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly on top.

5. Shape the Rolls

Starting from one edge of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Cut the log into 12 even slices. Arrange the slices on top of the prepared caramel sauce in the baking dish.

6. Let It Rise

Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.

7. Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and bubbling. If the tops start to brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil and continue baking.

8. Serve and Enjoy!

Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them sit for about 5 minutes. Then, invert the baking dish onto a large platter, so the sticky caramel drips down over the rolls. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories per serving: ~420
Total Fat: 21g

• Saturated Fat: 9g
  Cholesterol: 30mg
  Sodium: 170mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 55g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 31g
  Protein: 4g
  Vitamin A: 10%
  Vitamin C: 0%
  Calcium: 4%
  Iron: 6%

Note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)

How to Serve Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls

For a Complete Breakfast or Brunch:

Serve these sticky rolls with a side of fresh fruit or a hot cup of coffee to create the ultimate breakfast experience. The sweetness of the rolls pairs perfectly with the acidity of a citrusy fruit or a rich, creamy latte.

Perfect for Dessert:

These rolls also make an incredible dessert. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with a bit more warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Great for Gifts:

Wrap these rolls up in a cute box and give them as a homemade gift. They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion where you want to share something truly special.

Additional Tips

Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the rolls the night before! After assembling the rolls, cover them and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.

Can I freeze these rolls?

A: Yes! You can freeze the unbaked rolls. After assembling them, place the rolls on a baking sheet, freeze them for a couple of hours, then transfer them to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking.

How can I make these rolls gluten-free?

A: To make these gluten-free, substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I know when the rolls are fully cooked?

A: The rolls are done when they’re golden brown on top and the caramel sauce is bubbling around the edges. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the rolls are done.

Can I use a different nut besides pecans?

A: Absolutely! You can swap pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts if you prefer a different flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

A: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to bring back the softness.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

A: You can definitely use store-bought caramel sauce if you’re short on time, though homemade caramel adds a richer flavor to the rolls.

How do I make the caramel sauce thicker?

A: If you prefer a thicker caramel sauce, you can let it simmer for a little longer (around 5 minutes) until it reaches your desired consistency.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

A: If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast. Just dissolve it in warm water with a pinch of sugar and let it bloom for about 10 minutes before adding it to the dough.

Conclusion

These Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls are the perfect treat to make any morning special or to indulge in for a sweet dessert. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, gooey caramel sauce, and crunchy pecans, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, go ahead, treat yourself (and your loved ones) to these little pieces of heaven—you won’t regret it!

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