Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love warm, overflowing caramel with a tender, nutty twist, then this Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Picture these rolls: pillowy soft dough that melts in your mouth, lusciously sticky caramel sauce dripping over toasted pecans, and a golden crust that’s just begging to be torn apart and devoured fresh from the oven. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into an unforgettable treat that’s perfect for mornings, brunches, or any time you crave something decadently sweet and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtful ingredients – each one playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and irresistible color. From the warm whole milk that activates the yeast to the rich, buttery caramel sauce, these components come together to create magic in your kitchen.

• 1 cup whole milk (warm): This is what wakes up the yeast and ensures your dough rises beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast: The powerhouse of your dough’s rise and fluffiness.
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness to the dough.
• 2 large eggs: Give richness and structure to the soft dough.
• 3 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): The base that creates the dough’s tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1/2 cup salted butter (very soft): Folded into the dough for silkiness and moisture.
• 3/4 cup salted butter: To make the luscious caramel sauce.
• 1 & 1/2 cups brown sugar (firmly packed): The caramel’s golden sweetness and sticky texture.
• 1/3 cup honey: Adds depth and natural sweetness to the caramel.
• 1/3 cup heavy cream: Makes the caramel creamy and indulgent.
• 1/3 cup water: Helps dissolve sugars for a smooth caramel.
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: A pinch to perfectly balance the caramel’s sweetness.
• 1 & 3/4 cups pecans (toasted): Crunchy, nutty bites that bring texture and flavor contrast.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar: For the cinnamon-pecan filling.
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed): Intensifies the filling’s caramel flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Warm spice that makes the filling irresistibly cozy.
• Dash nutmeg (optional): A hint of earthiness to elevate the spice profile.

How to Make Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Make the sweet dough

Begin by warming your whole milk gently to about 105-110°F – warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot that it kills it. Stir in the yeast and granulated sugar, then wait five minutes until it gets bubbly and alive. This little moment is key because it tells you that your dough will rise beautifully later on. Once bubbly, whisk in two eggs for richness.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients and add wet

In a large bowl or mixer, combine the flour and kosher salt. Pour your yeast-egg mixture into the bowl, then beat everything together until just combined. It’s important to scrape down the sides and bottom to mix evenly. You want a smooth batter before adding the butter.

Step 3: Incorporate the butter

With your mixer running on low, add softened butter one tablespoon at a time. This slow incorporation is what makes the dough silky and luxurious. After all the butter is in, beat for five minutes at medium low speed – the dough will feel wet and sticky but wonderfully shiny and smooth.

Step 4: Chill the dough

Grease a large bowl and transfer your dough with a spatula. Cover tightly and refrigerate it for at least two hours, up to two days. This chilling step is essential – it transforms the too-wet dough into something you can work with when it’s cold and firm.

Step 5: Prepare the caramel sauce

Melt butter on medium heat and stir in brown sugar until uniform. Remove from heat and whisk in honey, heavy cream, water, and salt until silky smooth. Let this cool to room temperature or chill in the fridge for faster cooling. This sauce will coat your rolls in sticky, buttery goodness.

Step 6: Toast and prepare pecans

Toast whole pecans in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Chop them roughly, reserving half for the caramel sauce topping and using the other half mixed with sugars and cinnamon as the filling spice blend that packs flavor and crunch.

Step 7: Prepare oven for rising the rolls

Create a warm, steamy environment for your rolls to rise quickly by placing a pan of boiling water on a low rack inside your oven, preheated briefly at 350°F then turned off. This steam bath is a game-changer for soft rolls rising in just 45 minutes.

Step 8: Assemble the rolls

Roll out your chilled dough on a well-floured surface into a large rectangle, then sprinkle evenly with the pecan and sugar mixture. Roll up from the long side, seal the edges well, and slice into 12 equal rolls. Arrange them standing up in your caramel-coated pan, cover with plastic wrap sprayed with non-stick spray, and let rise in the steamy oven until puffy and almost doubled in size.

Step 9: Bake to perfection

Bake the rolls at 350°F for 35-45 minutes, shielding the top with foil during the last 15-20 minutes to prevent burning. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and a thermometer inserted in the center reads 190°F. The aroma will fill your kitchen with pure happiness.

Step 10: Cool and serve

After baking, let the rolls cool snugly in the pan for about 20 minutes before inverting them onto a serving tray so the caramel pecan layer is glorious and sticky on top. Grab a glass of milk and enjoy every gooey, buttery bite.

How to Serve Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Add just a few extra toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar for elegance. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream turns these rolls from everyday treat to showstopper dessert or brunch centerpiece.

Side Dishes

Pair your caramel pecan rolls with fresh fruit like sliced oranges or berries to cut through their richness. A cup of freshly brewed coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or a spiced chai beautifully complements the rolls’ warm spices and sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve these rolls in individual ramekins or muffin tins for perfectly portioned treats. Or stack them in a round cake pan for a charming pull-apart style dessert. The sticky caramel and nuts make every presentation feel indulgent and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover caramel pecan rolls tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days. Use plastic wrap or a large airtight container to maintain moisture, ensuring your rolls stay soft and gooey instead of drying out.

Freezing

Wrap individual rolls or the whole batch tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving to revive their sticky softness.

Reheating

The best way to bring your rolls back to life is to warm them gently in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 20-30 seconds. A quick reheat makes the caramel luscious again and the dough soft as freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?

Absolutely! A stand mixer with a paddle attachment makes combining ingredients and kneading the dough much easier, but you can also mix by hand using a sturdy spoon and a bit of elbow grease.

What if my yeast doesn’t get bubbly?

This usually means your milk was too hot or the yeast is expired. Always test your yeast beforehand by dissolving it in warm milk with sugar, and if it doesn’t foam in 5 minutes, start over with fresh yeast and cooler milk.

Is it okay to substitute pecans with other nuts?

Definitely. Walnuts or almonds work well too and provide a different but delightful crunch and flavor. Toast them lightly just like pecans for maximum aroma and taste.

Can I make the caramel sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare your caramel sauce up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature or warm slightly before pouring into the baking pan for best results.

How do I know when the rolls are perfectly baked?

Look for a deep golden brown color on top and use an instant-read thermometer to check the center temperature. It should read about 190°F for soft, fully cooked rolls that aren’t doughy inside.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of joy in biting into these Soft and Sticky Caramel Pecan Rolls Recipe. Whether you’re treating yourself on a weekend morning or impressing guests with an unforgettable dessert, these rolls strike the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and buttery goodness. I can’t recommend enough that you give them a try soon. Your kitchen will be filled with warmth and irresistible aromas, and you just might find yourself making them again and again.

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