If you have a sweet tooth and love a warm, comforting treat, this Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe will become your next obsession. These rolls combine a soft, tender dough swirled with a rich cinnamon and brown sugar filling, finished with a decadent topping of melty caramel and crunchy pecans. Every bite offers a perfect dance of sweet, buttery, and nutty flavors that feels like a cozy hug fresh from the oven. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special dessert, these cinnamon rolls promise to brighten your day and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Although the ingredient list might look invitingly simple, each component plays a crucial role in making the taste, texture, and color of these cinnamon rolls truly spectacular. From the warmth of the cinnamon to the crunch of the pecans and the luscious sweetness of caramel chips, these carefully chosen ingredients are what make this recipe a standout.
- 1 cup whole milk (warm): Activates the yeast and adds tenderness to the dough.
- 1 Tbsp active dry yeast: The magic agent that helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
- 1 Tbsp canola oil: Keeps the dough moist and soft, ensuring a tender crumb.
- 2 ½ cups white flour: The foundation of the dough, giving structure and body.
- 4 Tbsp butter (salted): Adds richness and depth to the filling and dough.
- ½ cup light brown sugar: Sweetens the rolls with a slight caramel note and helps create that sticky, melt-in-your-mouth filling.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (divided): The warm spice that defines cinnamon rolls and balances the sweetness.
- 11 oz package Kraft caramel chips: For that gooey, indulgent caramel topping that takes the rolls over the top.
- ½ cup pecans (crushed): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor contrast to the soft rolls and sweet caramel.
How to Make Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Yeast
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it reaches the perfect temperature by the time your rolls are ready to bake. In a large mixing bowl, pour the warm milk and sprinkle in the active dry yeast. Cover with a kitchen towel and give it five minutes to become foamy—this is a sign your yeast is alive and eager to work its magic.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Once your yeast mixture is bubbling with life, whisk in the canola oil, flour, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir until the mixture comes together and there are no visible dry patches of flour. Then, dump the dough onto a floured surface and knead it by hand for about five minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading develops the gluten for that perfect chewy-then-soft texture.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rest
Return your kneaded dough to the bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it chill out for 20 minutes so it can relax and rise slightly—this rest period makes rolling out much easier and keeps your dough from shrinking back.
Step 4: Roll and Fill
After your dough has rested, roll it carefully into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Meanwhile, melt the butter for your filling and mix it with the brown sugar and the remaining teaspoon of cinnamon. Spread this luscious mixture evenly over the dough, making sure every inch is covered—that’s where all the sweet, spiced flavor comes from.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Roll the dough tightly into a long cylinder, starting from one of the longer edges. Then, slice the roll into discs—each one will become a fluffy, gooey cinnamon roll. Aim for 12 equal pieces to make sure every roll gets its moment to shine.
Step 6: Rise Again
Place the rolls snugly into an 8×8 inch baking dish and let them rise for another 20 minutes. This final proof allows the rolls to puff up just before baking, giving you that classic cinnamon roll height and fluffiness.
Step 7: Bake and Top
Bake the rolls in your 350-degree oven for 20 minutes until golden and fragrant. While they bake, melt the caramel chips in the microwave and stir in the crushed pecans. After the initial bake, spoon this sticky, nutty caramel topping generously over the rolls and pop them back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This final step fuses the caramel topping beautifully to the rolls, creating a sweet and crunchy finish you won’t be able to resist.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
These caramel pecan cinnamon rolls are best served warm so the caramel is seductively gooey and every bite is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Treat yourself and anyone lucky enough to share them with this incredible homemade delight.
How to Serve Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these rolls further, sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the caramel topping. A drizzle of cream cheese frosting can also add a tangy creaminess that pairs beautifully with the caramel and cinnamon.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon rolls with a simple cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a citrus salad offers a refreshing contrast, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream can transform this treat into a decadent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing brunch, place the caramel pecan cinnamon rolls on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small jars of honey, extra caramel sauce, and nut butters. You can also cut them into smaller bites and serve with toothpicks for a fun finger-food experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps keep them soft and delicious without drying out, so you can enjoy your treat later without losing that fresh-baked charm.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls after slicing them by placing them on a tray lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let rise and bake as instructed. Baked rolls can also be frozen, wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or briefly in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. This revives the gooey caramel and soft dough, making it almost like freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts can add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Just be sure to toast them lightly to bring out their best taste.
What if I don’t have caramel chips? Can I use caramel sauce?
Yes, caramel sauce can be a great substitute. Drizzle it generously over the rolls after baking and add your pecans on top for that signature texture contrast.
Is it possible to make the dough without canola oil?
Yes, you can substitute canola oil with melted butter or another neutral oil like vegetable or sunflower oil. Just keep the quantity the same for proper moisture and texture.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
Look for a golden-brown color on top and a slightly firm texture when gently pressed. The aroma of cinnamon and caramel should also be strong. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
Can I double this Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or multiple dishes. Be mindful of rising times and bake the rolls in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a celebration of everything we love about cinnamon rolls—warm, sweet, buttery, and just the right amount of nutty crunch. It’s a recipe that’s perfect to share with family or friends, or to indulge in when you need a little comfort on your own. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself reaching for the oven more often because nothing beats that first gooey bite straight from the pan.
Print
Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls featuring a soft, fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar, then topped with gooey caramel and crunchy pecans. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these rolls make a decadent breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1 Tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 Tbsp canola oil
- 2 ½ cups white flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Filling Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp salted butter (melted)
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Topping Ingredients
- 11 oz package Kraft caramel chips
- ½ cup pecans (crushed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the rolls evenly.
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, gently stir together the warm milk and active dry yeast. Cover with a kitchen towel and let sit for about five minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Whisk in the canola oil, white flour, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon into the yeast mixture until a sticky dough forms with no dry flour remaining.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about five minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 20 minutes to rise slightly.
- Prepare Filling and Roll Dough: Roll the dough out into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Melt the butter and mix it together with the light brown sugar and remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon to create the filling. Spread this filling evenly across the dough.
- Shape Rolls: Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a long cylindrical shape. Cut the roll into discs to form individual cinnamon rolls.
- Let Rolls Rise: Place the cinnamon rolls into an 8×8 inch baking dish. Cover and allow them to rise for an additional 20 minutes to develop volume.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add Caramel and Pecans: While rolls are baking, melt the caramel chips in the microwave until smooth. Stir in the crushed pecans. After the initial 20 minutes of baking, remove the rolls, spoon the caramel pecan mixture evenly on top, then bake for an additional 5 minutes to set the topping.
- Serve: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven, serve immediately while warm, and enjoy the luscious caramel and crunchy pecan topping.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version.
- Do not skip the resting and rising times to achieve fluffy rolls.
- Adjust the amount of pecans based on your preference for crunchiness.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
