This recipe for handmade caramel rolls is just what you need if you’re seeking a warm, gooey delicacy that melts in your lips. These rolls, which are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, are made with fluffy dough, a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a creamy buttery caramel sauce on top. Caramel rolls deliver a bakery-quality delight straight to your kitchen, whether you’re entertaining or indulging yourself.
Caramel Rolls Recipe
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium12
servings25
minutes30
minutes350
kcalCaramel Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
For the Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Sauce:
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Directions
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add sugar, butter, eggs, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Stir in brown sugar, cream, corn syrup and salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth.
- Pour the caramel sauce into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
- Spread softened butter over the surface.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over the butter.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls.
- Arrange the rolls cut side down over the caramel in the baking dish.
- Cover and let them rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the rolls cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter so the caramel is on top.
Recipe Video
Serving Suggestions
- For the ultimate creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience, serve warm caramel rolls directly from the oven.
- With tea or coffee: For a comfortable morning, these go well with a steaming cup of herbal tea, coffee, or latte.
- Finished with extras: For dessert, top with one scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Special occasions: Perfect for any morning you want to feel a bit more special, including birthdays, brunch parties, and holidays.
Saving Suggestions
- Ideas for Savings
Prepare your own dough: Use this simple homemade recipe instead of store-bought dough to save money and get fresher results. - Purchase ingredients in bulk: Take advantage of sales to stock up on baking necessities like flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Caramel rolls are a great way to preserve leftovers! To avoid waste and enjoy later, wrap each one separately and keep in an airtight container.
FAQs
Is it possible to prepare caramel rolls in advance?
A: Indeed! Before the second rise, prepare the rolls and place them in the refrigerator overnight. Before baking, allow them to rise at room temperature.
Can caramel rolls be frozen?
A: Definitely. Individually, bake, cool, and freeze. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven or microwave.
What distinguishes cinnamon rolls from caramel rolls?
A: While they are similar, cinnamon rolls are usually covered with icing or glaze, whereas caramel rolls are baked with a caramel sauce on the bottom that turns into the topping when inverted.
Is a stand mixer necessary to make these?
A: Indeed! It just requires a little extra elbow grease to mix and prepare the dough by hand.
