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Gooey Fall Breakfast Rolls

By: Casey Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:05:56 GMT Breakfast Favorites
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Casey, recipe creator at Cooking with Casey
By Casey

Casey shares simple, delicious recipes and inspiring stories, making cooking fun and accessible for all.

Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:05:56 GMT

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A dish of freshly baked cinnamon rolls topped with caramel sauce and pecans, with caramel being poured over them. Pin it
A dish of freshly baked cinnamon rolls topped with caramel sauce and pecans, with caramel being poured over them.

I created these Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls after years of Saturday morning baking sessions with my kids. The combination of buttery soft dough swirled with crunchy pecans and that warm cinnamon sugar filling just makes everyone gather in the kitchen. When I drizzle the homemade caramel sauce over the top it's pure breakfast magic.

Why These Always Disappear First

Every time I make these rolls they vanish within minutes. The dough turns out incredibly soft and fluffy while brown sugar cinnamon and toasted pecans create the most amazing filling. That gooey caramel sauce just takes them over the top. They're perfect for lazy weekends but special enough for holiday mornings too.

Everything You Need

  • Yeast dough: My tried and true recipe using flour yeast milk butter and sugar makes the fluffiest rolls.
  • Filling: Brown sugar cinnamon and toasted pecans create that classic flavor we all love.
  • Salted caramel sauce: Homemade is so worth it trust me on this one.
  • Butter: Adds richness to both the dough and filling.
  • Pecans: Toast them first for amazing flavor and crunch.
  • Brown sugar: Makes everything caramelly and delicious.
  • Cinnamon: The smell alone will make your mouth water.

Let's Make Some Magic

Start with Great Dough:
Mix your yeast warm milk butter sugar and flour in your mixer. Knead until smooth then let it rise until puffy and doubled.
Create the Filling:
Stir together brown sugar cinnamon and those toasted pecans. Roll out your dough spread with butter and sprinkle that amazing filling all over.
Shape Your Rolls:
Roll everything up nice and tight then slice into beautiful spirals. Place them in your baking pan.
Time to Bake:
Let them rise again until puffy then bake at 350°F until golden and perfect.
The Final Touch:
Pour that warm caramel sauce all over your fresh rolls watch it drip down the sides.

My Best Baking Tips

Find a cozy spot in your kitchen for the dough to rise no drafts please. Always toast those pecans first it makes such a difference. When cutting your rolls dental floss works like magic no squished dough.

A dish of freshly baked pecan sticky buns drizzled with caramel sauce.
A dish of freshly baked pecan sticky buns drizzled with caramel sauce.

Plan Ahead and Save Some

Want fresh rolls for breakfast? Make them the night before pop them in the fridge then let them wake up at room temperature before baking. They'll stay good in a container on your counter for 2 days in the fridge for a week. Just warm them up before serving they taste like they're fresh from the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them the night before and refrigerate for up to 16 hours. Let them rise for about 45 minutes at room temperature before baking.

How should I store leftover rolls?

Keep them covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warm them in a 325°F oven before serving for the best taste.

What's the best way to cut the rolls?

Use unflavored dental floss for the cleanest cuts. Slide it under the dough log and cross the ends over top to slice through.

Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can freeze them baked but unfrosted for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm before adding the caramel sauce.

What if my dough feels too sticky?

Add flour one tablespoon at a time while kneading until the dough feels tacky but doesn't stick to your fingers.

4.20 from 278 votes

Caramel Pecan Rolls

Prep Time:
60 Minutes
Cook Time:
25 Minutes
Total Time:
85 Minutes
Servings:
12
A dish of freshly baked cinnamon rolls topped with caramel sauce and pecans, with caramel being poured over them.
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Soft cinnamon rolls filled with brown sugar and pecans, topped with homemade salted caramel sauce. A perfect warm breakfast for cozy mornings.

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups (490g) all-purpose flour.
  • 1 package (7g) instant yeast.
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar.
  • 1/2 tsp salt.
  • 1 cup (240g) low-fat milk.
  • 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, room temperature.
  • 1 large egg (50g), room temperature.
  • 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened.
  • 1/2 cup (90g) light brown sugar.
  • 2 Tbsp (24g) granulated sugar.
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
  • 1/8 tsp salt.
  • 1 cup (114g) toasted chopped pecans.
  • 1 cup (200g) sugar.
  • 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, cubed, room temperature.
  • 1/2 cup (120g) heavy cream, room temperature.
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
  • 1/4 tsp salt.
  • Flaky salt for topping.

Instructions

1.

1. Mix Ingredients: Mix 2 cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Heat milk to 120-130°F. Add milk, butter, and egg to flour. Mix in remaining flour until soft dough forms.

2.

2. Knead Dough: Knead with dough hook 3 minutes until smooth. Place in greased bowl. Cover, let rise 40 minutes until doubled.

3.

3. Roll Dough: Roll dough to 18x12-inch rectangle. Spread with butter. Mix sugars, cinnamon, salt; sprinkle over dough. Add pecans.

4.

4. Form Rolls: Roll into tight log. Cut into 12 slices. Place in 13x9 pan.

5.

5. Second Rise: Cover, rise 30 minutes. Heat oven to 350°F.

6.

6. Prepare Caramel Sauce: Melt sugar until amber. Add butter, then cream carefully. Boil 1 minute. Add vanilla, salt.

7.

7. Bake Rolls: Bake rolls 25-30 minutes until golden. Cool 20 minutes.

8.

8. Add Toppings: Drizzle with caramel sauce. Add flaky salt if desired.

Notes

  1. These indulgent breakfast rolls feature homemade dough filled with cinnamon-sugar and pecans, topped with salted caramel sauce.
  2. Perfect for special occasions and can be prepared ahead.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer with dough hook.
  • 13x9 baking dish.
  • Rolling pin.
  • Heavy saucepan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, milk, cream).
  • Wheat (flour).
  • Eggs.
  • Tree nuts (pecans).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
  • Protein: 6 g