creamy Caramel Rolls Recipe

These Creamy Caramel-Pecan Rolls are the Sweetest Way to Start Your Morning

Picture this: a lazy Saturday morning with the aroma of freshly baked caramel-pecan rolls wafting through your home. The delightful scent mingles with the rich smell of brewed coffee, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that beckons everyone out of bed. With this easy recipe, you can make that cozy scene a reality with minimal effort. These Creamy Caramel-Pecan Rolls, made with frozen bread dough, are the perfect way to indulge in a sweet breakfast treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Magic of Frozen Bread Dough

Using frozen bread dough is a game-changer for this recipe. It allows you to skip the time-consuming process of making dough from scratch while still achieving that homemade taste and texture. Simply thaw the dough, and it’s ready to be transformed into delectable sweet rolls. The convenience of frozen bread dough means you can prepare these rolls with ease, whether you’re an experienced baker or a kitchen novice. Plus, it’s a cost-effective option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or quality.

Ingredients That Elevate

The key to these rolls lies in their rich, caramel-pecan topping and the flavorful filling. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that make these rolls irresistible:

• Heavy Cream: This ingredient creates the luscious, caramel-like topping for the rolls. Its rich texture ensures that each bite is decadently smooth. If you’re out of heavy cream, you can use plain milk or one of our Test Kitchen’s other go-to heavy cream substitutes.
• Powdered Sugar: Sifted powdered sugar is crucial for a smooth, lump-free caramel topping. It blends perfectly with the heavy cream to form a sweet base for the rolls.
• Pecans: These nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complement the sweetness of the caramel. While pecans are the classic choice, you can substitute them with walnuts, pistachios, or cashews for a different twist.
• Frozen Bread Dough: The star of the show, this pre-made dough saves time and effort, allowing you to focus on the fun part—assembling and baking the rolls. If you can’t find frozen white bread dough, plain pizza dough from the deli section works as a great alternative.
• Butter: Melted butter or margarine is brushed onto the rolled-out dough before sprinkling with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step ensures that the rolls are rich and flavorful.
• Raisins (Optional): Adding raisins to the filling provides a chewy bite and a hint of natural sweetness. Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits like cranberries or snipped dried cherries to suit your taste.
• Brown Sugar: The deeper molasses flavor of brown sugar gives the rolls their distinctive caramel flavor. It melts into the butter and cinnamon to create a gooey, sticky center.
• Cinnamon: This aromatic spice is essential for the warm, comforting flavor that defines cinnamon rolls. It pairs perfectly with the brown sugar and butter to create an irresistible filling.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Caramel-Pecan Rolls

Preparation and Topping

1. Prepare the Pans: Grease two 9-inch round baking pans and set them aside. In a small bowl, stir together 1 ¼ cups of sifted powdered sugar and ⅓ cup of whipping cream. Divide this mixture evenly between the prepared pans. Sprinkle 1 cup of coarsely chopped pecans over the sugar mixture.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll each thawed loaf of dough into a 12×8-inch rectangle. This step is similar to preparing traditional cinnamon roll dough.
3. Add the Filling: Brush the rolled-out dough with 3 tablespoons of melted butter. In another small bowl, mix ½ cup of packed brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough. If desired, add ¾ cup of raisins or other dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.
4. Roll and Slice: Starting from a long side, roll up each rectangle of dough tightly. Pinch the seams to seal. Slice each roll into 12 pieces using a sharp knife. Place the slices, cut sides down, on the topping in the pans.

Rising and Baking

5. Let the Rolls Rise: Cover the pans with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place until they have nearly doubled in size. This usually takes about 30 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. To prevent overbrowning, cover the rolls with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if necessary.
7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the rolls cool in the pans on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Then, carefully invert the rolls onto a serving platter to reveal the caramel- and pecan-topped pastries. Serve warm for the best experience.

Make-Ahead Tip

If you want to prepare these rolls in advance, follow the recipe through step 3. Cover the pans with oiled waxed paper, then with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours. Before baking, let the chilled rolls stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, still covered. Uncover and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Continue as directed to enjoy freshly baked rolls with minimal morning effort.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 172
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 3g

A Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. The basic structure allows for endless variations, making it easy to customize the rolls to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Nut Variations: Try using different types of nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for a unique twist on the classic pecan rolls.
• Fruit Additions: Incorporate other dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or apricots into the filling for added sweetness and texture.
• Spice Mix: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice in addition to the cinnamon to create a more complex flavor profile.
• Glaze Options: Drizzle the finished rolls with a simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of sweetness.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Creamy Caramel-Pecan Rolls are not just for lazy Saturday mornings—they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving a sweet treat, these rolls are sure to impress. Their make-ahead capability makes them an excellent choice for entertaining, as you can prepare them in advance and bake them fresh when needed.

Sharing the Joy

Baking these rolls is also a wonderful way to share joy with friends and neighbors. The recipe yields 24 rolls, making it easy to spread the love. Package a few rolls in a decorative box or tin and deliver them to loved ones for a thoughtful and delicious surprise. There’s something incredibly satisfying about sharing homemade baked goods, especially when they’re as delightful as these caramel-pecan rolls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Creamy Caramel-Pecan Rolls are a delightful way to start your morning. With the convenience of frozen bread dough and a rich, caramel-pecan topping, they offer all the flavor and satisfaction of homemade sweet rolls with minimal effort. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household. So go ahead, brew that pot of coffee, and enjoy a warm, sticky, and utterly delicious caramel-pecan roll straight from the oven.