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Gooey & Delicious Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Rolls


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  • Author: Chloe Green
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x

Description

Imagine waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen. Perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, a festive brunch, or a special treat for your loved ones, these pecan caramel cinnamon rolls are the ultimate indulgence. Inspired by classic bakery rolls with a luxurious twist, they feature a rich caramel glaze and crunchy pecans that add flavor and texture to every bite. Soft, fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and gooey caramel combine to create a treat that’s as comforting as it is irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday gathering or a simple family breakfast, these rolls are sure to become a cherished tradition.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ¾ cup whole milk, warm

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed

  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)

  • ½ cup chopped pecans

For the Caramel Glaze:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • ¼ cup heavy cream

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt


Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes on a floured surface or with a stand mixer until smooth and elastic.

  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

  • In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Set aside chopped pecans.

  • Punch down risen dough and roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread cinnamon-sugar butter mixture evenly over dough. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.

  • Starting from the long edge, roll dough into a tight log. Pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each.

  • Cover rolls with a towel and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) while rolls rise.

  • Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

  • In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil and cook 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.

  • Pour warm caramel sauce over baked rolls, coating each roll generously. Allow to cool slightly so caramel sets but remains gooey.

  • Serve warm with coffee, tea, or milk.

Notes

  • Make ahead: Prepare dough the night before and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.

  • Nut-free option: Omit pecans or substitute seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.

  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25–30 minutes