Old-Fashioned Caramel Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Old-Fashioned Caramel Rolls are a timeless treat, combining soft, fluffy dough with a rich cinnamon filling and a luscious caramel topping. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls bring warmth and sweetness to any table.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (for filling)
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (for caramel topping)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for caramel topping)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, warm the milk to about 110°F (just warm to the touch). Stir in the granulated sugar and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy to activate the yeast.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Step 3: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream until smooth. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the caramel if using.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and spreadable.
7. Step 7: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Step 8: Roll the dough tightly from a long edge into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces with a sharp knife.
9. Step 9: Arrange the rolls cut-side down over the caramel layer in the baking dish. Cover and allow to rise for 30 minutes.
10. Step 10: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
11. Step 11: Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter so caramel drizzles over the rolls. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
• Substitute pecans with walnuts or leave them out for a nut-free version.
• Use half whole milk and half cream in the dough for a richer texture.
• Warm rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving to enhance softness and gooey caramel.

Storage

Store leftover caramel rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to restore softness and melt the caramel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After kneading, cover and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking.

What if my yeast doesn’t get frothy?

If the yeast mixture doesn’t become frothy, the yeast may be inactive. Try using fresh yeast and ensure the milk is warm but not hot, around 110°F.

Old-Fashioned Caramel Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 51 reviews

These Old-Fashioned Caramel Rolls are soft, fluffy, and generously swirled with a cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a rich and creamy caramel sauce studded with pecans. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these rolls offer a nostalgic homemade treat that melts in your mouth with the warmth of cinnamon and the indulgence of buttery caramel. Ideal for special breakfasts, brunches, or comforting desserts, they bring a classic sweet delight to your table.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Caramel Topping:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: Warm the milk to about 110°F and stir in the granulated sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, confirming the yeast is active.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, developing the gluten for soft texture.
4. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Caramel Topping: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir in brown sugar and heavy cream until smooth. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle pecans over if using.
6. Make the Filling: Combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and spreadable.
7. Shape the Rolls: Punch down risen dough and roll out to a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly, leaving a small border.
8. Roll and Slice: Roll dough tightly from a long edge into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
9. Arrange and Second Rise: Place rolls cut-side down on the caramel in the baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
10. Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
11. Cool and Serve: Cool rolls in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter to let caramel drizzle over. Serve warm.

Notes

• Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, when activating yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
• For extra flavor, allow the dough to rise in a slightly warm, draft-free area.
• Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the rolls cleanly without squishing them.
• Optional pecans add texture and a nutty contrast to the caramel topping but can be omitted for nut allergies.
• Serve rolls warm for the best melty caramel experience.

Keywords: caramel rolls, cinnamon rolls, sweet rolls, homemade caramel sauce, breakfast rolls, sticky buns