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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://tastybynova.com/old-fashioned-caramel-rolls-recipe/