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- 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast - ½ cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ cup whole milk, warmed - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for caramel) - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon To create the best Caramel Pecan Sticky Rolls, start with quality ingredients. All-purpose flour provides the right structure. Instant yeast gives your rolls that fluffy rise. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while salt balances the flavor. Warm whole milk and melted unsalted butter make the dough rich and soft. Two large eggs help bind the dough, while vanilla extract provides a lovely aroma. For the caramel topping, packed brown sugar and softened unsalted butter create that sticky goodness. Chopped pecans add crunch and flavor. Lastly, ground cinnamon gives warmth to every bite. - Additional sugar for rolling - Cream cheese frosting If you wish to add a twist, consider extra sugar for rolling the dough. This gives your rolls a sweet crust. For a creamy finish, drizzle cream cheese frosting on top after baking. It adds another layer of flavor and richness. Each option makes your sticky rolls even more special! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir it well to blend. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Once mixed, pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until everything combines smoothly. Now, we knead the dough. Gradually add the remaining flour, about half a cup at a time. Knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes on a floured surface. You want it to feel smooth and elastic. Once done, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size during this time. While the dough rises, prepare the caramel. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the softened butter with brown sugar. Stir it until the mixture is bubbly and smooth. Remove it from the heat and pour it evenly into a greased 9x13 inch pan. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel mixture, making sure they are well spread. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 16x12 inches. Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the surface. Next, sprinkle ground cinnamon and a bit of extra sugar, if you like. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Cut this log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut-side down in the pan over the caramel and pecans. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel again. Let the rolls rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, so they puff up nicely. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time. Bake the rolls for about 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden brown color, which means they are ready. After baking, let the rolls cool for about 5 minutes. Carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter while the caramel is still warm. This helps the rolls come out easily. Drizzle any remaining caramel from the pan over the rolls. Enjoy these sticky, sweet treats while they are warm! To make the best caramel pecan sticky rolls, start with the right dough consistency. The dough should be soft and just a bit sticky. If it feels too dry, add a little warm milk. If it’s too wet, add a bit more flour. For a perfect rise, make sure your dough is in a warm spot. A good tip is to preheat your oven for a minute, then turn it off. Place your dough inside to rise. This warm environment helps the yeast work better. One common mistake is over-kneading the dough. This can make your rolls tough. Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic. Under-kneading is also a problem. If the dough is not kneaded enough, it won’t rise well. Not letting the dough rise sufficiently can ruin your rolls. Always wait until it has doubled in size. This step is key for light, fluffy rolls. Use a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients. A sturdy wooden spoon or a dough scraper works great for mixing. A clean, floured surface is best for kneading. For baking, I recommend a 9x13 inch pan. This size helps the rolls bake evenly. Use a non-stick pan if you have one, to make serving easier. Pro Tips Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your instant yeast is fresh for the best rise. Check the expiration date to avoid dense rolls. Warm Your Ingredients: Use warm milk and melted butter to help activate the yeast, ensuring a light and fluffy texture. Don't Skip the Second Rise: Allowing the rolls to rise a second time is crucial for achieving that soft, airy texture. Serve Immediately: These rolls are best enjoyed warm right after baking to fully savor their gooey caramel and pecan topping. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of your caramel pecan sticky rolls easily. Adding chocolate chips makes them even sweeter. You can also mix in fruits like apples or bananas for a fresh taste. Another fun idea is to add spices. Try nutmeg or ginger for a warm twist. These small changes can make each batch unique and special! If you want to make these rolls gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. This helps keep the texture nice and fluffy. For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. Use almond milk instead of regular milk, and choose coconut oil in place of butter. These swaps keep the rolls tasty while meeting dietary needs. Caramel pecan sticky rolls taste great with drinks. Pair them with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast. You can also serve them with whipped cream or ice cream. The creaminess balances the sticky sweetness perfectly. This makes for a delightful treat any time of day! To keep your caramel pecan sticky rolls fresh, I suggest using an airtight container. This will help maintain their soft texture. If you don’t have one, plastic wrap works too. Place a paper towel inside to absorb moisture. This keeps the rolls from getting soggy. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy your leftover rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the rolls in aluminum foil to keep them moist. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place a roll on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 15-20 seconds. If the rolls seem stale, brush them with a bit of melted butter before reheating. This will refresh their taste and texture. You can freeze these rolls for later enjoyment. To do this, let them cool completely. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above, and they’ll taste almost fresh! Check the size of the dough. It should double in size. You can also poke it gently. If the dough springs back slowly, it’s ready. If it springs back fast, let it rise a bit longer. Warm, humid places help dough rise well. Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After shaping the rolls, cover them and place in the fridge. In the morning, take them out and let them rise until doubled. This lets you enjoy fresh rolls without all the work. Serve them warm for the best taste. You can drizzle extra caramel on top. A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs well too. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped pecans for crunch. Yes, you can swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Use almond milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free option. If you don't have pecans, walnuts work too. Keep in mind, swaps may change the flavor or texture a bit. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious caramel pecan sticky rolls. We covered essential ingredients, clear steps, helpful tips, and variations to suit your taste. Remember, success lies in getting the dough right and not rushing the rises. Allow your rolls to shine when served warm with a drizzle of caramel. Enjoy baking, and share these sweet treats with friends. With practice, you can impress everyone with your skills!

Caramel Pecan Sticky Rolls

Deliciously sweet and sticky rolls topped with caramel and pecans.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened (for caramel)
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well. In another bowl, whisk the warmed milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
  • Knead the Dough: Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • Prepare the Caramel Topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the softened butter and brown sugar, stirring until melted and bubbly. Remove from heat and pour the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch pan. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel mixture.
  • Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16x12 inches). Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the dough and sprinkle with cinnamon and additional granulated sugar, if desired.
  • Shape the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut-side down in the prepared pan over the caramel and pecans.
  • Second Rise: Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again for about 30-45 minutes until they puff up.
  • Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Invert and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Carefully invert the rolls onto a serving platter while the caramel is still warm to ensure they come out easily.
  • Enjoy: Serve warm, drizzled with any remaining caramel from the bottom of the pan. Enjoy these sticky, sweet rolls fresh!

Notes

Serve warm for the best experience.
Keyword caramel, pecan, sticky rolls