Caramel Pecan Sweet Rolls (Soft, Buttery & Irresistibly Gooey.

If your idea of heaven is warm, gooey, caramel-drizzled perfection, then these Caramel Pecan Sweet Rolls are for you. They’re everything a cozy breakfast should be — fluffy dough, rich caramel sauce, and crunchy pecans in every bite.

Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, holiday morning, or simply treating yourself, these rolls taste like something straight from a bakery — but made right at home. For an extra-sweet finish, pair these with a piece of Chocolate Fudge — perfect for holidays or gifting. If you’re in a peanut butter mood, try some Peanut Butter Fudge — creamy and perfectly balanced.

Recipe Card

Servings: 12 rolls Prep Time: 25 minutes Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Bake Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 eggs, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Caramel Pecan Topping:

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Make the Dough: In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until dough forms.

   Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Punch down the dough, roll it into a rectangle (about 12x18 inches), and spread softened butter evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.

3. Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly from the long side, then slice into 12 equal rolls.

4. Make the Caramel Pecan Topping: In a saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, and cream over medium heat. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened (about 3 minutes). Pour into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and sprinkle with pecans.

5. Add the Rolls: Arrange rolls on top of the caramel mixture. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.

7. Flip & Serve: Cool for 5 minutes, then invert the pan onto a serving platter so the caramel drips over the rolls. Serve warm and gooey!

Tips for Perfect Sweet Rolls

• Don’t overheat the milk — too hot will kill the yeast.

• Use room-temperature eggs for the best rise.

• Make ahead: refrigerate rolls overnight before the second rise, then bake in the morning.

• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty finish.

• Serve warm — these are at their best fresh out of the oven!

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Pecan Sweet Rolls are the kind of breakfast treat that feels indulgent but oh-so-worth it. Soft, buttery dough, rich caramel sauce, and the crunch of pecans — it’s comfort food at its finest.

Perfect for holidays, brunch, or cozy mornings at home, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

FAQ

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes — prepare the dough, let it rise, shape the rolls, then refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

Q: Do I have to use pecans? No — walnuts or almonds work too, or you can skip the nuts entirely for a smooth caramel topping.

Q: Why didn’t my rolls rise? Your yeast may be old, or the liquid too hot or cold. The dough also needs a warm place to rise until doubled.

Q: Can I freeze sweet rolls? Absolutely. Freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping, or freeze fully baked rolls and reheat with extra caramel sauce.

Q: How do I keep the rolls soft and fluffy? Don’t add too much flour — the dough should be soft. Also, avoid overbaking so they stay tender.