Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are a truly indulgent treat, featuring soft, fluffy rolls filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a rich caramel sauce and crunchy pecans. These are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for brunch, holidays, or a special dessert. Each bite is a heavenly combination of gooey caramel, warm cinnamon, and toasted pecans!

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

Mixing Bowls: For preparing dough and filling.
Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough.
9×13-inch Baking Dish: For baking the cinnamon rolls.
Small Saucepan: For making the caramel sauce.
Whisk: For mixing ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Ingredient Overview

Dough: Made with flour, milk, butter, eggs, and yeast, yielding a soft and fluffy base for the rolls.
Filling: A classic blend of cinnamon, sugar, and butter makes a sweet, aromatic filling.
Caramel Sauce: A homemade caramel sauce using butter, brown sugar, and cream gives these rolls their signature gooey topping.
Pecans: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to the caramel topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough
Warm 1 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of butter until just melted. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) of active dry yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the warm milk and butter mixture, 1 large egg, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Caramel Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup brown sugar over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 1-2 minutes. Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of chopped pecans evenly over the caramel.
Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Assemble the Rolls
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough. Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in the prepared baking dish on top of the caramel and pecans.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown.
Invert and Serve
Allow the rolls to cool slightly, then carefully invert the baking dish onto a serving platter so that the caramel and pecans are on top. Serve warm.

Recipe Tips

Overnight Option: Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Extra Gooey Caramel: For even gooier rolls, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the rolls after baking.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own but can be paired with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a complete treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, if using instant yeast, you can skip the initial rise, as it activates faster than active dry yeast.

Q: Can I add a cream cheese glaze?
A: Absolutely! A cream cheese glaze makes a lovely addition to these rolls.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

Ingredients

Dough:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Filling:
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare dough by mixing warm milk, butter, flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and egg; knead until smooth. Let rise for 1-2 hours.
Prepare caramel sauce by melting butter and brown sugar, adding cream, and simmering. Pour into greased dish and sprinkle with pecans.
For filling, mix butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Roll out dough, spread filling, roll into log, and slice. Arrange rolls in dish on caramel and pecans.
Preheat oven to 350°F, let rolls rise 30 minutes, then bake for 25-30 minutes.
Cool, invert onto platter, and serve warm.

Notes

Feel free to add a cream cheese glaze or more pecans on top if desired. Enjoy!