Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Pecan Sauce
Let’s be real—there’s nothing quite like the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. Now, imagine those rolls drenched in rich, buttery caramel sauce studded with crunchy toasted pecans. That’s exactly what happens with these Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Pecan Sauce. Every bite is soft, sweet, gooey, and absolutely irresistible. Trust me, this one’s a total showstopper.
Perfect for brunches, weekend breakfasts, or a sweet treat any day of the week, these cinnamon rolls are the ultimate indulgence. You get that soft, pillowy dough, layered with a spiced sugar filling, and topped with decadent caramel pecans that melt just a little into the rolls. It’s cozy, comforting, and a little bit magical—all rolled into one.
Recipe Origin
Cinnamon rolls have long been a breakfast favorite, with roots tracing back to Sweden (the classic kanelbulle) and evolving into the gooey, indulgent versions we know and love today. This recipe adds a Southern twist with the luscious caramel pecan sauce, combining two classic desserts into one irresistible treat. It’s the ultimate combination of soft, spiced dough and rich, nutty caramel—a true celebration of flavor and texture.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer with dough hook or a hand mixer
- Small saucepan for caramel sauce
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish or round cake pan
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Spoon or spatula
Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Pecan Sauce
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Pecan Sauce are soft, fluffy, and swirled with a sweet spiced filling, then baked in a luscious caramel pecan sauce. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or any time you crave a decadent homemade treat.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 teaspoons yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 5 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup melted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- For the Caramel Sauce:
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a saucepan, heat butter and milk until warm but not boiling. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast mixture, warm milk mixture, sugar, salt, and eggs. Gradually add flour until dough comes together. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix dark brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Punch down the dough and roll out into a large rectangle. Brush with half of the melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the filling mixture. Add chopped pecans if using. Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 even rolls.
- Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, then add brown sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, and salt. Cook, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and toasted pecans. Pour into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble: Place the rolls cut-side down into the dish over the caramel pecan sauce. Cover and let rise until puffy, about 30–40 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert the dish onto a serving platter so the caramel pecan sauce coats the rolls. Serve warm.
Notes
- For best results, use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough.
- The caramel pecan sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until needed.
- To make overnight rolls, assemble them in the pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let rise at room temperature for 45 minutes before baking.
- If you prefer a lighter caramel, substitute honey for the corn syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: gooey cinnamon rolls, caramel pecan sticky buns, homemade cinnamon rolls, brunch recipe, holiday breakfast
Why You’ll Love Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Pecan Sauce
Here’s why these cinnamon rolls deserve a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:
Ultimate Comfort: Soft, warm, and sweet, they’re like a hug in dessert form.
Gooey Goodness: The caramel pecan sauce seeps into every roll for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for brunches, holidays, or special breakfasts—everyone will be asking for seconds.
Flavor Explosion: Cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and vanilla create layers of indulgent flavor.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead, then bake fresh for that just-out-of-the-oven magic.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Warm liquids for yeast: Make sure your water and milk are warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
- Don’t overmix: Knead until smooth and elastic, but avoid overworking the dough for tender rolls.
- Toast pecans: Toasted pecans enhance flavor and crunch in both the filling and caramel sauce.
- Layer evenly: Spread the filling evenly across the dough for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Cool slightly before caramel: Pour caramel sauce over warm rolls, but not piping hot, to keep it glossy and smooth.
Ingredients in Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Pecan Sauce
Here’s what makes these rolls irresistibly delicious. (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise and become soft and fluffy.
Butter: Adds richness to the dough, filling, and caramel sauce.
Whole Milk: Makes the dough tender and gives a slight creaminess to each roll.
Sugar: Sweetness in the dough and filling, balances the spices perfectly.
Flour: Provides structure and gives the dough its pillowy texture.
Eggs: Adds moisture, richness, and stability to the dough.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg create that classic warm, comforting flavor.
Brown Sugar: Deep, caramel-like sweetness for the filling and sauce.
Pecans: Adds crunch and nutty flavor, toasted for extra depth.
Heavy Cream and Corn Syrup: Make the caramel sauce smooth, creamy, and perfectly pourable.
Vanilla: Enhances all the sweet, buttery flavors.
Instructions
Let’s roll up our sleeves and make some magic:
Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit until frothy.
Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, milk, sugar, flour, salt, and eggs. Add yeast mixture and knead until smooth and elastic. Let dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
Prepare Filling: Mix brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. Melt butter separately. Combine for easy spreading. Optional: stir in chopped pecans for extra crunch.
Roll and Fill Dough: Roll dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread melted butter and sprinkle filling evenly over dough. Roll tightly into a log and cut into individual rolls.
Arrange in Pan: Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or round cake pan, leaving a little space between each. Cover and let rise again until puffy.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Make Caramel Pecan Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and combine with brown sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and toasted pecans.
Pour Caramel Over Rolls: Once baked, remove rolls from the oven and pour caramel pecan sauce over the warm rolls.
Serve and Enjoy: Pull apart, drizzle with extra caramel, and savor every gooey, nutty, cinnamon-spiced bite.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: ~450 (approx., depending on size and caramel portion)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: 2–3 hours
How to Serve Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Pecan Sauce
As a Brunch Centerpiece: Serve warm with coffee or tea for a special weekend treat.
For Holidays: Perfect for Thanksgiving morning or Christmas brunch.
Dessert Option: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
With Fruit: Fresh berries or sliced bananas provide a fresh contrast to the richness.
Individual Portions: Serve on small plates for a special touch at gatherings or brunch parties.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prep Dough in Advance: Dough can be prepared the night before, rolled, and stored in the fridge overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
- Storage: Store baked rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven for 5–7 minutes to restore gooey freshness.
- Freeze Dough: Unbaked rolls freeze well; thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Variations to Try
- Nut-Free Version: Skip pecans or replace with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.
- Chocolate Twist: Add chocolate chips to the filling for extra indulgence.
- Maple Caramel Sauce: Substitute some brown sugar with maple syrup for a warm flavor.
- Mini Rolls: Use a muffin tin to make single-serving rolls.
Additional Tips
- Let rolls rise in a warm, draft-free place for best texture.
- Don’t overbake—slightly underdone rolls stay soft and gooey.
- Toast pecans for extra flavor in the caramel sauce.
- Pour sauce while rolls are warm to let it soak in perfectly.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A1: Yes, prepare the dough and filling the night before. Store in the fridge and bake fresh in the morning.
Q2: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A2: Yes, adjust the amount according to package instructions.
Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
A3: Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for yeast breads. Dough texture may vary.
Q4: Can I substitute the pecans?
A4: Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds work beautifully.
Q5: Can I use a store-bought caramel sauce?
A5: Absolutely! It’s a shortcut if you want to save time.
Q6: How long will leftovers last?
A6: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Q7: Can I freeze baked rolls?
A7: Yes, wrap individually or store in an airtight container. Thaw and warm before serving.
Q8: Can I make mini rolls?
A8: Yes! Roll smaller logs and bake in muffin tins for single servings.
Q9: How do I make the rolls extra gooey?
A9: Don’t overbake and pour caramel sauce over warm rolls immediately.
Q10: Can I add extra spices?
A10: Yes! Nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice enhance the warm flavor of the filling.
Conclusion
These Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Pecan Sauce are everything you want in a baked treat—soft, fluffy, gooey, and decadent with a little nutty crunch. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a sweet indulgence any time of the day, they’re sure to wow your family and friends.
So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the cinnamon-sugar aroma, and get ready to enjoy the warm, melty, caramel-coated perfection of these irresistible cinnamon rolls. Every bite is comfort, indulgence, and a little bit of magic.
