Caramel Rolls Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love a warm, comforting breakfast, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Caramel Rolls. Imagine fluffy, tender rolls swirled with a luscious cinnamon and brown sugar filling, baked atop a rich, gooey homemade caramel sauce that envelops each bite with sticky sweetness. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a show-stopping treat that’s perfect for special mornings or weekend brunches with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Caramel Rolls comes from simple, classic ingredients that come together to create a delightful balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each component has its part to play, from the soft dough to the buttery caramel glaze and spiced filling.

• All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups): The backbone of the dough ensuring a soft yet sturdy roll.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds just a touch of sweetness to the dough without overpowering.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Whole milk (¾ cup): Provides moisture and tenderness for that fluffy texture.
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons plus more for filling and caramel): Gives richness and helps create a soft crumb.
• Instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Powers the rise for light and airy rolls.
• Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds richness.
• Brown sugar (1 cup plus ½ cup for filling): The star of the filling and caramel, bringing molasses notes and deep caramel flavor.
• Heavy cream (½ cup): Adds creaminess and lusciousness to the caramel sauce.
• Cinnamon (1 ½ tablespoons): Sprinkles the perfect warm spice inside each roll.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brightens and rounds out the caramel’s flavor.

How to Make Caramel Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by light greasing your baking pan to keep the rolls from sticking, then mix together the flour, sugar, and salt for the dry base. Warm the milk with butter just until the butter melts and it’s comfortably warm, then whisk in the yeast until fully dissolved. Combine this wet mixture with the dry ingredients and add the egg, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead it for a few minutes until smooth—this is what will make your rolls perfectly tender and fluffy. Let the dough rest and rise briefly, allowing the yeast to wake up and start the magic.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

While the dough is resting, melt butter in a saucepan and stir in brown sugar until it dissolves into a rich bubbly mixture. Add heavy cream, salt, and vanilla to create a luxuriously smooth sauce that you’ll pour into your baking pan. This caramel layer is what makes these rolls so incredibly gooey and irresistible.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

Roll out the dough into a large rectangle and spread softened butter evenly across its surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture generously on top, so every bite has that perfect spiced sweetness. Roll it tightly from the long edge to keep all those flavors in, then slice into even pieces—this shaping is the heart of the iconic roll look.

Step 4: Assemble and Rise Again

Nestle each roll neatly into the prepared pan over the caramel sauce. Cover them lightly and let them rise until they double in size; this step is essential to get the soft, pillow-like texture you’re aiming for.

Step 5: Bake the Caramel Rolls

Pop your rolls into a preheated oven and bake until their tops turn golden and the internal temperature is just right. If they brown too quickly, a foil tent will keep things perfect without drying out the gooey center. When done, a brief cool-down followed by flipping the pan out onto a serving dish reveals the stunning caramel-coated tops, ready to wow your taste buds.

How to Serve Caramel Rolls

Garnishes

Caramel Rolls are delightful on their own but adding a few garnishes can elevate them even more. Think roughly chopped pecans or walnuts scattered over the top right after flipping them out of the pan—this adds a crunchy contrast to the gooey caramel. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze can also make these rolls look and taste like they belong in a bakery window.

Side Dishes

Pair these Caramel Rolls with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples for a bit of natural acidity and brightness. A cup of strong coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of fresh orange juice makes a perfect accompaniment, balancing the richness of the rolls while keeping your breakfast experience fresh and lively.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Caramel Rolls on a rustic wooden board or a pretty cake stand to make your breakfast spread feel extra special. You can cut them into smaller bites for a brunch party or even stuff individual rolls with cream cheese or fruit preserves before rolling to add a surprise twist that will impress any guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Caramel Rolls covered at room temperature for a couple of days or refrigerate them to extend freshness up to nearly a week. Make sure they’re wrapped well to maintain moisture and softness.

Freezing

You can freeze these rolls either before or after baking. For unbaked rolls, partially bake, then cool and freeze in a freezer-safe pan, thawing overnight before finishing the bake. Baked caramel rolls freeze beautifully for up to three months—just tightly wrap them before placing in the freezer to preserve flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat your caramel rolls gently in the oven at a low temperature or microwave them briefly to enjoy warm and gooey sweetness all over again. If reheated properly, they’ll taste almost as fresh as from the oven, soft and sticky with all that caramel glory.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! This recipe actually uses instant yeast which speeds up the rising process because it doesn’t need to be dissolved or proofed separately, making the dough prep even easier.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the caramel?

You can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half, but the caramel won’t be quite as rich and creamy. The heavy cream adds that signature luscious texture and depth to the sauce.

How do I prevent my caramel rolls from being too sticky?

Letting the baked rolls cool for about five minutes before flipping them out of the pan allows the caramel to set slightly, so it’s sticky but not dripping everywhere.

Can I add nuts to the caramel rolls?

Absolutely! Pecan or walnut pieces added to the caramel sauce before placing the dough rolls in the pan add wonderful texture and flavor, turning your caramel rolls into classic sticky buns.

What’s the best way to warm leftover caramel rolls?

Reheating in a 300℉ oven wrapped loosely in foil will gently warm the rolls through without drying the caramel or dough.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about homemade Caramel Rolls—soft, sweet, and bursting with buttery caramel and cinnamon goodness. Whether it’s for a holiday morning, a cozy weekend breakfast, or an anytime indulgence, these rolls bring such joy and warmth with every bite. Dive into making a batch and watch how quickly they become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!