You know what makes mornings extra special? A warm, gooey, sweet PECAN ROLLS straight from the oven. My sister-in-law swears by this recipe—it’s a FAMILY FAVORITE, and let me tell you, it NEVER disappoints.
These rolls have it all: buttery dough, sticky caramel, and crunchy pecans that take every bite over the top.
I can’t get enough of these Pecan Rolls. For a similar vibe, you’ve got to check out the Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. I love also this Brioche French Toast Casserole , it’s my go-to recipe for LAZY mornings .
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Why Everyone Loves Pecan Rolls
What makes pecan rolls so irresistible? It’s the perfect mix of soft, fluffy dough, sweet caramel, and crunchy pecans in every bite. It’s like a hug for your taste buds! Whether you’re serving them for brunch or treating yourself on a lazy weekend, they hit the spot EVERY time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for the dough, filling, and caramel topping:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
The Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
For the Caramel Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Dough
- In your bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s FOAMY (that means it’s working!).
- Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour until you get a soft dough.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it’s SMOOTH and elastic. (Pro tip: If it’s sticking, sprinkle a bit of flour.)
- You place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and you let it rise for an 1 HOUR until it DOUBLES in size.
Prepare the Caramel Topping
- You melt the butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cream and vanilla, and let it simmer for a minute.
- Pour the caramel into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top.
Make the Filling
- You mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until it forms a paste.
Roll It Up
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
- Starting at one long side, you TIGHTLY roll up the dough like a jelly roll. Slice it into 12 rolls.
Assemble & Rise Again
- Place the rolls cut-side down in the prepared baking dish on top of the caramel and pecans.
- Cover your dish and let the rolls rise for ANOTHER 30 MINUTES.
Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they’re GOLDEN BROWN and bubbly.
Flip and Serve
- Let the rolls cool for just a few minutes (if you can wait!). Then carefully flip the baking dish upside down onto a serving platter so the gooey caramel and pecans end up ON TOP.
- Serve warm and watch everyone swoon.
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Why These Rolls Are THE BEST
- Easy to Make: The steps are simple and foolproof.
- Perfectly Gooey: That caramel topping is EVERYTHING.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these the night before and bake them fresh in the morning!
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep the Night Before: Follow the steps until you assemble the rolls in the baking dish. Instead of letting them rise again, cover and pop them in the fridge overnight.
- Bake Fresh: In the morning, let the rolls sit at room temp for 30 minutes, then bake as usual.
Why Pecan Rolls Are the Perfect Treat for Any Occasion
Pecan rolls aren’t just a breakfast option—they’re the kind of treat that works for ANY time of day. The sweet caramel glaze combined with the rich, nutty pecans makes every bite feel indulgent and satisfying.
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Variations to Make Your Pecan Rolls Unique
The caramel topping works beautifully with ALL of them. And for those who love a little extra crunch, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top after baking. It balances out the sweetness and gives your pecan rolls a gourmet touch.
The Magic of Freshly Baked Pecan Rolls
There’s something truly magical about pulling a tray of pecan rolls out of the oven. The warm, buttery scent fills your kitchen, and the caramel topping bubbles just enough to create that perfect sticky glaze. Freshly baked pecan rolls taste SO much better than anything you’ll find at a bakery or grocery store. They’re soft, gooey, and absolutely irresistible.
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Pecan Rolls: A Southern Classic
Did you know pecan rolls have a special place in Southern baking traditions? Pecans are a staple in many Southern recipes, and combining them with sweet, buttery dough just makes sense. Whether served for breakfast or as a dessert, pecan rolls bring that classic Southern charm to your table.
Tips for Perfectly Sticky Pecan Rolls
Getting the caramel topping JUST right is key to the best pecan rolls. The trick is to let the sugar and butter melt together slowly before adding the cream. This creates a rich, gooey caramel that soaks into the rolls as they bake. Don’t rush this step—patience pays off!
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Pecan Rolls: A Make-Ahead Life Saver
If you’re hosting guests or need a quick breakfast option, pecan rolls are perfect for making ahead. Assemble them the night before, pop them in the fridge, and bake them fresh in the morning. You’ll look like a baking genius with almost NO effort.
Homemade Pecan Rolls vs. Store-Bought: Is It Worth the Effort?
If you’ve ever grabbed a store-bought pecan roll, you know it’s not quite the same. Sure, it’s convenient, but homemade pecan rolls take the experience to a WHOLE new level.
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Pecan Rolls Are Easier Than You Think
You don’t need to be a pro baker to make amazing pecan rolls. With basic ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have bakery-quality rolls right at home. Plus, the satisfaction of pulling them out of your own oven? Totally worth it.
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FAQs
Can I use instant yeast to replace of active dry yeast?
Yes! Just skip the “foaming” step and add the yeast straight to the dry ingredients.
How do I keep the rolls soft?
Don’t overbake them! Pull them out as soon as they’re golden.
Can I freeze pecan rolls?
Absolutely. Bake them, let them cool, and freeze them. Reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes.
Can I add extra pecans?
Of course! Pile them on—it’ll only make the rolls BETTER.
What if I don’t have heavy cream for the caramel?
You can swap it for half-and-half or even whole milk. The caramel will still be DELISH.
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These homemade PECAN ROLLS are everything you want in a breakfast treat: sticky, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, they’re perfect for weekend mornings, holidays, or just because—you DESERVE IT.
My sister-in-law made these last Thanksgiving, and everyone fought over the LAST ONE. So, heads up: You might want to make a double batch!
Try them out, and let me know how they turn out for you. Trust me—your family (and your kitch
