Old-Fashioned Caramel Rolls

Oh wow, these old-fashioned caramel rolls take me straight back to cozy mornings in the kitchen. The smell of sweet caramel and soft bread just fills the air. It’s the kind of treat that makes you smile before you even take a bite.

They’re soft, warm, and dripping with rich, buttery caramel. Every swirl is packed with sweetness that melts in your mouth. It’s like a little hug in every bite.

I love how they make the whole house smell amazing. And honestly, they taste even better than they look. You’ll want to make them again and again

So, let’s grab our ingredients and get started. We’re about to make the most comforting caramel rolls ever. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort: These caramel rolls are a nostalgic treat that never goes out of style.
• Soft and Fluffy: The dough is pillowy and light, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth.
• Irresistible Caramel Topping: A luscious, buttery caramel sauce coats every roll.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Serve them at family gatherings, brunches, or as a weekend treat.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance for stress-free baking.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (or mixing bowl and wooden spoon)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Large mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife or dental floss for cutting rolls

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious caramel rolls:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation for soft, pillowy rolls.
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast – Essential for a light, fluffy texture.
• 1 cup whole milk – Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – A hint of sweetness to balance the flavors.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – Subtle buttery flavor and moisture.
• 1 tsp salt – Enhances the overall taste.
• 1 egg – For richness and structure.

Ingredients for the Filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Spreads easily and infuses the rolls with flavor.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed – Adds depth with a hint of molasses.
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon – Warm, spicy notes that define the flavor of these rolls.

Ingredients for the Caramel Topping

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed – The base of a luscious caramel sauce.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Ensures smoothness and richness.
• 1/4 cup heavy cream – Adds a creamy, velvety finish.
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) – For a nutty crunch and added texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Warm the milk to about 110°F (lukewarm, but not hot).
2. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
3. Stir in the sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg.
4. Gradually add in the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
2. Set aside.

3. Make the Caramel Topping

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until smooth.
4. Pour the caramel sauce into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. If using, sprinkle chopped pecans over the caramel sauce.

4. Roll Out and Fill the Dough

1. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
2. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.
3. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
4. Cut the log into 12 even slices.

5. Assemble and Bake

1. Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish on top of the caramel sauce.
2. Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes.
6. Invert the rolls onto a serving platter so the caramel topping is on top.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Caramel Rolls

• Warm & Gooey: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm.
• With Coffee or Tea: A perfect complement to your morning drink.
• Drizzled with Extra Caramel: Add a little extra sauce for an indulgent experience.
• Topped with Whipped Cream: For a lighter contrast to the rich caramel.

Storing Old-Fashioned Caramel Rolls

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Wrap individual rolls and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Variations for Caramel Rolls

• Add Raisins: Sprinkle raisins over the filling for a fruity touch.
• Extra Nutty: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
• Maple Caramel: Substitute half of the brown sugar with maple syrup.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Drizzle with a simple cream cheese frosting for extra decadence.

Nutrition Facts (per roll)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450
Total Fat	21g
Saturated Fat	13g
Trans Fat	0.5g
Cholesterol	90mg
Sodium	300mg
Total Carbohydrates	60g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	32g
Protein	6g
Vitamin D	1mcg
Calcium	70mg
Iron	2.5mg
Potassium	150mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

FAQs

Can I make these caramel rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour.

Why did my caramel harden too much?

If your caramel turns too hard, it may have been cooked too long. Adding a splash of cream while reheating can help soften it.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.