These gooey, cinnamon-spiced rolls are baked in a rich caramel-pecan sauce, then flipped to reveal a glossy, dripping caramel topping—perfect for brunch or a sweet weekend treat!
Ingredients (Makes 12 buns)
For the Dough
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg + 1 yolk, room temp
- 3½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
For the Caramel Topping
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (60ml) light corn syrup (or honey)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans (or walnuts)
For the Filling
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter, softened
(Optional: Add ½ tsp orange zest to the dough for a citrus twist!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- Activate yeast: Whisk warm milk + yeast + sugar; let sit 5–10 mins until foamy.
- Mix dough: Add melted butter, egg, yolk, then flour + salt. Knead 5–8 mins until smooth.
- First rise: Cover and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
2. Make the Caramel Topping
- In a saucepan, melt butter + brown sugar.
- Stir in cream, corn syrup, salt, vanilla; simmer 1–2 mins.
- Pour into a buttered 9×13-inch pan; sprinkle with pecans.
3. Assemble the Rolls
- Roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle brown sugar + cinnamon.
- Roll tightly (long side), cut into 12 slices, and place in the caramel-lined pan.
- Second rise: Cover and rise 30 mins.
4. Bake & Flip
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 mins until golden.
- Cool 5 mins, then invert onto a platter (caramel will drip over!).
FAQs & Tips
Q: Can I use instant yeast?
✅ Yes! Skip the foam test and mix directly with dry ingredients.
Q: Why did my caramel harden?
⚠️ Overcooked—simmer just until smooth. If too thick, warm with 1 tbsp cream.
Q: Can I make these ahead?
✅ Refrigerate overnight after shaping (let rise 1 hour before baking).
Q: How to store leftovers?
- Room temp: 1 day (cover loosely).
- Fridge: 3 days (reheat 10 secs in microwave).
Q: Can I freeze them?
✅ Freeze unbaked rolls (thaw + rise before baking).
Serving Suggestions
☕ Pair with:
- Strong coffee
- Cold milk
- Fresh fruit
🎉 Perfect for:
- Holiday mornings
- Brunch parties
- Gift-giving (wrap in parchment + twine!)
Nutrition (per bun): ~320 kcal
These caramel-kissed buns are sticky, sweet, and irresistible—worth every minute of prep! 😍
Pro Tip: For extra gooeyness, drizzle with extra caramel sauce after baking! 🍯
