introduction
Old-Fashioned Caramel Rolls are sweet, soft, and warm. They have a rich caramel topping and a cinnamon filling. They work well for weekend mornings or special treats. If you like trying different rolls, try this savory option too: buffalo chicken egg rolls.
why make this recipe
- The rolls use simple ingredients you likely have at home.
- The caramel topping is gooey and makes the rolls rich and special.
- The dough is soft and rises well, giving fluffy rolls.
- This recipe makes 12 rolls, good for family or guests.
how to make Old-Fashioned Caramel Rolls
- Activate the yeast so it becomes foamy. This shows it is alive.
- Mix dough ingredients and knead until smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in a warm place.
- Make the cinnamon filling and spread it on rolled dough.
- Roll the dough tight and cut into 12 slices.
- Make the caramel sauce and pour it into the baking pan.
- Place the rolls cut-side up on the caramel and let them rise again.
- Bake until golden and then invert the pan so the caramel covers the rolls.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Ingredients :
1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C), 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet), 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1 tsp salt, 2 large eggs, room temperature, 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading), 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup brown sugar, packed, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, packed, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions :
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make Dough: Stir in melted butter, salt, and eggs. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1–1.5 hours).
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a paste.
- Roll Out Dough: Punch down dough and roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly over dough.
- Shape Rolls: Roll dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 even slices.
- Make Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter. Add brown sugar, cream, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange & Second Rise: Place rolls cut-side up on top of caramel sauce. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 22–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Invert & Serve: Let rolls rest for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving platter so caramel drips over the rolls. Serve warm.
how to serve Old-Fashioned Caramel Rolls
Serve the rolls warm so the caramel is gooey. Use a spatula to lift them without breaking. You can add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a small spoon of whipped cream. Serve with coffee or milk.
how to store Old-Fashioned Caramel Rolls
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap individual rolls in plastic and foil, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven.
tips to make Old-Fashioned Caramel Rolls
- Make sure milk is 110°F (43°C) when you mix yeast. Too hot will kill the yeast.
- Knead until the dough is smooth and slightly springy.
- Roll the dough tightly so the rolls hold their shape.
- Let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free place.
- Warm the caramel slightly if it firms before inverting the pan.
variation (if any)
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel before placing the rolls.
- Mix a bit of orange zest into the caramel for a citrus note.
- Replace half the brown sugar in the filling with maple sugar for a deeper flavor.
FAQs (minimum three FAQ)
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes. Use about 2 to 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast. Mix it with the dry flour and do not proof in warm milk first.
Q: Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
A: Yes. Use the dough hook and mix on low until combined. Then knead with the mixer for about 6 minutes until smooth.
Q: How do I reheat leftover rolls without drying them?
A: Wrap a roll in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds. Or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes.
Q: Can I make the caramel ahead of time?
A: Yes. Keep it warm on low, or reheat gently on the stove before pouring into the pan.
Q: Will these rolls keep their texture if I freeze them after baking?
A: They freeze well. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes to restore softness.
Old-Fashioned Caramel Rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet, soft, and warm rolls topped with gooey caramel and a cinnamon filling, perfect for weekend mornings or special treats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in melted butter, salt, and eggs. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1–1.5 hours).
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a paste.
- Punch down dough and roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly over dough.
- Roll dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 even slices.
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Add brown sugar, cream, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place rolls cut-side up on top of caramel sauce. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 22–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let rolls rest for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving platter so caramel drips over the rolls. Serve warm.
Notes
For best texture, serve warm. Optional toppings: powdered sugar or whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg