Description
Caramel pecan delight rolls blend Southern comfort with sweet indulgence from classic pastry traditions. Warm, gooey rolls promise a delectable journey through rich layers of buttery dough and nutty caramel perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ½ cups (437.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsps ground cinnamon
- 2 ¼ tsps active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Warm milk to 110°F, blend with sugar and yeast. Allow mixture to foam and bubble for 5-10 minutes, creating a living foundation for the rolls.
- Craft Dough: Combine flour, activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg in a large mixing bowl. Knead on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, developing gluten structure and texture.
- First Rise: Place dough in a buttered bowl, cover with a clean towel. Allow to rise in a warm environment for approximately one hour, expanding to double its original volume.
- Prepare Caramel Base: Melt butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Create a luscious golden sauce and pour into a baking dish, sprinkling chopped pecans across the surface.
- Create Filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a fragrant, uniform spread.
- Shape Rolls: Roll dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread cinnamon mixture evenly, leaving a small border. Roll tightly from the long edge and slice into 12 even spirals.
- Second Rise: Position rolls cut-side down on the caramel base. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes, allowing them to become puffy and interconnected.
- Bake and Finish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Immediately invert onto a serving platter, allowing caramel to drape dramatically over the rolls. Serve warm for maximum sensory delight.
Notes
- Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure milk temperature is precisely 110°F for optimal yeast performance; too hot kills yeast, too cold prevents activation.
- Dough Kneading Technique: Stretch and fold dough consistently for 6-8 minutes to develop gluten structure, creating light and fluffy rolls.
- Proofing Precision: Find a warm, draft-free spot around 80-85°F for dough rising, which helps achieve maximum volume and soft texture.
- Caramel Success Secret: Use heavy cream and consistently stir caramel sauce to prevent burning and ensure smooth, rich consistency.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 386
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 192 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 32 mg