Ultimate Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls – A Bakery-Style Treat You Can Make at Home

If you’ve been craving a warm, soft, gooey cinnamon roll with a sticky caramel pecan topping that tastes like it belongs in a boutique bakery, you’re in the right place. These Ultimate Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are everything a cozy homemade pastry should be—pillowy soft dough, buttery cinnamon filling, a rich caramel glaze, and plenty of toasted pecans for crunch and flavor. They are indulgent, nostalgic, and absolutely unforgettable.

Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or simply want to treat yourself to something decadent on a quiet evening, this recipe delivers. The dough is easy to work with, the caramel is silky and luxurious, and the end result feels like a warm hug straight from the oven.

This article is designed to give you everything you need—not just instructions, but tips, variations, troubleshooting help, and serving ideas. Let’s dive into this irresistible classic.

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

There are cinnamon rolls… and then there are caramel pecan cinnamon rolls, which take things to a completely different level. Here’s what makes this recipe truly special:

Soft, Pillowy Dough

The base dough is enriched with butter, milk, and eggs, giving it a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It rises beautifully, even for beginner bakers.

Gooey Cinnamon Filling

A generous layer of brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter creates the signature swirl that makes every bite heavenly.

Homemade Caramel Pecan Topping

This part is pure magic: bubbling caramel poured into the baking pan, topped with pecans, and then finished with the rolls. After baking, the rolls flip over so the caramel becomes a glossy, sticky glaze.

Bakery-Level Flavor With Simple Ingredients

No specialty equipment, no unusual ingredients. Just everyday pantry staples transformed into something extraordinary.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Filling

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla

For the Caramel Pecan Topping

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1.5 cups pecans (whole or chopped)

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. Warm the milk until it’s about the temperature of warm bath water. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture.
3. Mix in the flour and salt, then knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is soft and stretchy.
4. Cover and let rise for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled.

2. Prepare the Caramel Pecan Layer

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring until smooth.
2. Add cream, vanilla, and salt.
3. Pour the caramel into a greased baking pan.
4. Sprinkle pecans evenly over the caramel.

3. Roll Out the Dough

1. Punch down the risen dough.
2. Roll it into a large rectangle.
3. Spread the softened butter over the dough.
4. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
5. Roll the dough tightly from the long side.
6. Slice into 12–15 rolls.

4. Assemble and Bake

1. Place the rolls on top of the caramel pecan layer.
2. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes.
4. Flip the rolls over after baking so the caramel pecan layer becomes the topping.

5. Serve Warm

Serve immediately for maximum gooey goodness.

Tips for Perfect Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients

Cold ingredients slow yeast activity and stiffen the dough.

Don’t Skimp on the Filling

The buttery cinnamon filling is what creates the gooey swirls.

Use Soft, Not Melted Butter

Soft butter sticks to the dough; melted butter leaks out.

Let the Dough Rise Properly

If the dough is dense, the rolls will be heavy rather than fluffy.

Flip While Warm

If you wait too long, the caramel will solidify and stick.

Variations

Maple Caramel Pecan Rolls

Replace half the caramel sugar with maple syrup for a fall-inspired version.

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolate twist.

Cranberry Pecan Rolls

Great for the holidays—sprinkle dried cranberries into the filling.

Gluten-Free Version

Swap the flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking blend.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a latte or hot coffee
• Serve as a Christmas morning breakfast
• Bring to a brunch potluck
• Make them ahead and refrigerate overnight

Fun Facts

• Sticky buns originated in Germany and became popular in Pennsylvania Dutch communities.
• The pecan tree is the state tree of Texas—so this is basically a southern tradition in dessert form!
• Cinnamon rolls date back to Sweden, where they’re known as “kanelbullar.”

Ultimate Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

Soft homemade cinnamon rolls topped with gooey caramel and toasted pecans for a bakery-style treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 12 rolls

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cookie Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp nutmeg
• 0.25 tsp cloves optional
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
• 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 egg large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.75 cup apple cider

Filling

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp cream or milk

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with apple cider, until a soft batter forms.
5. Drop batter onto baking sheets using a scoop, spacing 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
6. Bake 12–15 minutes until set and lightly golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
7. Beat softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla. Add cream to reach desired filling consistency.
8. Sandwich cookies with filling, serve immediately or store in airtight container.

Notes

Flip rolls while warm so caramel pours over the top.