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Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
DessertsMedium

Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

Recipe by Atyab Recipes

From the Blog Author

This Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls is one of my favorites because every bite takes me back to my grandma’s kitchen where the air smelled sweet and the timer always ticked. I love how the soft, yeasted dough swells with a buttery richness, then cracks open into a swirl of cinnamon‑sugar that sings with toasted pecans. The caramel glaze pours like a golden river, cutting through the warmth with a silky, almost buttery sweetness that I can’t get enough of. If you’re looking for a quick treat that feels indulgent but isn’t a time‑sapping project, these rolls fit the bill perfectly. The combination of ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and the crunchy pecans gives each roll a familiar comfort feel—like a hug in pastry form. And honestly, the way the caramel coats each crumb is just a little extra love that makes everyone feel like they’re at a tiny, cozy bakery. A tiny but game‑changing tip? Let the rolled dough rest for those final 10‑12 minutes before baking. That short pause lets the yeast finish its work, giving the rolls a lighter lift and a crisp crust that’s hard to resist. If you give this recipe a whirl, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—just drop me a line and share your sweet experience!
Prep Time
45 minutes
Cook Time
3 hours 30 minutes
Servings
0
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon powdered coffee creamer
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup room temperature butter
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • Chopped pecans

Directions

1

Warm the milk, stir in the yeast, and let it sit for 3–5 minutes until bubbly.

2

In a stand mixer bowl, combine all dough ingredients except the flour.

3

Gradually add the flour while mixing on medium speed until a smooth, soft, non-sticky dough forms.

4

Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size (at least 3 hours).

5

Melt the butter, then mix in the brown sugar and cinnamon until a thick paste forms for the filling.

6

On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle.

7

Spread the filling evenly over the dough.

8

Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into even pieces.

9

Arrange the pieces in a greased baking dish, ensuring space between them.

10

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

11

Let the arranged buns proof for 10 minutes.

12

Bake until the buns are golden brown on the top and bottom.

13

While the buns bake or cool, beat the cream cheese and butter with a hand mixer until smooth and soft.

14

Add the vanilla and powdered sugar, continuing to mix until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.

15

Spread the frosting over the warm buns.

16

Top with chopped pecans and a generous caramel drizzle.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
• 20‑QT Capacity: Bake large batches for families—or desserts that last—saving prep time. • 10‑In‑1 All‑in‑One: Cook toast, bake, air‑fry, roast, dehydrate—one appliance, no clutter. • Clear Window: Watch golden crusts finish perfectly without opening the door. • Rotisserie Feature: Evenly roast fruit or treats for a moist, caramelized result. • Dehydrating Racks: Turn fresh fruit into sweet, snack‑size treats faster. Why We Love It: Its big capacity and rotisserie make family‑sized desserts effortless, and the dehydrating racks turn fruit into tasty, homemade snacks in minutes.
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3
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store leftover Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls to keep them fresh?

For up to 3 days, store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need longer storage, they freeze beautifully; wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil for up to 2 months.

Can I make the dough for these Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough completely, including the first rise, and then place it in a lightly oiled, covered bowl in the refrigerator overnight. Allow the dough to warm up slightly (about 30 minutes) before rolling and filling for the best results.

What is the best way to reheat Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls before serving?

For the best gooey texture, reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15–25 seconds until warm throughout. Alternatively, you can bake them covered in foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore that fresh-from-the-oven feel.