I’m beyond excited to share this incredibly delicious and crowd-pleasing Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe with you! Imagine tender, buttery crescent roll dough rolled with cinnamon sugar, baked atop a luscious caramel and pecan glaze that bubbles and caramelizes to perfection. Each bite melts in your mouth with the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, making these rolls an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re making it for family gatherings or a sweet weekend indulgence, this recipe comes together effortlessly and impresses every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make for extraordinary flavors in this Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe! Each component plays a crucial role—from the soft crescent dough that ensures fluffy rolls, to the brown sugar and butter mixture that creates that irresistible caramel layer.
- 8 tablespoons butter, divided, softened: Butter brings richness and moisture to both the caramel base and the dough rolls.
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness and a beautiful mahogany color when melted.
- ¼ cup water: Helps to dissolve sugar and create the perfect sticky caramel sauce.
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional): Adds pleasant crunch and nutty contrast that brightens the whole dish.
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls: Quick shortcut dough that bakes up flaky, buttery, and perfectly tender.
- ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the cinnamon topping for a classic spice kick.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Cinnamon’s warm aroma and flavor make every bite feel cozy and special.
How to Make Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Caramel Base
Start by heating your oven to 375°F. Place 5 tablespoons of butter in an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan and allow it to melt in the oven while it preheats. Once melted, carefully stir in ¾ cup of the brown sugar, water, and optional pecans. This caramel mixture will bubble and spread its sweet magic underneath the rolls, so get ready for that gorgeous golden glaze.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough Rectangles
Separate the crescent roll cans into eight rectangles total by pinching the perforations to seal them well. This is key to making sure your rolls don’t unravel during baking. These rectangles become the perfect canvas for the buttery cinnamon sugar filling.
Step 3: Butter and Sugar the Dough
Spread the remaining 3 tablespoons of softened butter evenly across each rectangle. Then, combine ¼ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and the last ¼ cup brown sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle this heavenly mixture over the buttered dough, coating it evenly for that classic sweet and spicy flavor.
Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Arrange
Starting from the shorter side of each rectangle, roll up the dough tightly to form neat logs. Slice each log into 4 equal pieces, which will give you 32 delicious rolls. Place them cut side down in the caramel-coated baking pan, arranging them snugly side-by-side so they’ll puff up beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Brown Perfection
Bake your caramel rolls for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a warm golden brown color and the caramel sauce around them is bubbling enticingly. At this point, your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery, and you’ll be so excited to dive in!
Step 6: Invert and Serve Warm
Once baked, immediately invert the pan onto a baking sheet to release the rolls along with that luscious caramel sauce. Serve them warm for the ultimate gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Trust me, these are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
How to Serve Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While these rolls are spectacular on their own, try garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch or a small drizzle of cream cheese glaze to add tangy richness. You can also sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans on top for crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Crescent caramel rolls pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or a fresh fruit salad that balances out the sweetness. For brunch, consider serving them alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon to offer a savory counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate presentation, use individual mini ramekins to bake smaller batches as single servings. You can also layer these caramel rolls in a trifle glass with whipped cream and berries for an irresistible dessert parfait that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe leftovers (and you might!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The rolls stay soft and the caramel remains gooey, just like fresh.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat rolls gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until warm and soft again. This brings back that fresh-baked charm and keeps the caramel flowing deliciously.
FAQs
Can I make this Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe without nuts?
Absolutely! The pecans are optional and can be omitted if you have nut allergies or simply prefer a smoother caramel texture. The rolls will still taste wonderfully rich and sweet.
Can I use homemade crescent dough?
You certainly can. Homemade crescent dough might take more time but will add a lovely personal touch. Make sure to roll the dough into rectangles of similar size for even baking.
What’s the best way to prevent the rolls from sticking when inverting?
Make sure your baking pan is clean and use a nonstick spray or butter before adding the caramel mixture. Inverting while the rolls are warm helps the caramel release more easily too.
How long do these rolls stay fresh the next day?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and soft for about two days, making them perfect for a next-day treat.
Can I add other spices to the sugar mixture?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of cloves to the cinnamon sugar blend to customize your rolls with warming spices.
Final Thoughts
This Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe is one of those magical dishes that combines simplicity and indulgence effortlessly. It’s a guaranteed way to fill your home with sweet aromas and bring smiles to everyone at the table. I encourage you to give it a try—once you bake these rolls, they’ll likely become one of your new favorite go-to treats!
Print
Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 32 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crescent Caramel Rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, combining gooey caramel, buttery crescent dough, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an irresistible treat. Crispy pecans add a lovely crunch, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Caramel Sauce
- 5 tablespoons butter
- ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Rolls
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the rolls.
- Melt Butter and Prepare Caramel: Place 5 tablespoons of butter in an ungreased 9×13-inch baking pan and put it in the oven to melt. Once melted, remove the pan carefully and stir in ¾ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup water, and chopped pecans if using. Set the caramel mixture aside.
- Prepare Dough Rectangles: Separate each can of crescent rolls into 4 rectangles by pinching the perforations closed to seal each piece.
- Butter the Dough: Spread the remaining 3 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over each rectangle.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and the remaining ¼ cup brown sugar, then evenly sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough rectangles.
- Roll and Slice: Starting at the shorter side of each rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut each roll into 4 slices, yielding 32 pieces total.
- Arrange Rolls in Pan: Place the rolls cut side down in the prepared baking pan over the caramel mixture.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Invert and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately invert it onto a baking sheet to release the rolls and the caramel sauce. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using refrigerated crescent dough saves time but you can also make your own dough if desired.
- Adding pecans adds texture, but you can omit them if you prefer a nut-free version.
- Make sure to invert the pan immediately after baking to prevent the caramel from sticking.
- Serve these rolls warm for the best gooey texture and rich flavor.
- Leftovers can be warmed in a microwave or oven for a few seconds before serving.
