Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and love that perfect combination of gooey caramel, warm cinnamon, and soft, buttery dough, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe. It takes simple refrigerated crescent rolls and transforms them into a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The magic happens when warm caramel, pecans, and cinnamon sugar meet in a pan, swirling together to create irresistibly sticky, caramel-coated rolls with a slight crunch and a melt-in-your-mouth center. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to favorites to bake, share, and savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for achieving the perfect balance in flavor and texture. Each plays a specific role in creating the signature caramel sauce, that tender dough, and the warmly spiced filling. You probably already have most of them in your pantry, which means whipping up this delightful treat is easier than you might think!
- Butter, 8 tablespoons divided, softened: Provides richness and helps create that luscious caramel sauce, plus buttery softness in the rolls.
- Brown sugar, 1 cup firmly packed: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness essential for the caramel’s rich flavor.
- Water, ¼ cup: Balances the sweetness and helps dissolve the sugar for the caramel base.
- Chopped pecans, ½ cup (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to elevate the rolls even more.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls, 2 cans (8 oz each): The star dough that’s buttery and flaky, making preparation a breeze.
- Sugar, ¼ cup: Used in the cinnamon-sugar filling for just the right touch of sweetness.
- Cinnamon, 2 teaspoons: Brings warm spice and aroma to the filling, complementing the caramel beautifully.
How to Make Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Layer
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s ready to go when you’re finished assembling. Place five tablespoons of butter in an ungreased 9×13-inch baking pan and let it melt in the oven. Once melted, stir in three-quarters of a cup brown sugar, the water, and the chopped pecans if you’re using them. This caramel layer will bubble and thicken while baking, soaking into the rolls and creating that gooey texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Open your cans of crescent rolls and separate each into four rectangles, pinching the perforations to seal so the dough doesn’t unravel when rolled. Now, spread the remaining three tablespoons of softened butter evenly over each rectangle, coating the dough with this buttery foundation that will hold the cinnamon-sugar filling perfectly.
Step 3: Add Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and the remaining quarter cup of brown sugar. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered dough rectangles, ensuring every bite has that irresistible sweet and spicy flavor.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Starting at the shorter edge of each rectangle, roll the dough up tightly to form a log. Then cut each log into four even slices. With two cans of dough, you’ll end up with 32 individual rolls, which makes this great for feeding a crowd or saving some for later.
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
Place each roll cut side down on top of the caramel mixture in your baking pan, ensuring they’re snug but not squished together. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown, letting the caramel sauce bubble and soak into the rolls.
Step 6: Invert and Serve
Right out of the oven, carefully invert the pan onto a baking sheet or serving platter. This will release the rolls from the pan and pour the delicious caramel sauce over the top. Serve these warm to fully enjoy the melty, sticky, incredible flavors.
How to Serve Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle some fresh chopped pecans or walnuts over the top post-baking for added crunch and visual appeal. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze also pairs beautifully and adds a lovely final sweetness to these already decadent rolls.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine on their own but pairing them with freshly brewed coffee or chai tea creates a comforting combination perfect for breakfast or brunch. Fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait also balance the sweetness with refreshing brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a holiday brunch or party, try placing the rolls on an elegant tiered tray or arranging them in a circular pattern on a platter for instant wow factor. Wrap individual rolls in parchment paper tied with twine to create fun, portable treats for guests to grab and take home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe treats (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the rolls soft and the caramel sticky without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze baked rolls by cooling them completely, then storing in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently before serving to regain that fresh-baked softness.
Reheating
Reheat rolls in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to bring back their ooey-gooey caramel goodness. You can also microwave individual rolls for about 20-30 seconds, but be careful not to overheat and dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts work wonderfully in this recipe, giving you flexibility to use what you have on hand or prefer.
Are refrigerated crescent rolls the best dough choice?
Yes, using refrigerated crescent rolls saves time and ensures a flaky, buttery texture. However, if you prefer, homemade dough can be used, though it will require more preparation.
Is there a vegan or dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can try substituting butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use dairy-free crescent rolls if available, but keep in mind caramel sauce can be trickier to veganize without some adjustments.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time before baking?
Yes! Assemble the rolls, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Then bake directly from the fridge the next morning, adding a few extra minutes to bake time.
What is the secret to getting the caramel sauce just right?
Melting the butter and sugar together with a bit of water, then baking with the rolls ensures the caramel thickens and soaks into the rolls perfectly. Using brown sugar adds a richer flavor too.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these sticky, sweet, soft bites of comfort. They’re a fantastic treat to whip up anytime you want to impress without fuss. So grab those crescent rolls, get cozy, and enjoy every caramel-dripping, cinnamon-spiced moment!
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Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 32 servings 1x
Description
These Crescent Caramel Rolls are a delightful and easy-to-make treat featuring buttery crescent dough rolled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a rich caramel pecan sauce. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls bake to a golden brown and are served warm with a luscious caramel glaze.
Ingredients
Caramel Sauce
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Dough and Filling
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls (total 16 rectangles)
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the caramel rolls.
- Melt Butter for Caramel Sauce: Place 5 tablespoons of butter in an ungreased 9×13-inch baking pan and melt it in the oven. Once melted, remove the pan carefully.
- Make Caramel Sauce: Stir in 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup water, and chopped pecans if using. Set this caramel mixture aside in the pan.
- Prepare Dough: Separate each can of crescent dough into 4 rectangles and pinch the perforations to seal, making 16 rectangles total.
- Butter the Dough: Spread the remaining 3 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over each rectangle of dough.
- Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: Combine 1/4 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and the remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle this sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over the buttered dough rectangles.
- Roll and Slice: Starting at the shorter end of each rectangle, roll up the dough tightly. Cut each roll into 4 slices, resulting in 32 pieces in total.
- Arrange Rolls in Pan: Place the sliced rolls cut side down over the caramel sauce in the prepared baking pan, spacing them evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls turn golden brown and the caramel is bubbling.
- Invert and Serve: Immediately after baking, invert the pan onto a baking sheet to release the rolls and caramel sauce. Serve the caramel rolls warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- You can omit pecans if you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free version.
- Serve these rolls warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
- Ensure the butter is softened for easier spreading on the dough.
- Rolling the dough tightly helps maintain the swirl shape and prevents filling from spilling out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
