Pecan Rolls

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Golden, gooey, and dripping with caramelized pecan goodness, these Pecan Rolls are the kind of indulgent breakfast or dessert treat that brings everyone to the table. With a soft, pillowy dough swirled around cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious glaze and toasted pecans, these rolls are irresistibly rich and buttery. One bite is all it takes to understand why these are a family favorite during holidays, brunch gatherings, or cozy weekends at home.

What makes pecan rolls so magical is the balance between sweet and nutty. The caramel glaze seeps into every swirl, while the crunch of pecans brings texture that contrasts beautifully with the fluffy roll. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or warmed up the next day, these rolls capture that nostalgic warmth of homemade baking at its best.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the dough and glaze, it’s important to gather the right tools. Having the right equipment ensures your rolls come out evenly baked, perfectly shaped, and decadently glazed:

• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: This helps knead the dough thoroughly and evenly, saving your hands and ensuring a soft, elastic dough.
• Rolling Pin: A must for rolling out the dough to just the right thickness for even layers of cinnamon filling.
• 9×13 Baking Dish or Cast Iron Skillet: Essential for holding the rolls together and allowing the glaze to bubble up around the edges.
• Mixing Bowls (various sizes): Needed for preparing dough, filling, and glaze separately.
• Offset Spatula or Butter Knife: Helps to spread butter and filling evenly.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing melted butter and ensuring a golden finish.
• Candy Thermometer (optional): Useful if you want to be precise when making the caramel glaze.

---

Ingredients for the Pecan Rolls

Each ingredient plays a unique role in making these rolls soft, flavorful, and unforgettable:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and base for the dough.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and activates the yeast.
• Brown Sugar: Used in the filling and glaze, it creates a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
• Instant Yeast: Helps the dough rise and become airy.
• Eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• Unsalted Butter: Used in the dough, filling, and glaze; brings out that rich, buttery flavor.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• Cinnamon: Key spice in the filling for that classic warm flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Poured over the rolls before baking for an ultra-gooey texture.
• Chopped and Whole Pecans: The star of the show; add crunch, depth, and a toasty nuttiness.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor in the glaze.

---

How To Make the Pecan Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough

Warm the milk slightly and mix it with sugar and yeast. Let it bloom for 5 minutes. Then add eggs, softened butter, and salt. Gradually mix in flour using a stand mixer with a dough hook until the dough pulls away from the sides. Knead until smooth. Cover and let rise until doubled.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly.

Step 3: Roll and Slice

Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into equal pieces, about 1.5 inches thick. Arrange them in a greased baking dish.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Pecan Glaze

In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract. Add chopped pecans. Simmer gently until glossy. Pour half of this glaze into the bottom of the baking dish before placing rolls in.

Step 5: Final Rise & Bake

Let the rolls rise again in the pan for 30–45 minutes. Pour warm heavy cream over the tops before baking. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

After baking, pour the remaining caramel pecan glaze over the hot rolls. Serve warm and gooey.

---

Serving and Storing These Pecan Rolls

Pecan Rolls are best served warm when the caramel glaze is still silky and the pecans are toasty. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a comforting breakfast or dessert. They’re the ultimate showstopper for brunch tables and a great make-ahead option for special occasions.

To store leftovers, place the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, these rolls freeze beautifully—just wrap individually and thaw overnight before reheating.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the pecan rolls soft and gooey?

Pouring warm heavy cream over the rolls before baking is a game-changer. It creates a luscious texture that keeps them soft and moist.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the rolls and arrange them in the pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temp in the morning before baking.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?

You can. Just be sure to proof it properly in warm milk with sugar and allow extra time for rising.

What’s the best way to chop the pecans?

A rough chop is best. You want texture, so avoid grinding them too finely. Toasting them beforehand boosts their flavor, too.

Can I add raisins or other nuts?

Definitely! Raisins, walnuts, or even chopped dried cranberries make tasty additions to the filling.

Do these need to be refrigerated?

Not immediately. They’re fine at room temp for a couple of days, but refrigerating extends their shelf life and keeps the glaze fresh.

---

Want More Sweet Roll Ideas?

If you can’t get enough of these sticky-sweet pecan rolls, here are a few more cozy, comforting bakes you might love from the site:

• Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe for a simple, cinnamon-kissed loaf.
• Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake if you’re craving something fruity and nostalgic.
• Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe for a creamy twist on a coffeehouse classic.
• Lemon Blueberry Loaf to brighten up your mornings with citrus and berry.
• Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge for an ultra-quick fix of sweet decadence.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you stick with pecans or mix in something new? Add a touch of bourbon to the glaze? I’d love to hear the variations you try.

Looking for more sweet breakfast ideas and cozy treats? Check out my daily recipe shares over on Pinterest at Life With Olivia.

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?