If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe. These rolls marry flaky, buttery crescent dough with a luscious, gooey caramel sauce loaded with cozy cinnamon and crunchy pecans, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. Perfectly golden and incredibly easy to whip up, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing treat that’s ideal for brunch, dessert, or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe is a breeze thanks to a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance between sweetness, spice, and texture, ensuring every bite is unforgettable.
- Butter: Using softened butter divided into portions allows for both the caramel sauce and the dough topping to be rich and golden.
- Brown sugar: This packed sugar brings a deep molasses flavor that’s essential for that signature caramel taste.
- Water: Just a splash helps melt the sugar into a smooth, glossy sauce.
- Chopped pecans (optional): These add a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the soft rolls.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls: The star of the show; these flaky triangles make rolling and baking a breeze.
- Granulated sugar: Combined with cinnamon for a classic, warm spice touch that complements the caramel perfectly.
- Cinnamon: This spice brings warmth and depth, elevating the sweet rolls to an irresistible level.
How to Make Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Caramel Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Place 5 tablespoons of butter in an ungreased 9×13-inch baking pan and let it melt in the oven itself. This step creates a warm, inviting base for your caramel that will bubble and coat the pan perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Caramel Sauce
Once the butter has melted, stir in ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar, ¼ cup water, and the chopped pecans if you’re using them. This mixture will start to bubble and thicken as the butter heats, building that luscious caramel foundation for your rolls.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Open your crescent roll cans and gently separate each can into 4 rectangles, making sure to pinch along the perforations so the dough stays sealed and won’t unravel during baking.
Step 4: Butter and Spice the Dough
Spread the remaining 3 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over each rectangle for richness and moisture. Next, mix ¼ cup brown sugar with ¼ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon, then sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture liberally over the buttered dough pieces. This coating is where the magic of sweet spice really shines.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Beginning on the shorter side, roll up each rectangle tightly to trap all those sweet layers inside. Once rolled, slice each into 4 even pieces—you’ll end up with 32 delicious rolls ready to bake.
Step 6: Arrange and Bake
Place the rolls in the prepared caramel-filled pan with the cut sides facing down. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the tops are a tempting golden brown. Keep an eye on them as that caramel bubble can quickly grab your attention!
Step 7: Flip and Enjoy
Right when they come out of the oven, invert the pan carefully over a baking sheet or platter. This step lets the caramel sauce drizzle over the rolls, creating a glossy, sticky coating that’s pure bliss. Serve warm for the ultimate indulgence.
How to Serve Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar over the rolls. A drizzle of cream cheese frosting can also add a tangy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the caramel.
Side Dishes
Crescent caramel rolls shine especially bright alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect companion for weekend brunch. Pair them with fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a rustic look that wows your guests. Layering them in a trifle dish with whipped cream and berries can give you a decadent twist that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigeration is best but be sure to warm them slightly before serving to revive their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, the unbaked rolls can be frozen before baking. Arrange the rolled slices on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm your rolls gently in a microwave or a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes, until heated through and soft again. Reheating releases that amazing caramel aroma and restores the rolls’ irresistible gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make a lovely alternative, offering their own hints of crunch and flavor. Just be sure to chop them finely for even distribution.
Is it possible to make this recipe without nuts?
Yes, the nuts are completely optional. Leaving them out will yield a wonderful caramel roll that’s perfect for those with allergies or a preference for nut-free desserts.
Can I make these rolls with homemade crescent dough?
While refrigerated crescent rolls offer convenience and a consistent texture, you can certainly make your own dough if you prefer. Just keep in mind that homemade dough may require adjusted baking times.
How sticky are these rolls? Will they be messy to eat?
Thanks to the caramel sauce, these rolls are delightfully sticky and gooey. Having napkins handy is a smart move because the caramel is irresistibly luscious but can get messy in the best way!
What is the best way to serve Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe for a crowd?
Serve them warm and fresh out of the pan on a large platter or family-style baking dish. This makes it easy for everyone to dig in and enjoy the caramel-coated goodness directly.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully comforting about the Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe that keeps me coming back to it over and over again. Whether you’re sharing with family or bringing them to a friend’s gathering, these rolls strike the perfect balance between sweet, sticky, and spiced. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to dessert or brunch centerpiece that everyone will rave about.
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
Delightfully gooey and sweet Crescent Caramel Rolls made with refrigerated crescent dough, a rich caramel pecan sauce, and a cinnamon-sugar filling. These easy-to-make rolls bake to golden perfection and are inverted with luscious caramel sauce for a perfect dessert or breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Caramel Sauce
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Rolls
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 3 tablespoons softened butter (remaining from total 8 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar (remaining from total 1 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the rolls.
- Make Caramel Base: Place an ungreased 9×13-inch baking pan in the oven and melt 5 tablespoons of butter in it. Once melted, carefully remove and stir in 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup water, and chopped pecans if using. Set aside the caramel mixture in the pan.
- Prepare Dough Rectangles: Separate each can of crescent dough into 4 rectangles by pinching perforations to seal, resulting in 8 rectangles total.
- Butter the Dough: Spread the remaining 3 tablespoons softened butter evenly over each rectangle’s surface.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and the remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered rectangles.
- Roll & Slice: Starting from the shorter side, roll up each rectangle tightly into a log. Cut each log into 4 equal slices, making 32 rolls total.
- Arrange Rolls: Place the sliced rolls cut side down over the caramel sauce mixture in the prepared pan.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Invert & Serve: Once baked, immediately invert the pan onto a baking sheet to release the rolls with the caramel sauce. Serve the rolls warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use an ungreased pan to allow the caramel to set properly and to help with inversion.
- For a nut-free version, omit the chopped pecans.
- Make sure to pinch the crescent dough perforations well to prevent filling seepage.
- Serve warm for gooey, soft rolls; these can be reheated gently if made ahead.
- Can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated before serving.
