Messy Ooey Gooey Caramel Rolls

This hearty Crescent Caramel Rolls recipe transforms simple refrigerated dough into a decadent treat that's perfect for weekend mornings or special occasions. The gooey caramel sauce forms during baking, creating that irresistible sticky sweetness that defines a truly excellent caramel roll.

I first made these rolls when hosting an impromptu brunch after my daughter's soccer tournament. The team devoured them in minutes, and now they've become our traditional game day morning treat.

Ingredients

• Butter: divided into 8 tablespoons total. The first portion creates the caramel base while the remainder adds richness to the filling.
• Brown sugar: firmly packed for that deep molasses flavor. This creates the signature caramel sauce.
• Water: to help create the right consistency in the caramel.
• Chopped pecans: optional but highly recommended for texture and nutty flavor.
• Refrigerated crescent rolls: the shortcut that makes this recipe so approachable.
• Granulated sugar: provides sweetness and helps create the cinnamon filling.
• Cinnamon: the aromatic spice that gives these rolls their familiar warmth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Caramel Base:

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Melt 5 tablespoons of butter directly in your ungreased 9x13 baking pan. Once melted, stir in 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup water, and pecans if using. The mixture will seem thin but will thicken as it bakes.

Prepare the Dough:

Open your crescent roll tubes and separate into rectangles rather than triangles. Firmly pinch the perforations to seal them. This creates a solid base for your rolls.

Create the Filling:

Mix granulated sugar, cinnamon, and remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar in a small bowl. Spread each rectangle with remaining 3 tablespoons of softened butter, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture. The butter helps the filling stick.

Roll and Slice:

Starting with the shorter edge, tightly roll each rectangle into a log shape. Use a sharp knife to slice each log into 4 equal pieces. You'll have 32 pieces total when finished. The tighter you roll, the better your swirls will look.

Bake to Perfection:

Arrange all pieces cut side down in your prepared pan with the caramel mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and the caramel is bubbling. Watch carefully near the end to prevent burning.

The Flip:

The most crucial step. Place a large baking sheet or serving platter over your baking dish, then quickly but carefully flip the entire thing over to release the rolls. The gorgeous caramel will drip down over your rolls.

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The brown sugar is truly the star of this recipe. My grandmother taught me that tightly packing the brown sugar makes all the difference in creating that thick, rich caramel sauce. I still remember her hands showing me how to press it firmly into the measuring cup until it held its shape.

Making Ahead

These caramel rolls work beautifully as a make-ahead treat. Prepare everything up to the baking step, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the pan sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed. You might need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time since they'll be starting from cold.

Variations Worth Trying

While the classic version is perfect as is, I've experimented with several delicious variations over the years. Try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the filling for a bright, citrusy note. For a more complex flavor, add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the caramel base. During fall, I often add a quarter teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a seasonal twist that complements the caramel beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls shine as the centerpiece of a breakfast or brunch spread. Pair them with fresh fruit to balance the sweetness, and a protein like bacon or a simple egg casserole to make it a complete meal. For an extra special touch, serve with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you're enjoying them as dessert. Coffee with cream is the traditional beverage pairing that complements the caramel perfectly.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these caramel rolls without pecans?

Yes, you can easily omit the pecans if you prefer nut-free caramel rolls. The rolls will still be deliciously sweet and sticky.

→ How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to invert the rolls immediately after removing them from the oven. This helps prevent the caramel from hardening and sticking to the pan.

→ Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare the rolls up to the baking step, cover them, and store in the fridge. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

→ What’s the best way to reheat caramel rolls?

Wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

→ Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of canned?

Yes, homemade dough works just as well and adds a personal touch to the recipe. Adjust baking time as needed.

→ How do I store leftover caramel rolls?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.