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Caramel Pecan Rolls for Christmas Recipe

Avatar photoByMia
Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 85 reviews

If you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday treat, you’re in the right place! I absolutely adore my Caramel Pecan Rolls for Christmas Recipe—they’re buttery, gooey, and packed with just the right amount of sweet cinnamon and toasted pecans. When I first tried making these, I was blown away by how the caramel topping soaks perfectly into the rolls, giving them an irresistible sticky-sweet finish. Trust me, your family and guests will go crazy for these, and I’m here to walk you through every delicious step.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Holiday Treat: These rolls combine caramel, cinnamon, and pecans for a festive twist on a classic favorite.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep and freeze the rolls before baking, which is a lifesaver for busy mornings.
  • Impress Without Stress: The dough is forgiving and the steps straightforward, even if you’re new to baking rolls.
  • Big Batch Joy: Makes 24 rolls, perfect for sharing with a crowd or gifting during the holidays.
A round cinnamon roll cake with seven swirled rolls arranged closely in a circle on a white plate with blue floral designs, each roll is golden brown and topped with dark brown pecan halves, some pecans are placed in the center while others decorate the edges of the rolls. The rolls have a shiny glaze giving them a glossy look. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a dark blue cloth napkin partially visible at the bottom right. At the top right, there is a white cup filled with black coffee on a matching white saucer. A small green pine branch is placed on the left side of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Caramel Pecan Rolls Christmas, holiday caramel pecan rolls, festive cinnamon pecan rolls, buttery caramel sticky buns, Christmas dessert recipes this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Caramel Pecan Rolls for Christmas Recipe uses pantry staples that come together beautifully. Each ingredient plays a role in making the dough pillowy, the filling flavorful, and the topping sticky-sweet and crunchy.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of warm water, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of honey, a small white ceramic bowl of melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of active dry yeast, a small white ceramic bowl of vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl of sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl of ground nutmeg, a small white ceramic bowl of cornstarch, a mound of unbleached all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of softened unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of softened salted butter, a handful of fresh pecan halves and a small pile of chopped pecans, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Caramel Pecan Rolls Christmas, holiday caramel pecan rolls, festive cinnamon pecan rolls, buttery caramel sticky buns, Christmas dessert recipes
  • Warm Water: Activates the yeast—make sure it’s warm to the touch but not hot!
  • Active Dry Yeast: The magic behind the rise—always check that it’s fresh for best results.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
  • Eggs: Lightly beaten, they enrich the dough and add moisture.
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness that complements the brown sugar and cinnamon.
  • Melted Butter: Provides richness and tenderness in the dough.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for the dough—important to add gradually for the perfect texture.
  • Unsalted Butter (for topping): Softened to cream with sugar — key for that luscious caramel base.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm depth to the caramel topping.
  • Sea Salt: Just a pinch in the topping to balance sweetness.
  • Brown Sugar (topping & filling): For that molasses-y flavor that’s essential to caramel rolls.
  • Pecan Halves: Chopped for crunch and nutty flavor—toast them lightly beforehand if you want extra aroma.
  • Salted Butter (for filling): Adds a luscious layer inside the roll that melts beautifully when baked.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cinnamon filling nicely.
  • Ground Cinnamon: The star spice in the filling.
  • Nutmeg: Just a touch to add warmth and complexity.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling, so it’s not runny after baking.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Caramel Pecan Rolls for Christmas Recipe is—there are a few fun ways I’ve played around with it depending on who I’m making it for and what’s in season.

  • Nut-Free Version: I’ve swapped pecans with pumpkin seeds or omitted nuts entirely for a safe treat at nut-sensitive gatherings.
  • Spice it Up: Sometimes, I add a pinch of cardamom or ground cloves to the cinnamon filling, which gives it a cozy holiday vibe.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: For friends who need gluten-free, I’ve experimented using a blend of gluten-free flours—just be mindful the dough may be a bit less stretchy.
  • Mini Rolls: Rolling smaller portions is perfect for bite-sized snacks or gifts, and they bake a little faster too.

How to Make Caramel Pecan Rolls for Christmas Recipe

Step 1: Mixing the Dough

Start by combining yeast, salt, eggs, honey, melted butter, and warm water in a large bowl. I like to whisk everything together so it’s fully combined before adding the flour. When you add the flour, do it one cup at a time and stir with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, it definitely makes the process easier and less messy.

Step 2: Letting the Dough Rise

Cover your dough with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid — I learned that a damp towel can sometimes dry out the surface, so I avoid it. Place it in a warm spot (like an unheated oven) and let it rise for about 2 hours until it doubles in size. Then, pop it into the fridge to chill. This overnight-style chill really helps develop flavor and makes rolling easier.

Step 3: Preparing the Caramel Pecan Topping

Mix softened butter, sea salt, and brown sugar with a hand mixer until it’s creamy and well combined. Spread this mixture evenly in three 9-inch cake pans, then sprinkle chopped pecans on top. I always toast my pecans lightly before to bring out their flavor—trust me, it’s worth the extra step!

Step 4: Making the Cinnamon Filling

In a bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. This simple mix creates the perfect balance of spice and sweetness that stays nicely gooey inside the rolls.

Step 5: Rolling and Cutting the Dough

After chilling, lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough into two large rectangles, about 1/8-inch thick. Spread softened salted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling on top. Roll each rectangle into a log, starting on the long edge. Use a serrated knife to cut each log into 12 equal rolls, giving you 24 rolls total—perfect for sharing!

Step 6: Second Rise

Place rolls on top of the caramel pecan topping in the pans. Cover the pans with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm spot for about 40 minutes. This second rise puffs them up beautifully before baking.

Step 7: Baking and Serving

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 30 to 40 minutes until the dough is set in the middle and the tops turn a lovely golden brown. After baking, run a knife around the edges and carefully invert the pans onto serving plates—watch the caramel pecan topping ooze into a delightful glaze over the rolls. Serve warm and enjoy the smiles all around!

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Pro Tips for Making Caramel Pecan Rolls for Christmas Recipe

  • Check Your Yeast Freshness: If your yeast is old, the dough won’t rise properly—always proof it in warm water first if unsure.
  • Don’t Skip the Chill: Refrigerating the dough before rolling makes it easier to handle and gives better flavor development.
  • Use Serrated Knife for Cuts: It prevents squishing your rolls and helps keep them neat and evenly sized.
  • Watch Your Oven Temperature: Too hot and the tops brown too quickly while the center stays doughy—an oven thermometer can be your best friend.

How to Serve Caramel Pecan Rolls for Christmas Recipe

Caramel Pecan Rolls for Christmas Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and let the rolls shine, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra vanilla glaze adds a pretty touch. Sometimes I sprinkle a few chopped pecans on top after baking for a little extra crunch and festive flair.

Side Dishes

These rolls are rich and indulgent, so I love pairing them with fresh fruit or a crisp salad to balance the sweetness. Warm coffee, hot cocoa, or a spicy chai latte are also my go-tos to complement the flavors and keep the holiday vibe cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

For Christmas brunch, I arrange the caramel pecan rolls on a decorative platter surrounded by holly or fresh rosemary sprigs to make a festive centerpiece. I’ve also baked them in individual mini pans and wrapped them as gifts in cellophane tied with a ribbon—always a crowd-pleaser at holiday parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover caramel pecan rolls keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I usually warm them slightly before serving to bring back that fresh-baked softness.

Freezing

I often make a big batch and freeze lunches or breakfast for later. After slicing the rolls, I arrange them on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a vacuum-sealed bag to avoid freezer burn. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the fridge in the baking pan covered with foil, then let them rise and bake as usual. This trick makes holiday mornings so much easier!

Reheating

Reheat leftover rolls in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 8-10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep them moist. It’s the best way to enjoy them fresh and gooey even days later.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the caramel pecan rolls ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and rolls in advance, freeze the unbaked rolls, and bake them fresh when you’re ready. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight and allow them to rise before baking.

  2. What’s the best way to store leftover rolls?

    Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave wrapped in a damp towel to keep them soft and fresh.

  3. Can I substitute nuts in this recipe?

    Yes! If pecans aren’t your favorite or if you need a nut-free option, try pumpkin seeds or omit the nuts altogether. The rolls will still be delicious with the caramel and cinnamon filling.

  4. How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

    The dough should roughly double in size and look puffy. If you poke it gently, the indentation should stay rather than spring back immediately—this means it’s ready for the next step.

  5. Why use cornstarch in the filling?

    Cornstarch helps thicken the cinnamon sugar filling so it doesn’t become too runny when baked, keeping your rolls neat and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Pecan Rolls for Christmas Recipe has become a holiday staple in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share it with you. The way the caramel melts into the rolls, combined with the warm cinnamon and crunchy pecans, is pure magic. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy Christmas morning, these rolls deliver all the festive cheer and deliciousness you could wish for. Give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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Caramel Pecan Rolls for Christmas Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 85 reviews
  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 rolls
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Caramel Pecan Rolls are a perfect festive treat for Christmas, featuring a soft, sweet dough enriched with honey and butter, rolled with a spiced cinnamon filling, topped with a rich caramel pecan glaze. These rolls are baked to golden perfection and served warm, making them a crowd-pleasing holiday favorite.

Ingredients

For the Pecan Roll Dough:

  • 1 1/2 cups Warm Water
  • 2 packets Active Dry Yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
  • 8 Eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup Honey
  • 1 1/2 cups melted Butter
  • 7 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour

For the Caramel Pecan Topping:

  • 24 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Sea Salt
  • 2 1/2 cups Brown Sugar
  • 90 pecan halves, chopped

For the Cinnamon Filling:

  • 12 tablespoons Salted Butter, softened
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 1/4 tablespoons Cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pecan Roll Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yeast, kosher salt, lightly beaten eggs, honey, melted butter, and warm water until well combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook to mix the dough thoroughly. Cover the dough and place it in a warm environment, such as an unheated oven, to rise for approximately 2 hours or until doubled in size. Once risen, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent drying and chill the dough in the refrigerator.
  2. Prepare the Caramel Pecan Topping: Combine the softened unsalted butter, sea salt, and brown sugar in a small mixing bowl. Beat with a hand mixer until the mixture is well creamed. Evenly divide the caramel mixture among three 9-inch cake pans and spread it across the bottoms. Sprinkle the chopped pecan halves evenly on top of the caramel mixture in each pan. Set aside.
  3. Mix the Cinnamon Filling: In a bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside for spreading.
  4. Roll and Shape the Dough: After chilling, lightly flour a work surface and roll out the dough into two large rectangles about 1/8 inch thick. Spread softened salted butter over the surface of each rectangle using a spatula, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling mixture on top. Starting from the long edge, roll each rectangle tightly into logs. Using a serrated knife, cut each log into 12 even pieces, yielding 24 rolls total.
  5. Assemble and Proof the Rolls: Place the individual rolls into the prepared cake pans on top of the caramel pecan topping. Cover each pan with a damp towel or plastic wrap and allow the rolls to rise in a warm, draft-free place for 40 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled.
  6. Bake the Pecan Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 30 to 40 minutes until the dough is fully cooked in the center and the tops are lightly golden brown. Remove the pans from the oven, run a butter knife around the edges to loosen the rolls, then invert the pans onto serving dishes so the caramel pecan topping is on top. Serve warm.

Notes

  • This recipe makes 24 rolls, ideal for large groups or holiday gatherings. Leftovers can be frozen for later enjoyment.
  • Freezing Unbaked Rolls: After rolling and slicing the dough, place the rolls in a freezer-safe container or vacuum seal bag once frozen solid to avoid freezer burn. You may freeze up to 3 months.
  • Baking from Frozen: Prepare and add the caramel pecan topping to the baking pan as usual. Thaw frozen rolls overnight in the refrigerator in the pan covered with foil. Then allow the rolls to rise again in a warm place until doubled before baking following the original baking instructions.
  • Ensure to cover the dough and rises properly to prevent drying out.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
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Hey there, I’m Mia Miller, the foodie behind MealsByMia.com! I’m on a mission to make cooking COOOL and GOOOOD for everyone, sharing easy, fun, and totally scrumptious recipes, so grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

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