Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked caramel rolls wafting through the kitchen. These Old Fashioned Caramel Rolls are not just a delightful treat; they’re a nostalgic journey back to simpler times. Soft, pillowy dough swirled with a sweet filling and topped with a luscious caramel sauce — they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. So roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the world of homemade goodness that will surely impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm milk (110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 packages active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the caramel sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Stir in the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add 3 cups of flour and the salt to the yeast mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Continue adding flour, one cup at a time, until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup, cooking until the mixture is bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the warm caramel sauce into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If you like, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the sauce.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Spread your desired filling (such as brown sugar, cinnamon, and extra butter) over the rolled-out dough.
- Roll it up tightly from one long side to the other, creating a cylinder.
- Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices and place them in the prepared baking dish, cut side up.
- Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again until doubled, approximately 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
- Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before inverting onto a serving platter to reveal the sticky caramel topping.
Notes or Tips
For an extra special touch, feel free to add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling or drizzle a little icing over the top once the rolls have cooled slightly. These rolls can be served warm or at room temperature — they’re just as delicious either way!
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough is key to achieving that soft and chewy texture. Make sure not to rush this step! Also, be mindful of the rising times — a warm kitchen helps the dough to rise beautifully. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough in a lightly warmed oven (turned off) to help it along.
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight before shaping the rolls in the morning.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
If you have instant yeast, you can use that — just mix it directly with the flour without the proofing step.
Conclusion
These Old Fashioned Caramel Rolls are a wonderful way to bring warmth and joy into your home. Golden brown and dripping with rich caramel, they are sure to become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire. Gather your loved ones around the table, and enjoy every gooey, delicious bite — nothing beats homemade!