Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about the sweet aroma of freshly baked caramel rolls wafting through the kitchen. These Old Fashioned Caramel Rolls bring back memories of family gatherings and cherished moments around the breakfast table. With soft, fluffy dough enveloped in a rich, gooey caramel sauce, each bite is a delightful burst of flavor that will transport you straight to dessert heaven. Perfect for special occasions or just a cozy Sunday morning, these rolls are here to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, divided
- 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, gently heat the milk, sugar, and 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat until warm. Once warmed, remove from heat and stir in the yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy and fragrant.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture along with the eggs, and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the remaining 1/4 cup of softened butter over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly on top, followed by the chopped nuts if you’re using them.
- Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly lengthwise to form a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
- In a greased baking dish, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter and mix it with an additional 1/2 cup of brown sugar to create a luscious caramel sauce.
- Arrange the cut rolls in the warm caramel mixture, ensuring they are evenly spaced, and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and your kitchen is filled with delicious scents.
- Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before inverting them onto a serving platter to reveal their caramel-coated goodness.
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding vanilla extract to the dough or drizzling some icing over the rolls after they’ve cooled. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days—if they last that long!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe involves basic baking techniques such as proofing yeast, kneading dough, and making caramel sauce. Be sure to check that your yeast is fresh by activating it with warm milk before adding it to the dry ingredients. This will ensure your rolls rise beautifully!
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight, allowing it to rise slowly. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
What can I use instead of nuts?
If you prefer not to use nuts, you can leave them out or substitute them with mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Conclusion
There you have it—delicious Old Fashioned Caramel Rolls that are sure to become a favorite in your home. With their gooey caramel and soft, sweet dough, they’re perfect for brunches, family get-togethers, or a treat just for yourself. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this delightful baking adventure! Your taste buds will thank you!