Salted Caramel Rolls

Introduction

Salted Caramel Rolls are a dreamy fusion of sweet, buttery caramel and just the right touch of salt, creating an indulgent treat that’s impossible to resist. These pillowy soft rolls are swirled with a rich caramel filling and finished with a luxurious salted caramel glaze that melts into every bite. Whether you’re craving a decadent breakfast, a standout brunch dish, or a comforting dessert, these rolls deliver pure satisfaction.

I still remember the first time I made these for a lazy Sunday morning—the warm aroma of caramel and cinnamon filled the kitchen, and the first bite was pure bliss. There’s something magical about the balance of flavors: the deep, buttery caramel, the subtle crunch of sea salt, and the soft, airy texture of the rolls.

The best part? These rolls are surprisingly easy to make! With a simple dough, a homemade caramel filling, and a drizzle of that irresistible salted caramel glaze, you can recreate this bakery-quality treat right at home. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. No matter when or how you enjoy them, these Salted Caramel Rolls are guaranteed to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Weekend brunch
• Holiday breakfasts
• Special occasions
• Dessert lovers
• Caramel enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Rolls

Here’s why Salted Caramel Rolls will become your new favorite:

• Soft and Fluffy Dough: The dough is light and pillowy, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Rich Caramel Flavor: Homemade caramel filling and glaze ensure deep, buttery caramel notes in every roll.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty: A touch of sea salt enhances the caramel, balancing the sweetness for an irresistible flavor.
• Easy to Make Ahead: You can prepare these rolls the night before and bake them fresh in the morning.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether for a family gathering or a cozy weekend, these rolls are sure to impress.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including rising time)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Resting/Rising Time: 90 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg

Caramel Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Salted Caramel Glaze:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

• Yeast: Active dry yeast helps the rolls rise and achieve a fluffy texture.
• Butter: Essential for richness in both the dough and caramel layers.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deep caramel flavor and enhances the filling and glaze.
• Sea Salt: The key to balancing sweetness and enhancing the caramel taste.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a silky caramel glaze that coats the rolls beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, egg, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture.
3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Caramel Filling:

6. Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt until combined.

Assemble the Rolls:

7. Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
8. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the caramel filling over the dough.
9. Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
10. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake the Rolls:

11. Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
12. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Prepare the Salted Caramel Glaze:

13. Melt the Butter and Sugar: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar, stirring until combined.
14. Add the Cream: Slowly add the heavy cream and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes.
15. Finish the Glaze: Remove from heat, stir in sea salt and vanilla.

Finish the Rolls:

16. Glaze the Rolls: Pour the warm salted caramel glaze over the baked rolls.
17. Cool Slightly & Serve: Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Rolls

Salted Caramel Rolls are best enjoyed warm and can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Coffee or Tea: The perfect pairing for a cozy breakfast.
• As a Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Holiday Brunch: A wonderful addition to any special brunch menu.
• Topped with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze for added crunch.

Additional Tips for Salted Caramel Rolls

• Use High-Quality Butter – A rich, high-fat butter enhances the caramel flavor and gives the rolls a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Warm Milk for Dough – Using warm (not hot) milk activates the yeast properly, ensuring a fluffy, light texture.
• Let the Dough Rise Twice – A first rise allows the gluten to develop, while the second rise before baking ensures a soft and airy consistency.
• Brown Sugar for Depth – Opt for dark brown sugar in the caramel sauce for a deeper molasses-like flavor.
• Add a Touch of Vanilla – A teaspoon of vanilla extract in the caramel sauce enhances the overall richness.
• Use a Generous Amount of Filling – Don’t skimp on the cinnamon-sugar filling for an indulgent, gooey center.
• Slow Cook the Caramel – Simmer caramel sauce over low heat to prevent burning and ensure a silky-smooth texture.
• Chill Dough Overnight – Letting the dough rest in the fridge overnight enhances flavor and makes rolling easier.
• Sprinkle Flaky Salt at the End – Add Maldon or flaky sea salt just before serving for the best balance of sweet and salty.
• Reheat with Heavy Cream – When reheating, drizzle heavy cream over the rolls and warm them in the oven for extra moisture and freshness.

Recipe Variations for Salted Caramel Rolls

• Pecan Salted Caramel Rolls: Add chopped pecans to the caramel glaze for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Salted Caramel Rolls: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the filling for a chocolate-caramel twist.
• Apple Caramel Rolls: Add diced apples to the filling for a fall-inspired version.
• Cinnamon Roll Base: If you prefer a classic cinnamon roll, reduce the caramel filling and add more cinnamon.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the rolls gluten-free.
• Vegan Caramel Rolls: Substitute plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and coconut cream for a vegan-friendly version.

Freezing and Storage for Salted Caramel Rolls

• Freezing Unbaked Rolls: After assembling, freeze the rolls in the baking dish before the second rise. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking.
• Freezing Baked Rolls: Wrap baked rolls tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Salted Caramel Rolls

• Stand Mixer: Helps with kneading the dough effortlessly.
• Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling the dough evenly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for baking the rolls evenly.
• Pastry Brush: Useful for brushing butter onto the dough.
• Sharp Knife or Bench Scraper: Makes slicing the rolls clean and easy.
• Saucepan: Needed to prepare the caramel glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions for Salted Caramel Rolls

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
   Yes, you can use instant yeast and skip the activation step.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate overnight before baking.
3. How do I prevent the caramel from hardening?
   Make sure to use enough cream and stir constantly while making the caramel glaze.
4. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
   Yes, but homemade caramel provides a fresher and richer flavor.
5. How do I reheat the rolls?
   Warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds.

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Conclusion

Salted Caramel Rolls are a decadent, bakery-style treat that brings together rich, buttery caramel and a touch of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and savory. With their soft, fluffy texture and gooey caramel topping, these rolls are pure indulgence in every bite.

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or treating yourself to a luxurious morning delight, these irresistible rolls are sure to be a hit. Serve them fresh and warm for the ultimate comfort food experience.

I’d love to see your homemade Salted Caramel Rolls! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!