Easy Caramel Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Caramel Cinnamon Rolls are gooey, buttery, and irresistibly sweet, featuring soft cinnamon-spiced dough and a rich caramel glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert, these rolls come together quickly with minimal prep—no yeast or long rise times required.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

refrigerated crescent roll dough or biscuit dough
unsalted butter
brown sugar
granulated sugar
ground cinnamon
heavy cream
vanilla extract
salt

Topping:
chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish or cake pan.

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon for the filling.

Unroll the dough and press the seams together to form one sheet. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough.

Roll up the dough tightly from the long side and slice into 8–10 rolls.

In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat until bubbly. Stir in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to create the caramel sauce.

Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of the prepared pan and sprinkle with nuts if using.

Place the cinnamon rolls cut-side down into the caramel layer.

Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Let cool for 5 minutes, then invert the pan onto a plate to release the caramel topping over the rolls.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8–10 rolls.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 22–25 minutes
Cooling and inverting time: 5 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

Add a sprinkle of chopped apples or raisins to the filling.
Use crescent dough sheets for easier rolling.
Swap pecans with almonds or skip the nuts altogether.
Add a drizzle of cream cheese glaze on top for extra indulgence.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes.
Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough?
Yes, but using refrigerated dough makes this recipe quick and easy.

Do I need to invert the rolls?
Inverting creates a gooey caramel topping—highly recommended!

Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Use whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce may be slightly thinner.

Are they very sweet?
Yes, they’re a dessert-style roll with caramel and cinnamon sugar.

Can I make these nut-free?
Absolutely—just skip the pecans or walnuts.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time slightly.

Do they need icing?
Not necessary, but a cream cheese drizzle is a tasty addition.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is preferred for flavor, but margarine can work in a pinch.

What’s the best way to cut the rolls?
Use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean, even slices.

Conclusion

Easy Caramel Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect combination of sticky, soft, and sweet—made simple with shortcut dough and a rich homemade caramel layer. Whether you’re treating guests or just craving a warm, cozy bite, these rolls are sure to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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