Southern Comfort Pecan Caramel Rolls
Indulge in these decadent Southern Comfort Pecan Caramel Rolls, a perfect blend of rich caramel sauce and Tennessee whiskey that elevates the classic sticky bun to new heights. Ideal for holiday brunches or a football game gathering, these rolls combine convenience with gourmet artistry using frozen bread dough. The balance of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg pairs perfectly with the crunchy pecan topping. As they bake, a divine aroma fills the kitchen, promising a delightful treat that's sure to impress family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brown sugar
1 1/4 cups (packed)
Butter
1/2 cup (unsalted)
Honey
1/4 cup (pure)
Tennessee whiskey
1/4 cup ( )
Pecans
1/2 cup (chopped)
Frozen bread dough
1 lb (thawed)
Butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
Brown sugar
1/3 cup (packed)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ( )
Ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ( )
Ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ( )
Ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ( )
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 13” x 9” baking pan.
2
In a small saucepan, combine 1 1/4 cups of packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup of pure honey. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, then bring it to a boil.
3
Stir in 1/4 cup of Tennessee whiskey and continue boiling for one minute, constantly stirring to achieve a smooth texture.
4
Remove from the heat and incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped pecans into the caramel mixture. Pour this luscious sauce into the prepared baking pan and set aside.
5
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed dough into a 12” x 16” rectangle. Brush the surface with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
6
In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
7
Starting with one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log, sealing the edges by pinching them together.
8
Cut the rolled dough into 8 equal slices and arrange them cut side down in the prepared baking pan over the caramel pecan mixture.
9
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in an unheated oven. Below, position a pan or bowl of warm water to create a humid environment, encouraging the dough to rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
10
Once the dough has risen, remove the plastic wrap and bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and the syrup is bubbling.
11
Allow the buns to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before inverting them onto a foil-covered baking sheet or serving platter.
12
Serve these delightful rolls warm, allowing the rich, spiked caramel and toasted pecans to shine.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Southern Comfort Pecan Caramel Rolls?
They are decadent sticky buns made with frozen bread dough, a rich caramel sauce spiked with Tennessee whiskey, and toasted pecans.
What size baking pan is required?
You should use a 13-inch by 9-inch baking pan, buttered to prevent sticking.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How do I make the caramel sauce?
Combine brown sugar, unsalted butter, and honey in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then add whiskey and pecans.
What type of whiskey should I use?
The recipe calls for Tennessee whiskey to provide a distinct Southern flavor profile.
When do I add the pecans?
Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped pecans into the caramel mixture after it has boiled with the whiskey.
How should the bread dough be prepared?
Use 1 lb of frozen bread dough that has been thawed and roll it into a 12-inch by 16-inch rectangle.
What do I put on the dough before the spices?
Brush the surface of the rolled-out dough with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
What spices are used in the filling?
The filling uses a blend of cinnamon, ground cloves, ground allspice, and ground nutmeg mixed with brown sugar.
How do I form the rolls?
Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the long side and pinch the edges to seal them.
How many rolls does this recipe make?
The log should be cut into 8 equal slices.
How do I arrange the rolls in the pan?
Place the slices cut side down in the pan on top of the caramel pecan mixture.
How do I help the dough rise effectively?
Place the covered pan in an unheated oven with a bowl of warm water underneath to create a humid environment.
How long should the dough rise before baking?
The dough should rise until it has doubled in size, which takes about 1 hour.
How long do the rolls need to bake?
Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
How do I know the rolls are finished?
The rolls will be golden brown and the caramel syrup will be bubbling.
How long should the rolls cool in the pan?
Let them cool for 5 minutes before inverting them to prevent the sauce from hardening too much.
What should I invert the rolls onto?
Invert the pan onto a foil-covered baking sheet or a large serving platter.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, these rolls are ideal for holiday brunches or special gatherings like football games.
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
While pecans are traditional for this Southern recipe, you could substitute with walnuts if preferred.
Does the alcohol cook out?
Boiling the whiskey for one minute helps evaporate much of the alcohol while leaving the flavor behind.
What is the purpose of the honey in the sauce?
Honey adds a layer of sweetness and helps create a smooth, glossy texture for the caramel.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter for the caramel sauce.
How should these rolls be served?
They are best served warm to enjoy the gooey texture of the caramel and the soft dough.
Can I make these without whiskey?
You can omit the whiskey if desired, though the flavor profile will change significantly.
What makes these rolls sticky?
The combination of brown sugar, butter, and honey creates a thick syrup that coats the rolls when inverted.
Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?
No, since you are using pre-made frozen bread dough, no heavy mixing is required.
Can I use light brown sugar?
The recipe calls for packed brown sugar; either light or dark will work, but dark offers a deeper molasses flavor.
Why is the water bowl used during the rise?
The warm water provides gentle heat and moisture, which prevents the dough from drying out while it rises.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or refrigerate and reheat before serving.