Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe
If you’re searching for a sweet, buttery breakfast treat or a show-stopping dessert that always draws a crowd, Crescent Caramel Rolls truly deliver. Imagine pillowy crescent rolls baked atop a luscious layer of homemade caramel and nuts, then flipped out of the pan so that all that sticky, gooey magic melts over every golden bite. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or a quick after-dinner delight, these rolls blend convenience with irresistible flavor every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every batch of Crescent Caramel Rolls comes together with just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients. These staples are simple, but each one is important in crafting the recipe’s rich caramel glaze, fluffy roll texture, and optional nutty crunch.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Your shortcut to soft, flaky rolls without any kneading or proofing—just pop, unroll, and bake.
- Brown sugar: The secret behind that deep, molasses-sweet gooey caramel layer that bubbles up as it bakes.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the caramel achieve its silky smooth texture.
- Light corn syrup: Prevents the caramel from crystallizing and keeps it perfectly pourable and glossy.
- Ground cinnamon: A warm, aromatic lift that makes each bite cozy and inviting.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For those who crave a little crunch and nutty flavor, this is your finishing touch!
How to Make Crescent Caramel Rolls
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9-inch round baking dish. This keeps the rolls from sticking and ensures every drop of caramel ends up on your plate, not in the pan.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Base
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and ground cinnamon. Stir frequently as the mixture warms and the butter melts. Once the sugar has fully dissolved and everything looks smooth and glossy, pour this golden caramel into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the caramel with chopped pecans or walnuts if you’re going nutty for this batch!
Step 3: Shape the Crescents
Pop open your can of refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. For an extra touch of flavor, you can dust a pinch of cinnamon sugar on each triangle before rolling them up. Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle tightly toward the tip to create classic crescent shapes.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Nestle the rolled crescents right on top of the caramel in the baking dish. Pop the whole thing into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until the rolls are puffed and golden brown, and you can see the caramel bubbling just around the edges.
Step 5: Flip and Serve
Here’s the magical moment: As soon as the rolls are out of the oven, quickly and carefully invert the baking dish onto your serving plate. That warm caramel drizzle will cascade down, soaking every roll with delicious sticky-sweetness. Serve them up while they’re still toasty!
How to Serve Crescent Caramel Rolls
Garnishes
Go the extra mile and shower your Crescent Caramel Rolls with a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns them into dessert perfection, and don’t be shy about adding a little cinnamon on top for a professional flourish.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with crisp bacon, savory breakfast sausage, or a fresh fruit salad if you’re serving them as part of a brunch spread. For a decadent dessert, serve alongside strong coffee or hot chocolate to balance out all that gooey caramel goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the Crescent Caramel Rolls in a circle on a cake stand for a stunning centerpiece, or pop them into individual ramekins for a personalized treat. You can even drizzle the finished rolls with chocolate sauce, or add a hint of sea salt on top for an irresistible sweet-salty twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If by some miracle you have any rolls left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The caramel will keep the rolls moist, but make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze fully baked Crescent Caramel Rolls by cooling them completely, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, and then placing in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to one month; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To restore the signature gooeyness, warm the rolls in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5–7 minutes until heated through. A quick zap in the microwave works for single servings—just be careful not to overdo it, so the caramel stays silky.
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! If you love baking from scratch, a homemade crescent roll dough will taste incredible; just roll and shape it the same way you would with the canned variety.
What’s the best way to flip the rolls out of the pan?
Place your serving plate over the baking dish, use oven mitts, and invert swiftly but steadily. Let the dish sit upside-down a minute, so every drop of caramel falls onto the rolls!
Can I add other mix-ins or flavors?
Definitely! Dried fruits, chocolate chips, or even a pinch of orange zest mixed into the caramel can take your Crescent Caramel Rolls in a whole new direction.
How do I keep the caramel from sticking to the pan?
Greasing the baking dish well and inverting the rolls while they’re still hot are key. The caramel will slide right off and coat the rolls beautifully.
Can Crescent Caramel Rolls be made ahead for a gathering?
Yes! You can prep the caramel and roll the crescents ahead of time, then refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply bake, flip, and serve warm for fresh-from-the-oven goodness.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a breakfast enthusiast or dessert lover, give Crescent Caramel Rolls a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear! They’re fun to make, even more fun to serve, and sure to become a favorite for any occasion.
Print
Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of Crescent Caramel Rolls – a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. These rolls feature a gooey caramel topping over soft crescent dough, creating a sweet and nutty flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Caramel Topping:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch round baking dish.
- Make Caramel: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and cinnamon. Cook until melted.
- Assemble: Pour caramel into dish, sprinkle with nuts. Roll crescent dough into triangles and place on caramel.
- Bake: Bake for 20–22 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Invert onto plate for caramel to drip. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon sugar inside the crescents before rolling.
- Best served fresh; reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore gooeyness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
