If you love waking up to the smell of warm caramel and buttery pastry, this Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite morning indulgence. Imagine golden, flaky crescent dough swirled with cinnamon sugar, drenched in a luscious homemade caramel sauce, and finished with a sticky, melt-in-your-mouth glaze. Whether you’re making these for a cozy Sunday breakfast, a brunch treat, or a sweet surprise for guests, this recipe delivers bakery-level flavor with effortless prep.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Why You’ll Love This Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe
Quick and easy: Uses refrigerated crescent dough — no kneading or proofing.
Buttery caramel perfection: Gooey, sticky caramel coats every bite.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the night before and bake in the morning.
Crowd-pleasing flavor: A hit with both kids and adults.
Minimal cleanup: Everything bakes in one pan.
Versatile: Enjoy as breakfast, dessert, or a brunch pastry.
Smells divine: The irresistible aroma of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Customizable: Add nuts, drizzle extra caramel, or sprinkle sea salt for contrast.
Ingredients
For the Caramel Sauce
5 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and flavor.
¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar: Creates deep caramel sweetness.
¼ cup water: Helps the caramel melt smoothly.
½ cup chopped pecans (optional): For a nutty crunch and texture.
For the Dough & Filling
2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls: The heart of this easy dessert.
3 tablespoons butter, softened: For spreading over the dough.
¼ cup sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling.
2 teaspoons cinnamon: Brings warmth and balance.
¼ cup brown sugar: Enhances the caramelized flavor inside the rolls.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crescent Caramel Rolls
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures an even golden bake and a bubbly caramel base.
2. Prepare the Caramel Sauce
In an ungreased 9×13-inch pan, melt 5 tablespoons butter in the oven. Once melted, stir in ¾ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup water, and chopped pecans if using. This creates a luscious caramel foundation that thickens as it bakes.
3. Prepare the Dough
Separate the crescent dough into 4 rectangles per can (8 total), and pinch the perforations to seal them. You’ll have 16 dough rectangles total.
4. Spread the Filling
Brush each rectangle with softened butter, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (combine ¼ cup sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, and ¼ cup brown sugar).
5. Roll and Slice
Roll each rectangle from the shorter end into a tight log. Cut each into 4 slices — you’ll have 32 mini rolls ready to bake.
6. Arrange and Bake
Place the rolls cut-side down over the caramel mixture in your pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
7. Invert and Serve
Immediately invert the pan onto a serving platter to release the caramel topping. The sauce will drip down beautifully, coating each roll in sweet, sticky goodness.
Pro Tips for Perfect Gooey Caramel Rolls
How do you keep caramel rolls soft and gooey?
Cover the pan loosely with foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and keep the centers moist.
Can you make Crescent Caramel Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning. Let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.
What’s the secret to rich caramel flavor?
Use dark brown sugar and salted butter for depth and balance. The touch of salt cuts through the sweetness for a more gourmet taste.
Best Ways to Serve Crescent Caramel Rolls
Morning indulgence: Pair with hot coffee or a caramel latte.
Dessert twist: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sticky bun sundae.
Holiday brunch: Serve alongside your favorite Cinnamon Roll Pancakes or Pecan Sticky Buns for a festive spread.
Gift idea: Stack a few in a pretty box and drizzle with caramel — perfect for neighbors or teachers!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
Tip: Add a drizzle of warm caramel before serving to restore that just-baked texture.
FAQs About Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe
Can I use crescent dough sheets instead of perforated rolls?
Absolutely! Crescent dough sheets make rolling and slicing even easier since there are no seams to seal.
Can I make these without nuts?
Yes — the rolls taste just as amazing without pecans. For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of coarse sea salt instead.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use coconut sugar for a rich, earthy caramel flavor.
Delicious Variations
Salted Caramel Crescent Rolls: Sprinkle flaky salt over the caramel before baking.
Crescent Roll Caramel Pecan Rolls: Add crushed toasted pecans for a bakery-style crunch.
Gooey Caramel Crescent Pull-Aparts: Bake the rolls touching for a sticky, shareable version.
Apple Caramel Crescent Rolls: Add thin apple slices inside the dough before rolling for a fall-inspired twist.
Caramel Crescent Pastry Bake: Layer the rolls in a pie dish and bake as one pull-apart pastry.
Conclusion
The Crescent Caramel Rolls Recipe proves that you don’t need to be a pastry chef to make something extraordinary. With buttery layers, a homemade caramel drizzle, and an aroma that fills your home with sweetness, it’s a treat that transforms any morning into a special occasion.