Overnight Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls—soft, fluffy spirals filled with warm cinnamon sugar, drenched in gooey caramel, and topped with crunchy pecans. Overnight Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort breakfast, perfect for holiday mornings, family gatherings, or cozy winter weekends.

These indulgent rolls are not only rich in flavor and texture, but they’re also incredibly convenient. Preparing them the night before allows the dough to slowly develop deeper flavor while you sleep, making your morning effortless and stress-free. Instead of rushing around the kitchen, you’ll wake up ready to bake and enjoy bakery-quality cinnamon rolls right at home.

What Are Overnight Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls?

Overnight Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are a make-ahead version of classic cinnamon rolls, assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning. As the dough rests overnight, it becomes softer and more flavorful, resulting in pillowy rolls that melt in your mouth.

Wrapped in cinnamon-sugar filling and baked over a layer of sticky caramel and toasted pecans, these rolls flip upside down after baking to reveal a glossy, nutty topping that’s impossible to resist. As the saying goes, the way to the heart is through the stomach—and these rolls are guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to try them.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Rolls

These Overnight Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of warm cinnamon, rich caramel, and buttery pecans creates a flavor that’s both comforting and decadent. They feel like a special-occasion treat, yet they’re surprisingly easy and budget-friendly compared to bakery versions.

Whether you’re serving them for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or cozy family morning, these rolls deliver that classic sticky-bun experience with the added benefit of overnight preparation. One bite, and they’re bound to become a household favorite.

How to Make Overnight Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe is designed to fit seamlessly into your schedule. With about 20 minutes of active prep time the night before, you’ll wake up to an easy, impressive breakfast that feels homemade and luxurious.

Ingredients

Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs

Filling

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

Caramel Pecan Topping

• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 cup pecans, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth, adding flour as needed.

2. First Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

3. Prepare the Filling

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into an 18×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

4. Roll and Slice

Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices.

5. Assemble

Drizzle caramel sauce into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top. Arrange the cinnamon rolls over the caramel layer.

6. Refrigerate Overnight

Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

7. Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove rolls from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.

8. Serve

Allow rolls to cool slightly, then carefully invert onto a serving platter so the caramel pecan topping is on top. Spoon any extra caramel from the pan over the rolls.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

• Dough Texture: Knead just until smooth—over-kneading can make rolls dense

• Substitutions: Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option; applesauce can replace eggs if needed

• Flavor Boost: Lightly toast the pecans before using for extra depth

• Rising Time Matters: Proper rising ensures soft, fluffy rolls

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 1 month.

To reheat:

• Microwave for 20–30 seconds for a quick warm-up

• Or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes for a freshly baked texture

Overnight Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

Delightful cinnamon rolls filled with caramel and pecans, perfect for a cozy breakfast.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting Extra flour for dusting the surface while rolling out dough.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet) Instant yeast is preferred for quick rising.
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed Warm the milk to activate the yeast.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

Filling

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Caramel Pecan Topping

• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) For more flavor, homemade caramel is recommended.
• 1 cup pecans, chopped Can be toasted for additional flavor.

Method

 

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. If it's too sticky, add a bit more flour.

Let It Rise

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to roughly an 18x12 inch rectangle.
3. Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.

Roll It Up

1. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
2. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.

Assemble the Rolls

1. In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, drizzle caramel sauce on the bottom.
2. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the caramel.
3. Arrange the cinnamon roll slices on top of the caramel and nuts.

Chill Overnight

1. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the rolls from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve

1. Allow them to cool slightly before flipping the rolls onto a serving dish. Drizzle any remaining caramel on top.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to a month.