Grandmother Stougaard’s Caramel Pecan Sweet Rolls: A Timeless Family Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm, freshly baked sweet rolls wafting through the house, especially when they carry the weight of cherished family memories. Grandmother Stougaard’s Caramel Pecan Sweet Rolls are more than just a dessert; they’re a connection to the past, a taste of home, and a testament to the enduring power of family recipes. This recipe, passed down through generations, is a labor of love, but the reward is a batch of incredibly delicious, gooey, caramel-laden sweet rolls that will disappear faster than you can say “seconds.” Get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will fill your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy.

The Story Behind the Rolls

Every great recipe has a story, and these sweet rolls are no exception. Grandmother Stougaard was renowned for her baking skills, and her caramel pecan sweet rolls were the highlight of every family gathering. She meticulously crafted each batch, using only the finest ingredients and infusing them with love and care. The recipe has been carefully preserved, with each generation adding their own subtle touches while staying true to the original spirit. Now, it’s your turn to create your own memories with this extraordinary recipe.

Ingredients: The Key to Success

Before you begin, gather your ingredients. Quality ingredients are crucial for achieving the best results. Here’s what you’ll need:

**For the Dough:**

* 1 cup milk
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
* 1/4 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 2 large eggs
* 5-6 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

**For the Filling:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

**For the Caramel Pecan Topping:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 2 cups packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1 cup chopped pecans
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large mixing bowl
* Stand mixer (optional, but recommended)
* Small saucepan
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rolling pin
* Pastry brush
* Plastic wrap
* Clean kitchen towels

Step-by-Step Instructions: Mastering the Art of Sweet Roll Baking

Now that you have your ingredients and equipment, let’s dive into the process. This recipe is divided into three main parts: making the dough, preparing the filling, and creating the caramel pecan topping. Follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with the most delicious sweet rolls you’ve ever tasted.

Part 1: Making the Dough

The foundation of any great sweet roll is the dough. This dough is enriched with butter and milk, resulting in a soft, tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth.

1. **Scald the Milk:** In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Let the mixture cool to lukewarm (about 110-115°F).
2. **Proof the Yeast:** In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Add the cooled milk mixture and the eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix well to combine.
4. **Add Flour Gradually:** Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. Continue adding flour until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. You may not need all 6 cups of flour.
5. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 6-8 minutes.
6. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Part 2: Preparing the Filling

The filling is where the magic happens. A generous layer of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a rich, gooey interior that complements the soft dough perfectly.

1. **Soften the Butter:** Ensure that the butter for the filling is softened to room temperature. This will make it easier to spread evenly over the dough.
2. **Combine Filling Ingredients:** In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until thoroughly combined.

Part 3: Creating the Caramel Pecan Topping

The caramel pecan topping is the crowning glory of these sweet rolls. The rich, buttery caramel sauce, studded with toasted pecans, adds a delightful crunch and an irresistible sweetness.

1. **Melt the Butter:** In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. **Add Brown Sugar and Cream:** Add the brown sugar and heavy cream to the melted butter. Stir constantly until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a simmer.
3. **Simmer and Thicken:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the caramel thickens slightly.
4. **Add Pecans and Vanilla:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract.

Assembling and Baking the Sweet Rolls

Now that you’ve prepared the dough, filling, and topping, it’s time to assemble the sweet rolls and bake them to golden perfection.

1. **Prepare the Baking Pan:** Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Pour the caramel pecan topping evenly into the bottom of the pan.
2. **Roll Out the Dough:** Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
3. **Spread the Filling:** Spread the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
4. **Roll Up the Dough:** Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
5. **Slice the Rolls:** Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Each piece should be about 1.5 inches thick.
6. **Arrange the Rolls:** Place the sliced rolls, cut-side up, in the prepared baking pan, spacing them evenly apart.
7. **Second Rise:** Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up and filled the pan.
8. **Bake the Rolls:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the sweet rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the caramel is bubbling. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
9. **Invert and Serve:** Remove the sweet rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter. The caramel pecan topping will now be on top of the rolls.
10. **Enjoy:** Serve the sweet rolls warm and enjoy! These are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Sweet Rolls

* **Use a Thermometer:** Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure that the milk and water are at the correct temperature for the yeast. If the liquids are too hot, they can kill the yeast.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough can result in tough sweet rolls. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
* **Proof in a Warm Place:** A warm, draft-free place is essential for the dough to rise properly. You can place the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or in a sunny spot.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can result in dry sweet rolls. Bake until they are golden brown and the caramel is bubbling.
* **Let the Rolls Cool Slightly Before Inverting:** Letting the rolls cool slightly before inverting will help the caramel topping set slightly and prevent it from running all over the platter.
* **Dental Floss for Slicing:** Using unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls ensures clean cuts without squishing the dough.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** If you prefer less sweet rolls, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or topping.
* **Add a Pinch of Salt to the Caramel:** A pinch of salt in the caramel topping enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.

Variations and Adaptations

While Grandmother Stougaard’s original recipe is a classic, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking.

* **Add Raisins or Dried Cranberries:** Sprinkle raisins or dried cranberries over the filling for added texture and flavor.
* **Use Different Nuts:** Substitute walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for the pecans in the topping.
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** Sprinkle chocolate chips over the filling for a decadent chocolate twist.
* **Make Cream Cheese Frosting:** Instead of the caramel pecan topping, top the baked rolls with a cream cheese frosting for a classic sweet roll flavor.
* **Individual Sweet Rolls:** Bake the rolls in muffin tins for individual servings.
* **Overnight Rise:** Prepare the dough and shape the rolls the night before. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the rolls rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours before baking.
* **Lemon or Orange Zest:** Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Grandmother Stougaard’s Caramel Pecan Sweet Rolls are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with other dishes for a memorable brunch or dessert.

* **Coffee or Tea:** Serve the sweet rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
* **Fresh Fruit:** Pair the sweet rolls with a bowl of fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or grapes.
* **Whipped Cream or Ice Cream:** Top the warm sweet rolls with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-indulgent treat.
* **Brunch Spread:** Include the sweet rolls as part of a larger brunch spread, along with eggs, bacon, sausage, and other breakfast favorites.
* **Holiday Dessert:** These sweet rolls are a perfect addition to any holiday dessert table.

Storing Leftovers

While these sweet rolls are best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or microwave them for a few seconds.

A Recipe Worth Sharing

Grandmother Stougaard’s Caramel Pecan Sweet Rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re a tradition, a memory, and a symbol of love. By making these sweet rolls, you’re not just baking a delicious dessert; you’re also carrying on a family legacy. Share this recipe with your loved ones and create your own sweet memories that will last a lifetime. The joy of baking and sharing these sweet rolls will undoubtedly bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Recipe Card: Grandmother Stougaard’s Caramel Pecan Sweet Rolls

**Yields:** 12 sweet rolls
**Prep time:** 45 minutes
**Rise time:** 2-2.75 hours
**Cook time:** 25-30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Dough:**
* 1 cup milk
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
* 1/4 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 2 large eggs
* 5-6 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* **For the Filling:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
* **For the Caramel Pecan Topping:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 2 cups packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1 cup chopped pecans
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Dough:** Scald the milk. Add butter, sugar, and salt. Cool to lukewarm. Proof yeast in warm water. Combine milk mixture, eggs, and yeast. Gradually add flour and knead until smooth. Let rise until doubled.
2. **Prepare the Filling:** Combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
3. **Make the Topping:** Melt butter. Add brown sugar and cream. Simmer until thickened. Stir in pecans and vanilla.
4. **Assemble:** Grease pan and pour in topping. Roll out dough, spread filling, and roll into a log. Slice into 12 pieces. Arrange in pan, let rise, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. Invert and serve warm.

**Enjoy!**

Now go forth and bake these amazing sweet rolls! Your family and friends will thank you, and you’ll have created a delicious memory to cherish.