These Butterscotch Pudding Caramel Rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, combining the sweetness of brown sugar, the warmth of cinnamon, and the decadence of butterscotch pudding.

Made with frozen dough for convenience, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. Whether you’re hosting brunch or treating yourself to a cozy breakfast, these rolls are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love These Butterscotch Pudding Caramel Rolls

These caramel rolls stand out for several reasons:

Semi-Homemade Convenience: Using frozen dough saves time while still delivering homemade flavor.
Rich and Gooey Texture: The combination of caramel and butterscotch creates a luscious, sticky glaze that pairs perfectly with the soft rolls.
Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar or spices to suit your taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them for breakfast, dessert, or as a special treat during holidays.

Have you ever tried adding butterscotch to baked goods? If not, this recipe will show you how easy it is to elevate a classic favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Butterscotch Pudding Caramel Rolls:

For the Dough:

1 package (about 1 lb) frozen bread dough, thawed – Convenient and easy to work with.
Flour for dusting – Prevents sticking while rolling out the dough.

For the Filling:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and helps the filling stick to the dough.
½ cup packed brown sugar – Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and complements the butterscotch flavor.
1 small box (3.4 oz) instant butterscotch pudding mix – Creates a gooey, flavorful layer.

For the Caramel Sauce:

½ cup unsalted butter – Forms the base of the caramel.
½ cup packed brown sugar – Adds sweetness and thickness.
¼ cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce rich and smooth.

These ingredients are simple, accessible, and come together to create a decadent treat. Do any of these ingredients stand out to you as something you’d like to experiment with? For example, swapping cinnamon for nutmeg could add a unique twist!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Butterscotch Pudding Caramel Rolls:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Thaw the frozen bread dough according to package instructions.
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a rectangle about 12×16 inches.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Brush the melted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Sprinkle the dry butterscotch pudding mix evenly over the sugar-cinnamon layer.

Step 3: Roll and Cut

Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal slices.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Stir in the brown sugar and cook until dissolved, about 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
Arrange the rolls cut-side down in the pan, leaving space between each roll.
Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30–45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

Let the rolls cool slightly before flipping the pan onto a serving plate to reveal the gooey caramel topping.

How does your kitchen smell while baking? Does it make you hungry?

Expert Tips and Tricks

To ensure your Butterscotch Pudding Caramel Rolls turn out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:

Thaw Dough Properly: Allow the frozen dough to thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Don’t Overfill: Spread the filling evenly but avoid overloading the dough, which can make rolling difficult.
Use a Sharp Knife: A serrated knife works best for cutting the dough log without squishing the rolls.
Prevent Sticking: Grease your baking pan generously to ensure the caramel doesn’t burn or stick.
Let Rolls Rise Fully: Proper rising time ensures light, fluffy rolls with a tender texture.

What step do you think might be trickiest? Don’t worry—we’ll cover troubleshooting later!

Recipe Variations & Possible Substitutions

This recipe is versatile, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences:

Swap the Pudding Mix: Try chocolate or vanilla pudding mix for a different flavor profile.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel sauce for added crunch.
Make It Vegan: Use plant-based butter, cream, and dairy-free pudding mix for a vegan version.
Reduce Sugar: Cut back on the brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet roll.
Try Different Spices: Replace cinnamon with cardamom or nutmeg for a unique twist.

Which variation sounds most appealing to you? Try one and let us know how it turns out!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Butterscotch Pudding Caramel Rolls shine as standalone treats, but pairing them with complementary foods takes them to the next level:

Beverages: Serve with a cup of coffee, tea, or cold milk to balance the sweetness.
Toppings: Drizzle extra butterscotch sauce or sprinkle powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Fruit Pairings: Add fresh berries or sliced bananas for a tart contrast to the rich flavors.
Ice Cream Combo: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm-meets-cold dessert experience.

How would you serve these rolls? Get creative and make them your own!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Proper storage keeps your Butterscotch Pudding Caramel Rolls fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: Keep covered for up to 2 days. Avoid leaving them out longer to prevent spoilage.
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave before serving.
Freezing: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reviving Leftovers: Warm the rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to restore their gooey texture.

Do you prefer eating these rolls warm or at room temperature? Both options have their charm!

Recipe FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about making Butterscotch Pudding Caramel Rolls:

Q: Can I use homemade dough instead of frozen dough?
Yes! Substitute with your favorite yeast dough recipe. Just ensure it’s rolled out to the same size.

Q: Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. Bake them straight from the fridge in the morning.

Q: Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?
Cold temperatures or expired yeast could be the issue. Ensure your dough is in a warm, draft-free environment to rise.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double all ingredient amounts and use two baking pans.

Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk works well, though the caramel sauce may be slightly less rich.

Which question surprised you the most? Share your thoughts!

Troubleshooting Tips

Even experienced bakers run into issues sometimes. Here’s how to fix common problems:

Dough Too Sticky: Dust your hands and work surface with more flour to prevent sticking.
Caramel Too Thin: Cook the sauce a bit longer to thicken it before pouring it into the pan.
Rolls Burnt on Top: Cover the pan with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
Uneven Slices: Use a ruler to measure and mark the dough log before cutting for uniform rolls.
Sticky Pan After Baking: Run a knife around the edges of the pan before flipping to release the rolls easily.

What issue have you encountered while baking similar recipes? These tips should help you overcome any hurdles.

Conclusion

Butterscotch Pudding Caramel Rolls are a decadent treat that combines gooey caramel, rich butterscotch, and soft, fluffy dough into one irresistible package. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or try one of the suggested variations, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite.