Caramel rolls are a beloved treat, offering the perfect balance of soft, fluffy dough and rich, gooey caramel. But who has time to make dough from scratch? This guide leverages the convenience of Rhodes dinner rolls to create incredibly delicious caramel rolls with minimal effort. We'll explore everything from preparation tips to baking secrets, ensuring your homemade caramel rolls are a resounding success.
What are Rhodes Dinner Rolls?
Rhodes dinner rolls are a popular frozen dough product, available in most grocery stores. These pre-made rolls require thawing and proofing before baking, offering a significant time-saving advantage over making dough from scratch. Their consistent quality and ease of use make them an ideal base for many recipes, including these delightful caramel rolls.
How to Make Caramel Rolls with Rhodes Dinner Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe provides a straightforward approach to creating amazing caramel rolls using Rhodes rolls.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (20 count) Rhodes dinner rolls, thawed
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Prepare the Rolls: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Once the Rhodes rolls are thawed, gently separate them and place them in the prepared pan.
- Pour the Caramel: Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the rolls, ensuring each roll is coated.
- Bake: Cover the pan with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Let the caramel rolls cool slightly in the pan before serving. Enjoy warm!
What kind of caramel is best for caramel rolls?
While you can use store-bought caramel sauce, making your own allows for better control over sweetness and consistency. The recipe above uses a simple homemade caramel that perfectly balances richness and sweetness. However, feel free to experiment with different types of caramel, such as salted caramel or a more buttery caramel, to suit your taste preferences.
Can I use other types of frozen rolls for this recipe?
While Rhodes rolls are recommended for their consistent size and texture, other types of frozen dinner rolls can be substituted. However, keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size and density of the rolls. Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
How do I store leftover caramel rolls?
Leftover caramel rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to enjoy their warm, gooey goodness.
Tips for the Perfect Caramel Rolls:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Give the rolls enough space to expand during baking.
- Watch the caramel: Avoid burning the caramel by stirring frequently while it simmers.
- Let them cool: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving to prevent burns and allow the caramel to set slightly.
By following these simple steps and tips, you'll be creating incredibly delicious and easy caramel rolls using Rhodes dinner rolls. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any occasion where a sweet treat is desired. Enjoy!
