Description
These Date Caramel Rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, featuring a luscious homemade date caramel filling and topping. Made with a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flours, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and enriched with a smooth date caramel sauce, these rolls are perfect for a special breakfast or dessert. Soft, tender, and richly flavored, they’re baked to golden perfection and topped generously with sweet, creamy date caramel for a decadent finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Date Caramel Filling and Topping
- 2 cups chopped dates
- 1/4 cup milk
- 4 teaspoons coconut oil, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Dough
- 1 cup warm whole milk
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) rapid rise yeast
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Proof the yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm whole milk and rapid rise yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate small bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg thoroughly.
- Combine flour mixture with yeast: Turn the mixer on medium speed and gradually add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture until fully incorporated. The dough may seem a little dry at this point.
- Add egg and knead dough: Add the egg to the dough and continue kneading on medium speed for 4-5 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough ball forms.
- First rise: Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and place in a warm, draft-free area. Let it rise for 45 to 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare date caramel base: Boil about 2 cups of water. Place chopped dates in a food processor, pour the boiling water over them, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
- Process date caramel: Drain most of the water from the dates, leaving a small amount at the bottom. With the processor running, add 1/4 cup milk, 2 teaspoons of coconut oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Blend for about a minute, scraping down the sides occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Divide date caramel: Split the date caramel evenly in half; one half will be used as filling and the other half as a topping.
- Prepare baking dish: Grease an 8×8 inch glass baking dish with some of the remaining coconut oil.
- Roll out dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a 14×14 inch square.
- Spread filling: Brush half of the date caramel filling evenly and thinly over the dough surface.
- Form rolls: Starting from one side, tightly roll the dough into a log shape.
- Cut rolls: Place the roll seam side down, score into 6 equal sections, then cut with a serrated knife to create individual rolls.
- Arrange rolls: Place the rolls into the greased baking dish and brush the tops with remaining coconut oil.
- Second rise: Cover with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free area for 45 to 60 minutes until they have risen to the top of the dish.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Bake rolls: Bake the rolls uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Protect rolls and continue baking: After 30 minutes, carefully cover the rolls with foil to prevent burning and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Check doneness: The rolls are done when a butter knife inserted between them comes out clean.
- Apply topping and serve: Remove rolls from oven, spread the remaining date caramel topping over the rolls while warm, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the milk used for proofing the yeast is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- The dough may seem dry when mixing the flours but will become smooth after kneading and activating gluten.
- Letting the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free environment is crucial for proper fermentation and fluffiness.
- Using coconut oil for greasing adds a subtle flavor and helps prevent sticking.
- Covering the rolls with foil midway through baking prevents topping from burning while ensuring even cooking.
- Serve the rolls warm to enjoy the gooey date caramel at its best.
