Name: Ooey Gooey Date Caramel Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds total); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 lemons (1 juiced (about 1/4 cup) and 1 cut into thin slices); 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

These Ooey Gooey Date Caramel Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate homemade sweet treat, featuring a rich, naturally sweetened date caramel filling swirled inside a soft, fluffy dough. They bake up to be incredibly gooey and aromatic, filling your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon. Perfect for a special weekend breakfast or a comforting dessert, these rolls are a true crowd-pleaser.

How to Make Ooey Gooey Date Caramel Cinnamon Rolls

As a lifelong flavor explorer, I find that the simplest treats often evoke the most powerful memories. I first fell in love with date caramel while traveling, and I knew I had to incorporate its deep, toffee-like richness into a classic American comfort food. Now, this recipe has become a cherished weekend ritual in my home, often served alongside a pot of tea on a lazy Sunday morning. They are perfect for holiday mornings, rivaling the comfort of a warm slice of pumpkin pie, or as a sweet ending to a meal, much like my churro toffee. For a full brunch spread, I love pairing them with savory options like these cheesy garlic rolls.

Why You’ll Love This Gooey Delight

Naturally Sweetened Caramel: The date paste creates a rich, gooey caramel without needing refined sugar.
Incredibly Soft Dough: A simple yeast dough yields pillowy, bakery-quality rolls every time.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the rolls the night before for a stress-free morning treat.
Ultimate Comfort Food: The warm cinnamon aroma and gooey texture make this a true family favorite.

Ingredients for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

For the Dough

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a soft and tender roll.
Whole milk, warmed: Activates the yeast and creates a richer dough.
Unsalted butter: Adds flavor and richness to the dough. Ensure it’s softened.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness.
Active dry yeast: The key to getting that light, airy rise.
Large egg: Helps bind the dough and contributes to a soft crumb.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

For the Date Caramel Filling

Medjool dates, pitted: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and caramel flavor.
Unsalted butter, melted: Combines with the dates to create a luscious, spreadable paste.
Ground cinnamon: The classic warming spice that defines a cinnamon roll.
Vanilla extract: Adds a beautiful aroma and depth to the filling.
Pinch of salt: Essential for making the caramel flavor truly pop.

Ooey Gooey Date Caramel Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in irresistible Ooey Gooey Date Caramel Cinnamon Rolls with this easy recipe. Perfect for breakfast or dessert with homemade date caramel filling.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

large bowl
paper towels
large skillet or cast-iron pan
measuring spoons
instant-read thermometer
whisk

Ingredients

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs about 2 pounds total
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cloves garlic minced
2 lemons 1 juiced (about 1/4 cup) and 1 cut into thin slices
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken in the pan skin-side down. Cook without moving for 6 to 8 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden brown and crispy.
Flip the chicken thighs over. Add the minced garlic to the pan around the chicken and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth, then arrange the lemon slices on top of the chicken.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate. Remove and discard the lemon slices from the pan. Whisk the softened butter into the pan sauce until melted and slightly thickened. Stir in the chopped parsley and spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving.

Notes

TIMING: Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 35 minutes, Total Time: 45 minutes

Keyword cinnamon rolls, date caramel, easy breakfast

Ways to Customize Your Rolls

Add Nuts: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the date caramel filling for a crunchy contrast.
Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough or filling for a bright, aromatic note.
Chocolate Swirl: Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips over the date caramel before rolling up the dough.

Tips for Bakery-Worthy Results

Activate the Yeast: Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast for a good rise.
Roll Evenly: Roll the dough into a uniform rectangle so the rolls are all the same size and bake evenly.
Don’t Overbake: The rolls are done when they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
Let Them Rest: Allow the rolls to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving so the caramel sets slightly.

Mastering caramel-based desserts is a rewarding skill that applies to many treats.

Cozy Serving of Ooey Gooey Date Caramel Cinnamon Rolls

How to Store and Reheat

Store: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes until gooey again.
Make-Ahead Tip: After shaping, place the rolls in the pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the date caramel ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the date caramel up to 3 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the dough for easier application.

What can I use instead of Medjool dates?

Medjool dates are ideal because they are soft and sweet. If using drier varieties like Deglet Noor, you may need to soak them in hot water for 10 minutes first to soften them before blending.

Why are my cinnamon rolls dense?

Dense rolls are usually caused by inactive yeast or over-kneading the dough. Ensure your milk is the correct temperature to activate the yeast, and knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic. Consider trying my homemade dinner rolls recipe to practice your yeast dough technique.

Can I freeze the unbaked cinnamon rolls?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead option. After shaping the rolls and placing them in the pan, cover tightly and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let them rise at room temperature before baking as directed.

More Sweet Treats You’ll Adore

Bake These Gooey Cinnamon Rolls Today

With their irresistibly soft texture and rich, naturally sweetened caramel, these Ooey Gooey Date Caramel Cinnamon Rolls are destined to become a new tradition. They prove that from-scratch baking can be both approachable and extraordinarily delicious. I hope this recipe brings as much warmth and joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.

Gooey Date Caramel Rolls