Last Updated on January 22, 2024 by Allison Lancaster

Overnight Brown Sugar Pecan Rolls – soft, fluffy rolls soaked overnight in melted butter topped with sweet, molasses-y brown sugar, flavorful vanilla pudding, and buttery pecans.

Looking for an easy recipe for pecan rolls? This one is a winner! There’s nothing like the smell of fresh-baked bread in the morning, and these easy brown sugar pecan rolls are sure to please! This overnight pecan roll recipe uses frozen bread dough, so it’s easy to make, even if you’re a novice baker.

The rolls are studded with delicious pecans and topped with a sweet brown sugar and vanilla pudding topping. Make them the night before and let them sit in the fridge. In the morning, all you have to do is pop them in the oven and enjoy! Serve them for breakfast or brunch, or pack them in a lunchbox for a special treat.

brown sugar pecan rolls dough rising in the pan

Why You’ll Love These Overnight Pecan Rolls

Easy to make! This pecan roll recipe uses frozen bread dough, so it’s a breeze to put together.
The rolls are soaked in a buttery brown sugar mixture overnight, so they’re super moist and full of flavor.
They’re perfect for breakfast or brunch, or you can even serve them for dessert or with a holiday meal.
It’s a great substitute for cinnamon rolls.
It only requires 5. Yes, you read that right 5 ingredients- frozen bread dough, brown sugar, butter, vanilla pudding mix, and chopped pecans.

Equipment You’ll Need For Your Brown Sugar Pecan Rolls

Bundt Pan
Small Bowl
Medium bowl
Knife & Cutting Board

Ingredients You’ll Need For Your Pecan Rolls

Frozen Bread Dough
Brown Sugar
Butter
Vanilla Pudding Mix
Chopped Pecans

How To Make Overnight Pecan Rolls With Frozen Bread Dough

Place your frozen dinner rolls in the bottom of a greased bundt pan.
Pour margarine or butter over the top of the rolls.
Mix together your dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl: the pudding mix, brown sugar, and nuts.
Sprinkle mixture over rolls, and allow to sit overnight in the refrigerator.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!

brown sugar pecan rolls and a glass of milk

What To Serve With These Pecan Rolls

I love to pair these pecan rolls with eggs and bacon. If I make them for a crowd or a special occasion, I go for other quick make-ahead casseroles like my bell pepper, sausage, cheese, and egg bake or my crockpot hashbrown, bacon, egg, and cheese casserole. This way, I don’t have to fuss too much in the morning, and I can enjoy my company.

But they would also be delicious with a simple fruit salad or maybe even some sausage on the side.

How To Store & Reheat Homemade Pecan Rolls

These pecan rolls are best served fresh out of the oven. But if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will be good for up to three days.

You can reheat them by placing them on a baking sheet and heating them up in a 350-degree oven until warmed through. I like to brush them with a little bit of butter before reheating to give them a little extra flavor and moisture.

You can also freeze these pecan rolls. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will be good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat them as described above.

Overnight Pecan Rolls FAQs

Do I have to let the rolls sit overnight?

No, but it’s best if you do. Letting them sit overnight gives the frozen bread dough a chance to thaw out and soak up all of that delicious brown sugar and vanilla pudding mixture.

Can I use fresh bread dough instead of frozen?

Yes, you can! If you have a favorite recipe for homemade bread dough, feel free to use it in this recipe. Just make sure the dough is well-risen before using it.

Should I use light brown or dark brown sugar?

That’s up to you. I like dark brown sugar because it has a deeper flavor, but light brown sugar will work just as well.

Do I have to use a bundt pan?

No, you don’t have to use a bundt pan. You can use any type of baking dish that will fit your frozen rolls. Just make sure the rolls are well-coated in the butter and brown sugar mixture.

Can I add other flavors to these pecan rolls?

Yes, you can! If you want to change up the flavor of these pecan rolls, you can add a teaspoon or two of cinnamon to the brown sugar mixture. Or you could add some chopped dried fruit, like apricots or raisins.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can make them the night before or even up to three days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat them when you’re ready to eat.