Back in 1885, pharmacist Charles Alderton really loved the way his pharmacy smelled. His workplace was a mixture of medicinal and fruit syrup alchemy, and so he spent his time trying to replicate a drink that would taste exactly the way the pharmacy smelled.

He created what the locals called the Waco. Which eventually was named Dr Pepper.

Dr. Pepper has a mix of fruit flavors and spices that make it unique to the cola world. Even though it was created before Coca-Cola and Pepsi, no one bothered to copy the fruit flavors of spiced cherry and orange.

Those fruit flavors and the mix of spices are the exact reason I thought these would make great rolls. And I was right! After experimenting with my breadmaker, I created this Dr Pepper roll recipe that brings out a bit of those spiced fruit flavors.

I’m so excited to share it with you now!

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE DOUGH

• ½ cup + 1 tbsp (135ml/g) Dr Pepper, warmed to 105–110°F

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 2 tbsp + 2 tsp (42g) unsalted butter, melted

• ½ tsp (2g) vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp (13g) white sugar

• 1/3 (2g) tsp salt

• 2 1/3 cups (300g) + 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, separated

• 1 tsp (3g) instant yeast

FOR THE FILLING

• 1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar

• 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 tbsp (15ml/g) Dr Pepper

• ½ tsp (2g) vanilla extract

FOR THE GLAZE

• 2–3 (30ml/40g – 45ml/60g) tablespoons sweetened condensed milk

• 1/4 teaspoon (2g) vanilla extract

• Optional: 1–2 tablespoons (8g) powdered sugar to thicken

INSTRUCTIONS

• Add ingredients to the breadmaker from wet to dry in this order: Warm Dr. Pepper, melted butter, beaten egg, sugar, salt, flour, yeast (on top of the flour).
• Run the DOUGH cycle (usually 90–110 minutes).

• Let the dough mix together in the breadmaker. The batter will probably still be wet. This is when we take the extra 1/4 cup of flour that we separated earlier and slowly add it into the breadmaker. You may need a bit more or a bit less depending on the humidity in your kitchen or the fizz level of your Dr. Pepper. The dough should come together in a tacky (but not sticky) dough. When you touch the dough, it won’t stick to your fingers. Once the dough is at the right consistency, close the lid and let it rise.
• Once the dough is finished rising in the breadmaker (about 90 minutes), place it on a lightly floured surface, and roll it out into a thin rectangle.

• In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until it forms a smooth paste. Mix in the Dr Pepper and vanilla until glossy and spreadable.
• Spread the filling evenly across the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. (It won’t feel like enough at first, but trust the process!)

• Roll the dough up from the short side for thicker rolls or the long side for smaller rolls. Don’t worry if the filling melts a bit while rolling if the dough is still warm. It will be fine when it cooks.
• Slice into equal pieces. It can make about 8 rolls for a palm-sized roll.
• Place rolls in a glass baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover lightly with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes – 1 hour until it puffs up.

• When the rolls are done rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake the rolls for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and are firm to the touch.
• In a bowl, mix the condensed milk and vanilla. Add powdered sugar if you want the topping to be a bit thicker.
• Drizzle or spread over warm rolls.

Notes

Q: Can I make this without a breadmaker?

Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients by hand, or by using a standing mixer with a hook attachment. It will take a little bit more effort, but still turn out great.

Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes. BUT if you’re using the breadmaker, you’ll need to still add the yeast last. For the active dry yeast make a little well in the top of the flour and then put the dry yeast in the well. (Do not make a well that goes all the way through. The yeast shouldn’t touch the wet ingredients.)

If you’re mixing by hand or in a mixer, then activate the yeast first by adding it to the warm Dr. Pepper with the sugar.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

Sure! Make the rolls, but don’t put on the icing. You can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature and warm them back up in the oven at about 100F/150C for 10 minutes. Add glaze and enjoy!

Q: Can I use other sodas?

Feel free to experiment with other sodas like root beer or regular cola. Dr. Pepper is unique because of the all the spices and fruit flavors in it, which makes it the best for this recipe, but if cola + vanilla is also a great combo.

Q: Can I add cinnamon and make cinnamon rolls?

Yes! Add a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to your filling (more if you’re frisky) for a more cinnamon deep flavor.

Q: Are you one of those weird Dr. Pepper fangirls?

Yes. Yes, I am.