Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: A Delicious Sunday Morning Treat

There’s something magical about the aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. When you pair that with the rich, nutty flavor of pecans, you create a cinnamon roll that is nothing short of extraordinary. These Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are not just a dessert; they’re a breakfast delight that makes every Sunday morning special. Whether you’re gathering the family around the table or planning a cozy brunch with friends, this recipe will warm hearts and satisfy hungry tummies.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Imagine a sweet, fluffy roll filled to the brim with a blend of spices and crunchy pecans. The layers of gooey richness provide a perfect contrast to the pillowy dough. One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility — they’re perfect for a weekend treat but also make a delightful addition to holiday brunches or as a comforting dessert any day of the week. Plus, you can whip them up in a couple of hours!

"These Pecan Cinnamon Rolls were the highlight of our family brunch. Everyone asked for seconds!" — Happy Baker

A Step-by-Step Overview

Creating these Pecan Cinnamon Rolls is an enjoyable journey. You’ll start with a rich and buttery dough that needs time to rise, followed by making your luscious filling and icing. The final assembly is a joyous task where you roll, slice, and bake to perfection. In just a few hours, you’ll have a batch of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls that everyone will rave about.

Gather These Items

To embark on your baking adventure, here’s what you’ll need:

Dough Ingredients:
- 5 cups (625 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour (divided)
- 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon (10 grams) active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup (63 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter (room temperature) + 1 tablespoon for buttering the baking dish
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream (heated to 100℉)
Filling Ingredients:
- 1-1/2 cups (300 grams) packed dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 tablespoons (169 grams) unsalted butter (softened, about 75℉)
- 1 cup (114 grams) pecans (toasted and chopped)
Icing Ingredients:
- 1-1/2 cups (170 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
- 8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1-2 tablespoons whole milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Dish: Start by buttering the bottom and sides of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter. For easier removal later, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper (this isn’t necessary if you’re using a nonstick coat, like a USA Pan).
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, salt, yeast, and sugar. Warm the milk to about 100℉, then mix it in along with the softened butter and eggs. Gradually add in the remaining flour until the dough forms. Knead it for about 6-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1 to 1.5 hours).
Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the dark brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, soften the remaining butter to spread it on the dough once it’s rolled out.
Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread Filling: Spread the softened butter over the rolled dough, and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top. Finally, add the chopped pecans.
Roll and Slice: Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices and place them in the prepared baking dish.
Second Rise: Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again until they puff up (about 30-45 minutes).
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Make the Icing: While they bake, mix the powdered sugar, softened butter, and milk to create the icing. Adjust the milk for desired thickness.
Ice and Serve: Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the icing over them while they’re still warm.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These decadent Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are best served warm, right out of the oven. Consider pairing them with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For an extra treat, serve with a side of fresh fruit or whipped cream for a brunch buffet. Try toasting additional pecans for garnish or a drizzle of maple syrup on top!

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

To store your Pecan Cinnamon Rolls, allow them to cool completely before covering them with plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight container. They’ll last at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze the rolls before icing. Just thaw and warm them up before serving, applying icing fresh!

Pro Chef Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and butter are at room temperature; this helps with the overall texture of the dough.
Kneading: Don’t rush the kneading process; a well-kneaded dough is key to soft and fluffy rolls.
Rising Time: If it’s a cold day, heat your oven slightly and turn it off before placing the dough inside to rise. The gentle warmth can help majorly!

Creative Twists

Feel free to get inventive! Swap out pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts for a different crunch. Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolatey twist or sprinkle some orange zest for a citrus kick. You can also play around with the icing by incorporating spices like vanilla or maple extract.

Common Questions

Q: How long does it take to make these cinnamon rolls?
A: Altogether, expect about 3 hours from start to finish, factoring in rise times.

Q: Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls the night before, cover them tightly, and let them rise in the fridge overnight.

Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: You can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk, though the icing will be slightly less rich.

Now, you’re all set to create a batch of these delightful Pecan Cinnamon Rolls that are sure to become a beloved family recipe! Happy baking!