Pecan Pie Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls and pecan pie, why choose? These Pecan Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of both worlds: soft, pillowy rolls filled with sweet, buttery pecans, and baked to a golden perfection. Every bite melts in your mouth, giving you the rich, caramelized flavor of a pecan pie in a fluffy breakfast treat.

Perfect for holiday breakfasts, Christmas morning, or a cozy weekend brunch, these cinnamon rolls are show-stoppers. The dough is soft and tender, the filling rich and nutty, and the optional icing adds just the right finishing touch.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

• Pecan pie in a cinnamon roll: Classic dessert flavors turned into a breakfast treat.
• Soft, fluffy, and buttery: Yeast-based dough ensures tender rolls that rise beautifully.
• Rich, spiced pecan filling: Sweet, cinnamon-spiced, and loaded with crunchy pecans.
• Customizable icing: Maple extract, vanilla, or cream cheese glaze options.
• Holiday-ready: Perfect for festive occasions or family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines breakfast and dessert in one decadent roll.
• Thick, soft rolls with a gooey, nutty filling.
• Perfect for gifting or serving at brunch gatherings.
• Can be made ahead and frozen for convenience.
• Minimal fuss for a restaurant-quality treat at home.

Ingredients Breakdown

Dough

• 1 ½ cups warm whole milk
• ¼ cup warm water
• ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 7 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ cup + 3 tbsp salted butter

Pecan Pie Filling

• 2 eggs + 2 yolks
• 1 ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 4 tbsp granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup corn syrup (light or dark)
• 3 tsp vanilla extract
• 5 tsp cinnamon
• 3 cups chopped pecans
• ½ cup salted butter, softened

Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp maple extract (optional)

Servings: 12 rolls per 9×13” pan, yields 2 pans.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer with whisk and dough hook attachments
• Medium mixing bowl
• 9×13” baking pans (x2)
• Rolling pin
• Rubber spatula
• Wire cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap

Optional: Silicone spatula for spreading filling evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Proof the Yeast

In the stand mixer bowl fitted with the whisk, combine warm milk, warm water, 2 tbsp sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until frothy. Properly proofed yeast ensures the dough rises beautifully.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the remaining sugar, eggs, and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Mix until fully combined.

3. Incorporate Flour and Salt

Switch to the dough hook attachment. Add flour to the wet mixture, then sprinkle salt on top. Knead until the dough starts to come together.

4. Add Butter and Knead

Add ¾ cup + 3 tbsp butter gradually while kneading for another 5 minutes until dough is smooth, soft, and slightly tacky. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Pecan Pie Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolks, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Add corn syrup and vanilla, mixing well.
3. Stir in cinnamon, then fold in pecans using a spatula. Set aside.

Assembly

1. Spray two 9×13” baking pans with baking spray.
2. Turn dough onto a floured surface and roll into a 19”x17” rectangle.
3. Spread softened butter over dough, then evenly spread the pecan filling on top.
4. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 equal discs per pan.
5. Place rolls in prepared pans, cover with towel or plastic wrap, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.

Baking

1. Preheat oven to 350°F toward the end of the second rise.
2. Bake rolls 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
3. Remove from oven and transfer to wire cooling rack for 5 minutes.

Icing

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and optional maple extract until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls or spread gently. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Proper temperature is key: Milk/water should be 105°–110°F to activate yeast without killing it.
• Rolling pin sticking: Dust lightly with flour or rub hands with flour to prevent sticking.
• Cream cheese icing alternative: Try cream cheese glaze for tangy sweetness.
• Corn syrup: Light or dark works; adds sticky, rich filling.
• Make-ahead option: Freeze baked rolls in airtight containers up to 3 months. Reheat gently in oven or microwave.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Sweet and buttery: Rich filling with melted butter and brown sugar.
• Nutty crunch: Pecans add texture and flavor.
• Warm cinnamon notes: Complement the sweetness without overpowering.
• Soft, gooey dough: Pillowy rolls that melt in your mouth.

Suggested Pairings

• Hot coffee or spiced latte
• Warm maple syrup drizzle
• Fresh fruit or whipped cream for extra indulgence

Nutritional Overview (Per Roll, Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	835 kcal
Carbohydrates	119 g
Protein	15 g
Fat	35 g
Saturated Fat	10 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	23 g
Cholesterol	154 mg
Sodium	333 mg
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	59 g

Dietary Notes: Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs; vegetarian-friendly.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Dough can be prepared and refrigerated for overnight rising.
• Assemble rolls in pans, cover, and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to baking time.
• Icing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make smaller rolls?
Yes, cut more discs for bite-sized rolls; reduce baking time slightly.

Q2: Can I use light or dark brown sugar?
Both work, but dark brown sugar gives a deeper molasses flavor.

Q3: Can these rolls be vegan?
Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg substitutes for a vegan version.

Q4: Why didn’t my dough rise?
Check yeast freshness and liquid temperature. Water or milk too hot kills yeast; too cold prevents activation.

Q5: Can I make a simple glaze instead of icing?
Yes, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a thinner glaze that seeps into rolls.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Proof yeast	5 minutes
Mix dough	10 minutes
Knead and add butter	5 minutes
First rise	1 hour
Roll and fill dough	10–15 minutes
Second rise	1 hour
Bake	25–30 minutes
Cool and ice	5–10 minutes
Total	2 hours 30 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm straight from the pan.
• Drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness.
• Sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top for crunch.
• Pair with coffee, chai, or hot chocolate for cozy mornings.

Recipe Variations

1. Maple Pecan Rolls: Add maple syrup to the filling for a deeper flavor.
2. Chocolate Pecan Rolls: Fold in mini chocolate chips with the pecan filling.
3. Caramel Drizzle: Add a caramel glaze over the icing for decadent holiday rolls.
4. Mini Rolls: Perfect for brunch buffets or kid-friendly portions.

Ingredient Spotlight

Pecans

• Selection: Look for firm, fresh pecans with no rancid smell.
• Storage: Keep in airtight container in fridge for up to 6 months.
• Enhancement: Toast lightly to intensify nutty flavor before mixing into filling.

Cinnamon

• Selection: Use fresh ground cinnamon for maximum aroma.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dark pantry to preserve potency.

Pro Baking Tips

• Use a wire rack to cool rolls and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Slightly underbake rolls for gooey centers; they finish baking while cooling.
• Dust rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking.
• For ultra-soft rolls, brush tops with melted butter immediately after baking.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Room temperature: Airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Oven or microwave until warm; add light drizzle of milk or butter to refresh texture.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Roll)

Component	Amount
Calories	835 kcal
Protein	15 g
Carbohydrates	119 g
Fat	35 g
Saturated Fat	10 g
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	59 g

Expanded Conclusion

These Pecan Pie Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate holiday breakfast or brunch indulgence. Soft, gooey dough filled with sweet, spiced pecans creates a treat that’s both comforting and festive. With a rich icing finish and golden-brown perfection, they are sure to wow family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to get a bite.

Take the time to roll, fill, and bake carefully—you’ll be rewarded with the perfect balance of buttery, nutty, and sweet in every bite. Ideal for Christmas morning, Thanksgiving brunch, or a cozy weekend treat, these cinnamon rolls are destined to become a family favorite.

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