Are you craving a warm, gooey, and utterly delicious treat that's perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a special occasion? Look no further! This Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your loved ones. Forget store-bought; making these homemade cinnamon rolls from scratch is easier than you think, and the rewarding aroma and taste are simply unparalleled. Prepare for a delightful journey into the world of homemade baking – it’s easier and more delicious than you imagine! This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals (in moderation, of course!).
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
For the Caramel Glaze:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
- Add the egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk well to combine.
Make the Dough:
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic of yeast happens; patience is key here!
Prepare the Filling & Assemble:
- While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon-pecan mixture evenly over the dough.
- Tightly roll the dough from the long side into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Bake & Glaze:
- Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Make the Caramel Glaze:
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the caramel glaze. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Do not stir! Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.
- Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble up!). Whisk constantly until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, immediately pour the caramel glaze over them. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the filling.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt to the caramel glaze for a delightful salty-sweet contrast.
- Feel free to experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts or almonds.
- Make these rolls ahead of time – simply freeze the unbaked rolls and bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- These make excellent quick dinner ideas when paired with a simple salad or soup for a balanced meal.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 Fat: Approximately 20-25g Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g Protein: Approximately 5-7g
Enjoy your heavenly homemade Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls! This recipe makes a delicious and impressive dessert or breakfast treat, perfect for sharing with friends and family. It's a surefire way to brighten anyone's day! Remember to share your creations and tag us – we’d love to see your amazing bakes!