Are you craving a warm, gooey treat that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack? Look no further! This recipe for homemade pecan rolls will transport you to pastry heaven. Forget those store-bought versions; these pecan rolls are bursting with flavor, unbelievably tender, and surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and satisfying recipe, a true testament to the joy of homemade cooking.
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 and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Filling:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup pecan halves, coarsely chopped
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started: Activating the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic! If it doesn't foam, your yeast might be old and you'll need a fresh batch.
Making the Dough:
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Add the egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
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Gradually add the 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.
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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 5-7 minutes.
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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.
Preparing the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the cinnamon and chopped pecans.
Assembling and Baking the Pecan Rolls:
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Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle.
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Spread the pecan filling evenly over the dough.
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Tightly roll the dough up from the long side, like a jelly roll.
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Cut the roll into 12 equal slices.
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Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Making the Glaze:
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Finishing Touches:
- Once the rolls are baked, let them cool slightly in the pan before drizzling generously with the glaze.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
- Make it nut-free: Substitute the pecans with raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped walnuts.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 18-20g Saturated Fat: 10-12g Carbohydrates: 45-50g Sugar: 20-25g Protein: 5-6g
Enjoy these delicious homemade pecan rolls! They're perfect for any occasion and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This easy recipe is ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike, delivering a taste of homemade goodness that's hard to resist. Share your baking adventures with us!