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Butter Pecan Cinnamon Buns

Butter Pecan Cinnamon Buns: Your New Holiday Morning Ritual

Butter Pecan Cinnamon Buns are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, enriched with caramelized pecans, perfect for holidays.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter Use coconut oil for a vegan alternative.
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour For gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Rapid-rise yeast can be used for quicker preparation.
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Brown sugar can add a deeper flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Use kosher salt for a coarser texture.
  • 1 large Egg Consider using a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
For the Filling
  • 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar Dark brown sugar works as a substitute.
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon Essential for cinnamon flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves
  • 1/4 cup Very Soft Butter Ensure at room temperature for easy mixing.
For the Topping
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter Could be replaced with vegan butter.
  • 1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar For less sweetness, use less brown sugar.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Optional for those who prefer milder spice.
  • 1/4 cup Heavy Cream Use evaporated milk for a lighter version.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt Omit if watching sodium intake.
  • 1 cup Pecan Halves Chopped pecans can also be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Use pure vanilla for the best taste.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • whisk
  • Rolling Pin

Method
 

Prepare Baking Dish
  1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray.
  2. Set aside while preparing the dough.
  3. Preheat the oven for later use.
Make the Dough
  1. Heat whole milk in a small saucepan until just about to boil.
  2. Stir in melted unsalted butter and let cool slightly.
  3. Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl.
  4. Mix in the egg, followed by the cooled milk and butter mixture.
Knead the Dough
  1. Gradually mix in the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
  2. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
  3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 60 minutes.
Prepare the Filling
  1. Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and very soft butter in a medium bowl.
Shape the Buns
  1. Punch down the dough and roll out into a rectangular shape.
  2. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the surface.
  3. Roll tightly from one long edge and cut into 12 pieces.
Second Rise
  1. Place rolls in the prepared baking dish, spiral side up.
  2. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) during the last 10 minutes of rising.
Bake
  1. Bake rolls for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden brown.
  2. Keep an eye on them for that perfect golden finish.
Prepare Butter Pecans
  1. Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in dark brown sugar, cinnamon, heavy cream, and salt until bubbling.
  3. Stir in the pecan halves and chopped pecans to coat.
Serve
  1. Pour warm butter pecan topping over the baked buns and let soak.
  2. Serve warm for a gooey treat perfect for any occasion.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bunCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ideal milk temperature for yeast activation is 115°F to 120°F. Use unflavored dental floss for clean cuts. Allow dough to rise fully for best texture. Toasted pecans enhance flavor. Make ahead by refrigerating rolled dough overnight.

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