Ultimate Pecan Pie Rolls: A Sweet Twist on a Classic

Imagine the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls beautifully combined with the rich, nutty goodness of pecan pie. These Pecan Pie Rolls are an irresistible blend, creating a truly decadent treat. Their inviting aroma fills your kitchen, promising a delightful flavor experience.

Perfect for holidays or a special weekend brunch, this recipe makes creating these festive and indulgent rolls surprisingly easy for any home baker.

Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Rolls

• Unique Flavor Fusion: Enjoy the perfect marriage of a classic cinnamon roll and a beloved pecan pie.
• Holiday Favorite: These make a stunning and delicious addition to any festive gathering or special occasion.
• Incredibly Soft Dough: Learn to create a tender, fluffy dough that tastes truly homemade.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare them the night before for a stress-free morning indulgence.
• Versatile Sweet Treat: Savor them plain, or add a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for extra delight.

Ingredients for Perfect Pecan Pie Rolls

Crafting these delightful Pecan Pie Rolls requires a few common baking staples. You’ll need ingredients for the soft dough, the sticky-sweet pecan filling, and a rich butter spread. Each component plays a crucial role in the final flavor and texture.

Notes & Substitutions

• Yeast: Use active dry yeast. If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and add it directly to the flour. To understand more about how these yeasts work differently in baking, explore the distinction between active dry and instant yeast.
• Milk: Whole milk creates a richer, more tender dough. You can use 2% milk, but avoid skim for optimal texture.
• Butter: Always use unsalted butter. This gives you control over the overall saltiness in the recipe. Ensure it’s softened or melted as directed.
• Pecans: For an enhanced depth of flavor, lightly toast your chopped pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the filling. This technique, highlighted in culinary resources, can significantly improve the flavor and texture of nuts in baked goods.
• Corn Syrup: Light corn syrup is specified and recommended for its clear color and delicate sweetness. Dark corn syrup can be used but will yield a richer, molasses-like flavor and darker color.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal for these rolls, providing the right balance of structure and tenderness.

Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 packet instant active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
• 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour

Pecan Filling Ingredients

• ¼ cup light corn syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Butter Spread

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

Equipment Needed

Gathering your tools before you start makes baking smoother. You’ll need a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for easy kneading. Prepare large mixing bowls for the dough to rise comfortably. A rolling pin helps you achieve the perfect dough rectangle. A 9×13 inch baking dish or a 10-inch round pie dish works well for baking. Don’t forget your measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a sharp knife or dental floss for slicing the rolls.

How to Make Pecan Pie Rolls (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Making these irresistible Pecan Pie Rolls is a rewarding experience. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result.

Preparing the Dough

1. Spray a 10-inch round glass pie dish with cooking spray.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the warm milk, yeast, and sugar until combined. Cover the bowl and leave the mixture to rest for 5 minutes.
3. The mixture should appear foamy, indicating the yeast is active. This process is called ‘proofing.’
4. Add the melted butter and egg to the foamy yeast mixture and whisk to combine thoroughly.
5. Slowly add in the salt and all-purpose flour. Use the dough hook attachment to mix and knead the dough for 3 minutes. The dough should be slightly sticky.
6. Transfer the kneaded dough to a well-oiled large bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until it has at least doubled in size.

Crafting the Pecan Filling

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until completely combined.
2. Add the chopped pecans to the corn syrup mixture and stir to coat them evenly. Set this wet pecan mixture aside.
3. In a separate small bowl, mix together the dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon until they are well combined. Set this dry cinnamon sugar mixture aside.

Assembling the Rolls

1. Lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out the risen dough onto this surface, forming a rectangle approximately 9×13 inches in size.
2. Spread the ½ cup softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a ¼ inch border clear around all the edges.
3. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the buttered dough.
4. Using a spoon, dollop bits of the wet pecan pie mixture over the cinnamon-sugar layer. Distribute it as evenly as possible and lightly press it into the filling with the back of the spoon.
5. Starting from one of the long sides, roll up the dough tightly. Finish with the seam side down and pinch the edges together securely to seal the roll.
6. Using plain, unflavored dental floss or a very sharp knife, slice the dough log into 9 equal pieces. Trim off any uneven edges from both ends of the log if they don’t have enough filling.
7. Arrange the dough slices in a single layer into your prepared pie dish, spacing them evenly apart. Cover the dish with a clean cloth and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for another 30 minutes.

Baking the Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the assembled Pecan Pie Rolls, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes. They are ready when they turn beautifully golden brown on top and feel set.
3. Cool the rolls slightly in the dish before serving. Enjoy them warm, either as is or topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Overnight Prep: For convenience, prepare the dough and assemble the Pecan Pie Rolls the night before. Cover the assembled rolls tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before their second rise and baking in the morning.
• Warm Rising Spot: A draft-free, warm environment is key for yeast activation. Try placing the bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window.
• Avoid Over-flouring: Use just enough flour to prevent sticking when rolling the dough. Too much flour makes the rolls tough. The dough should remain slightly tacky.
• Clean Slicing: Dental floss creates perfectly clean cuts without flattening the rolls. Slide it under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice.
• Prevent Dryness: Watch your rolls closely. Overbaking leads to dry rolls. Bake until golden brown, but no longer.
• Perfect Glaze: If using, apply cream cheese frosting while the pecan rolls are still warm, allowing it to melt slightly and seep into the nooks and crannies.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

These Pecan Pie Rolls are a versatile treat you can enjoy in many ways. They store well, too, making them perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy these delectable rolls warm, either plain to savor the distinct flavors or with a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting.
• Pair a warm roll with a fresh cup of coffee or a comforting mug of tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack.
• Serve them as the star centerpiece of your next brunch spread, alongside fresh fruit and other breakfast favorites.

Storage Instructions

• Store leftover Pecan Pie Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days.
• Refrigerating the rolls will extend their freshness for a few extra days, up to a week.
• Freeze baked rolls: Once completely cooled, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm gently before serving.
• Freeze unbaked rolls: After the second rise, flash freeze the rolls on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place frozen rolls in the prepared dish, thaw overnight in the fridge, then let rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours before baking as directed.

Delicious Variations

• Caramel Pecan Rolls: Drizzle a warm caramel sauce over the rolls immediately after baking for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Other Nuts: Experiment by substituting walnuts, chopped almonds, or a mixed nut blend for the pecans.
• Extra Spices: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a touch of allspice to the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Find a simple recipe for cream cheese frosting online or in your favorite cookbook to complete these festive rolls.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of these sweet Pecan Pie Rolls. Please remember that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation. Actual values may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

These Ultimate Pecan Pie Rolls truly offer a delightful twist on a classic, bringing together the best of two beloved desserts. From their soft, tender dough to the rich, sticky pecan filling, every bite is pure comfort. This recipe is perfect for beginners and busy parents, proving that homemade indulgence can also be simple and time-saving.

We encourage you to try making these unique and unforgettable rolls for your next special occasion or simply to brighten a weekend morning. Share your experiences and photos with us; we love seeing your delicious creations!

Jake

Pecan Pie Rolls

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Imagine cinnamon rolls merged with pecan pie – these Pecan Pie Rolls are soft, gooey, nutty, and perfect for holidays or weekend brunches.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 28 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 58 minutes mins

Servings: 9 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2.25 tsp instant active dry yeast
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 4 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup light corn syrup
• 1 large egg (for filling)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 0.5 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened

Equipment

• stand mixer with dough hook
• Large Mixing Bowls
• Rolling Pin
• 10-inch round pie dish
• measuring cups and spoons
• sharp knife or dental floss

Method

 

1. Spray a 10-inch pie dish with cooking spray. In a stand mixer bowl, whisk warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add melted butter and egg. Mix, then slowly add salt and flour. Knead with dough hook for 3 minutes until slightly sticky.
3. Transfer dough to oiled bowl, cover with damp towel, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
4. For the filling, whisk corn syrup, egg, and vanilla. Stir in pecans. In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
5. On floured surface, roll dough into 9×13 rectangle. Spread with softened butter. Sprinkle brown sugar mix. Dollop pecan mix and press lightly.
6. Roll tightly from long side. Seal seam. Slice into 9 pieces using dental floss or sharp knife.
7. Place rolls in pie dish. Cover and let rise 30 minutes in a warm place.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden. Cool slightly and serve warm, optionally with cream cheese frosting.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 10gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 170mgFiber: 3gSugar: 25g

Notes

• If using instant yeast, you can skip proofing.
• For richer dough, use whole milk.
• Toasting pecans enhances flavor.
• Dark corn syrup gives a more molasses-like flavor.

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