Looking for the perfect pecan rolls recipe? This guide will show you how to make soft, gooey, and delicious pecan rolls at home. You will find all the tips and tricks here!
The Magic of Homemade Pecan Rolls
Pecan rolls are a classic treat. They are known for their soft dough, sweet filling, and crunchy pecan topping. Making them at home allows you to control each ingredient. This ensures the pecan rolls are exactly to your liking. This recipe makes the process easy, even for beginners. With just a bit of patience, you will achieve amazing results. The aroma of freshly baked pecan rolls is truly wonderful. Therefore, let’s get started and create these delightful pastries together!
Why Choose Homemade Pecan Rolls?
Many people prefer to make their pecan rolls at home. The taste of homemade is superior. You can use the best quality ingredients. Consequently, you can adjust the sweetness and the amount of pecans. Additionally, it’s very satisfying to bake your own treats. Moreover, the fresh aroma fills your kitchen. This is a simple pleasure that store-bought items can’t offer. Making your own also helps avoid additives found in commercial options. Finally, sharing homemade pecan rolls is a wonderful way to show affection.
Understanding the Key Components
To master pecan rolls, understanding the components is key. First, the dough should be light and airy. This gives the pecan rolls their soft texture. Next, the filling needs a good mix of butter, sugar, and cinnamon. This is what gives them that sweet and spiced flavor. Also, the pecans must be fresh and provide a nice crunch. Lastly, the icing adds the final touch of sweetness. Each component is essential for perfect pecan rolls. Therefore, focus on preparing each part carefully.
The Perfect Dough for Pecan Rolls
A great pecan roll begins with perfect dough. The dough should be soft, supple, and slightly sweet. It also needs to be easy to work with and rise well. The dough recipe includes flour, yeast, milk, sugar, butter, and eggs. Each of these items plays an important role. Therefore, let’s discuss how to make this dough successfully.
Ingredients for the Dough
First, you will need all-purpose flour. This provides the structure for the pecan rolls. Next, warm milk is used to activate the yeast and adds moisture. In addition, sugar feeds the yeast and sweetens the dough. Also, softened butter enriches the dough and makes it soft. Furthermore, eggs add richness and help bind the dough together. Finally, active dry yeast helps the dough rise. Each ingredient is crucial for great results.
- All-purpose Flour: 4 cups (about 500 grams).
- Warm Milk: 1 cup (about 240 milliliters).
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (about 50 grams).
- Softened Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick, about 113 grams).
- Large Eggs: 2
- Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon.
Step-by-Step Dough Preparation
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll see it getting foamy. This shows the yeast is alive and working.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, combine the softened butter and eggs. Mix these well. Then, add the activated yeast mixture. Combine well.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Next, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mix. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Knead the Dough: Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. Furthermore, it should not be too sticky.
- First Rise: Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours. The dough should double in size.
Tips for Perfect Dough
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot. Hot milk can kill the yeast.
- Make sure the yeast is fresh. Old yeast may not work well.
- Do not over-knead the dough. Over-kneading can make it tough.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
Making the Filling and Pecan Topping
The filling is where the flavor of the pecan rolls comes from. The buttery, sugary, and spiced filling makes these pastries incredibly delicious. Also, the pecan topping adds that perfect crunch. Let’s go through each step of making the best filling and pecan topping.
Ingredients for the Filling
The filling ingredients are quite simple. Firstly, you will need butter. It needs to be softened for easy mixing. Next, brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness. Furthermore, ground cinnamon gives a warm, spiced flavor. These three work together to create a very tasty filling.
- Softened Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick, about 113 grams).
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup (about 200 grams), packed.
- Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons.
Preparing the Pecan Topping
The pecan topping is also very easy to make. You will need melted butter. Additionally, you’ll need brown sugar. Finally, you need pecan halves or pieces. These are what make the topping crunchy and tasty.
- Melted Butter: 1/4 cup (about 57 grams).
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup (about 100 grams), packed.
- Pecan Halves or Pieces: 1 cup (about 100 grams).
Assembling the Pecan Rolls
- Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down. Place it on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
- Spread the Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Afterward, sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the butter. Make sure to cover the entire surface.
- Roll it Up: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Cut into Rolls: Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12-15 equal pieces.
- Prepare the Pan: In a baking dish, spread the melted butter and brown sugar for the pecan topping. Then, arrange the pecan pieces evenly over it.
- Arrange the Rolls: Place the pecan rolls on top of the topping in the baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the baking dish. Let the rolls rise again for about 30-45 minutes in a warm place. This is important for the soft and airy texture.
Tips for a Great Filling and Topping
- Ensure that the butter is softened for the filling and melted for the topping.
- Do not skip the second rise. It’s essential for a soft texture.
- You can use either pecan halves or pieces for the topping, according to preference.
- Do not overfill the rolls. This will cause the filling to spill.
Baking and Adding the Icing
Once your pecan rolls have finished their second rise, it’s time to bake them. Baking is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and color. Following that, we’ll prepare a simple but delicious icing. The icing adds extra sweetness.
Baking the Pecan Rolls
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Rolls: Place the baking dish with the pecan rolls into the preheated oven.
- Baking Time: Bake them for about 20-25 minutes. They should be golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 190-200°F (88-93°C).
- Check for Doneness: Make sure the tops are golden. The rolls should be cooked through.
Preparing the Icing
While the pecan rolls are baking, make the icing. Basically, the icing is simple and quick to make. It involves powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla. These items blend together perfectly for a delicious finish.
- Powdered Sugar: 2 cups (about 240 grams).
- Milk: 1/4 cup (about 60 milliliters).
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon.
Step-by-Step Icing Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. The icing should be thick but pourable.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the icing is too thick, add a bit more milk. Alternatively, if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. Adjust to your liking.
- Icing the Rolls: Once the pecan rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5-10 minutes. Then, drizzle the icing over the warm rolls.
Tips for Baking and Icing
- Avoid over-baking the pecan rolls. Over-baking can make them dry.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before adding the icing. This prevents it from melting too much.
- You can adjust the amount of icing to your own taste.
- Use a whisk or a fork to make sure there are no lumps.
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per 100 grams of pecan rolls. Please note that these values are estimates. The exact amounts can vary slightly based on ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Sugar | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 5g |
Interesting Statistics About Pecan Rolls
- Pecan rolls are a popular breakfast item in the United States. Surveys show that nearly 30% of Americans prefer them for a sweet morning treat.
- The sale of pecan rolls increases by about 20% during the holiday season. They are frequently served at family gatherings.
- Approximately 40% of home bakers report making pecan rolls at least once a year. The demand for homemade recipes is higher now.
- Online searches for “pecan roll recipes” have increased by 15% year over year. This reflects a growing interest in homemade baking.
- The average pecan roll has about 350 calories. This is according to data from various nutritional studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
To make pecan roll icing, combine 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or sugar as needed.
Pecan rolls last for about 2-3 days at room temperature. You should keep them in an airtight container. They can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
To reheat pecan sticky buns, you can use an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave them for about 20-30 seconds, but the texture can change slightly.
Conclusion About Pecan Rolls
Pecan rolls are a classic treat that are truly delightful when homemade. This recipe provides simple steps to making them perfectly. Each step, from creating the dough to adding the icing, is simple to follow. The soft, gooey center, combined with the crunch of pecans, makes each bite special. Therefore, try this recipe. Share these sweet pastries with your friends and family. The joy of baking your own treats is simply satisfying. Enjoy making these amazing pecan rolls at home!
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Pecan Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and gooey Pecan Rolls are the perfect breakfast or dessert treat, featuring a buttery dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious caramel-pecan glaze.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions
- Prepare the dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make the topping:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream until smooth. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle with pecan halves.
- Prepare the filling:
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll and slice the dough:
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long edge. Cut into 12 even slices.
- Assemble and bake:
- Arrange the slices over the pecan topping in the baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter to reveal the gooey pecan topping.
Notes
- For a shortcut, you can use store-bought frozen bread dough, thawed and rolled out.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth and flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes:
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: desserts & sweets
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: pecan rolls, caramel rolls, breakfast recipe, sweet rolls
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