What is it about cinnamon rolls? In fact, what is it about pecan cinnamon rolls in particular?
They are classic comfort food when done right but so much of the time we eat them half stale, purchased from a market.
They do take a couple of hours to make but they are so delicious they are worth every minute. Yes, they are super high in calories and fat and carbs but you're not supposed to eat them every day. Save them for special times.
I almost hated to give the nutritional information because I figure that it will scare some of you off. Make them at least once - you'll never want any other kind of cinnamon roll again. The dough is rich and just sweet enough, buttery and soft. It's rolled around a thick, spicy filling of cinnamon, brown sugar, and pecans. Once they are baked and have a chance to cool a little you add the creamiest, tangy - sweet, gooey copycat Cinnabon icing you'll ever put in your mouth. Add it thick. In fact, you might want to double the icing recipe.
If the pecan cinnamon rolls have cooled all the way it's best to warm them up for about 15 seconds in the microwave before you serve them. Once everyone has started to eat there will be a hushed, almost holy, silence. This is the moment to ask for anything you want - the dishes done, the house painted...
Next time? Give them this honey bun twist bread!
Yep, they are that good - especially with a cup of Irish coffee!
I have so many recipes for cinnamon rolls but this is my favorite. It always makes people's eyes light up, the aroma in the kitchen is amazing, and I happen to think they are the best I have tasted. Try them for yourself. By the way... that is a large salad plate in the picture. These are huge. You can make them smaller and get 24 out of the recipe but somehow they are not as good that way.
By the way, if you love homemade sweet rolls you'll definitely want to try these cream cheese kolache!
Vanilla salt is a flaked sea salt with vanilla beans in it to give it a vanilla flavor. It is not essential but it does make a difference.
You might also like these easy cheese danish that are done in 20 minutes.
Humongous Pecan Cinnamon Rolls with Kicked-Up Cinnabon Icing
Print SaveIngredients
Dough
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm, (110F) water
- 4 large eggs brought to room temperature
- ¾ cup pure cane sugar
- 2 cups whole milk, , warmed to about 100F
- ½ cup unsalted butter, , melted and cooled
- ⅓ cup vital wheat gluten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla salt, (or Kosher salt)
- 7 ⅔ cup bread flour, ( you may need a little less or a little more)
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, , room temperature
- 2 cups pure cane brown sugar
- ¼ cup cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped pecans
- Pinch of vanilla salt, (or Kosher salt)
Icing
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 8 ounces unsalted butter
- Juice of ½ a fresh lemon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon vanilla salt
- 3 cups (more or less) powdered sugar
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Instructions
Dough
- Combine the yeast 1 teaspoon of the sugar and the water in the bowl of a stand mixer or Bosch and set aside for about 5 minutes.
- Combine the sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla.
- Beat the eggs and add to the milk mixture.
- Mix the salt and gluten with four cups of the flour.
- Add the milk mixture to the yeast and mix on low for just a few seconds.
- With the paddle attachment in place begin to add the flour and gluten mixture, beating on medium speed.
- Add as much of the remaining flour as you need to make a soft dough.
- Knead for about 7 minutes on medium speed.
- Turn the dough out and knead briefly. It should feel like your earlobe if you pinch it.
- Form the dough into a ball.
- Grease a bowl, add the ball of dough, and grease the top.
- Cover and put in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled (or more) in size.
- Gently deflate dough and roll into a 12-inch by 24-inch rectangle.
Filling
- Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Assembly
- Spread dough with the softened butter
- Sprinkle with a thick layer of cinnamon and sugar mixture.
- Add the pecans and gently press them down. Do not mash them into the dough!
- Roll the dough up like a jelly roll.
- Cut into 12 cinnamon rolls.
- Place on 2 well greased or silpat covered baking sheets. (wax paper sticks)
- Let rise for about 40 minutes until doubled in size.
- Bake at 350F for 15 minutes, or until done.
- Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes at least.
Icing
- Add the cream cheese, butter, lemon juice and vanilla to the bowl of your mixer.
- Beat on high until the mixture looks well blended.
- Turn mixer to low and slowly add the powdered sugar until the icing is soft and spreadable.
- Add a thick layer to the cinnamon rolls.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
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Judy P
Amazon doesn't have the gluten anymore and doesn't know if they ever will. Is it totally needed?
Marye
It makes them lighter but you can leave it out and use flour instead. Amazon has tons of gluten flour, though. Just do a search. https://amzn.to/3xtHQxd
Terry
Hi Marye - hate to bother you on the eve of your trip - lucky you! - but there's NO nutrition/lack of lol info for these rolls.
Would be great if you could add it.
If they're close to 1000kcal/roll I'll just cut 'em in half - & eat the halves 10 minutes or so apart, so I don't look like a total glutton lol
Thanks!
Marye
Hi Terry - there was a gitch in the card... they are actually a touch over 1k calories but they are salad plate sized - you could actually cut them in fourths.
Ginger
You mentioned in the Amish bread recipe cinnamon rolls could be made, do you have any recipe or could you tell me what to do, is it the same exact recipe up to first rise, after that what happens. Thank you, the bread was fantastic
Marye
You'd just make the Amish white bread dough and then follow these instructions for cinnamon rolls.
brenda
this recipe sounds amazing .
going to make.
can I leave the gluten out without messing up recipe.
TIA
Marye
As long as you're using regular all-purpose flour you'll be fine. The gluten makes them a little lighter.
Healing Tomato
For me, Cinnamon rolls always conjure up Saturday morning trips to the mall. They are very special treat for me and your recipe is beyond amazing.
Ali @ Home & Plate
These are the kinds of cinnamon rolls my father in law just absolutely loved. Could never find them like this. Thanks for this recipe. I know the boys in my house will love these.
Nutmeg Nanny
Nutritional information and cinnamon rolls just don't go hand in hand...haha. These look amazing and are the perfect holiday treat 🙂
Sherri Jo
I want these on Christmas morning. The look like the perfect holiday breakfast to me. Yum!
Wendy | Around My Family Table
Oh my yum!!!!! These are my kind of cinnamon rolls! I don't think they could be more perfect!
Marly
These cinnamon rolls look crazy good!!
Katrina
I just recently made some Cinnabon Cloned Cinnamon Rolls, but you've beat me here on size. My kids would love one of their own THIS big. I'll have to try this recipe next time I make some!
patsy
I'm drooling over these! They look incredible and like a perfect treat after the first few days of school!