Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Sugar Pecan Filling and Maple Glaze

Delicious cinnamon rolls filled with a rich brown sugar and pecan filling, topped with a sweet maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat!

Cook time: 65 minutes

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 0.75 cup warm milk 110°F/43°C
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 2.25 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 2.75 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup melted butter unsalted
• 1 egg room temperature
• 0 flour for dusting
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 cup pecans chopped, optional
• 0 flour for dusting
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 tablespoon milk
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0 pecans optional, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. In a bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until you have a smooth paste. If using, stir in the chopped pecans for a crunchy texture.
7. After the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12x16 inches.
8. Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
9. Cut the log into 12 even pieces (you can use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for clean cuts).
10. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving space between them to rise. Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes.
11. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
12. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
13. Drizzle the maple glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls. For an extra creative touch, sprinkle with additional chopped pecans if you like. Serve warm and enjoy!