Butter Pecan Cinnamon Buns Recipe – American Special
Butter pecan cinnamon buns are a decadent twist on the classic cinnamon roll, blending the rich, buttery flavor of pecans with the sweet, spiced essence of cinnamon. These indulgent pastries feature a soft, flaky dough rolled with a luscious filling of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, then topped with a gooey pecan glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat, butter pecan cinnamon buns offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that make them a comforting and irresistible choice for any occasion.
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time20 min
- Perform Time1 hr 30 min
- Total Time2 hr 10 min
For the Dough Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- For the Butter Pecan Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Prepare the Dough:
Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for about 5-10 minutes, until frothy.
Mix Dough Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans until well combined.
Shape the Buns:
Roll Out Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-pecan mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll and Slice: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 even pieces.
Second Rise: Place the sliced buns in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes, or until puffed.
Bake:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake Buns: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Glaze:
Cook Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans.
Finish and Serve:
Glaze Buns: Pour the warm butter pecan glaze over the baked buns while they are still warm.
Cool Slightly: Let the buns cool for a few minutes before serving.
