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Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes. 

 

Introduction

 

There’s something almost magical about waking up on a weekend morning to the smell of cinnamon, brown sugar, and freshly baked bread wafting through the house. For me, that smell means one thing: Pecan Cinnamon Buns Recipe.

It all started as a Sunday tradition. I’d wake up early, mix the dough while the house was still quiet, and by the time everyone else rolled out of bed, the kitchen was filled with the scent of sweet spices and warm, buttery rolls. My family would gather around, coffee mugs in hand, waiting impatiently as I drizzled the glaze and handed out still-warm buns straight from the pan.

Over time, Pecan Cinnamon Buns Recipe has become more than just a breakfast treat. It’s what I make when I want to spoil someone, when friends come over for brunch, or when the holidays roll around. The crunch of pecans, the gooey cinnamon filling, and the soft, fluffy dough—it’s the perfect comfort food. And today, I’m sharing it with you.

Do you want more recipes?

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What Are Pecan Cinnamon Buns?

 

Pecan Cinnamon Buns are a sweet, yeast-leavened pastry filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture and chopped pecans, then rolled, sliced, and baked to golden perfection. They’re often topped with a sticky glaze or cream cheese frosting, and the pecans add a delightful crunch that balances the soft texture of the bun.

While similar to sticky buns or cinnamon rolls, pecan cinnamon buns stand out for their rich nutty flavor and luxurious texture. Think of them as the love child between a cinnamon roll and a pecan pie—perfectly sweet, slightly sticky, and oh-so-satisfying.

Ingredients for Pecan Cinnamon Buns

 

This recipe makes about 12 buns, perfect for sharing (or hoarding—we won’t judge).

For the Dough

 

• 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• ½ tsp salt

• ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

• ¼ cup (60ml) warm water

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened

For the Cinnamon-Pecan Filling

 

• ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted

• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup (100g) chopped pecans

For the Glaze (Optional but Delicious)

 

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Extra chopped pecans

• Drizzle of maple syrup

• Cream cheese frosting

How to Prepare: Step-by-Step

 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

 

In a small bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. (This proves the yeast is active.)

In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg. Mix until the dough starts to come together.

Knead the dough:

• By hand: Knead on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes.

• With stand mixer: Use dough hook for 5–7 minutes on medium speed.

The dough should be smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 2: Let It Rise

 

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Make the Filling

 

While the dough is rising, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Set aside. Chop your pecans and set them aside too.

Step 4: Roll & Fill the Dough

 

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.

Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the surface. Sprinkle chopped pecans generously on top.

Step 5: Roll Up & Slice

 

Roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a log. Pinch the seam to seal.

Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal pieces.

Step 6: Second Rise

 

Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each. Cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 7: Bake

 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 8: Glaze & Serve

 

Let the buns cool for about 10 minutes, then drizzle with your prepared glaze or cream cheese frosting. Top with extra pecans if desired.

Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Pecan Cinnamon Buns

 

These buns are at their best fresh out of the oven, but they’re also great as a make-ahead treat. Here are a few serving ideas:

1. Classic Breakfast

 

Serve warm with butter and a hot cup of coffee or tea.

2. Holiday Brunch

 

Make them the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas morning.

3. Dessert

 

Top with ice cream, maple glaze, or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

4. On-the-Go

 

Wrap individual buns in foil or parchment for quick breakfasts throughout the week.

Variations

 

This recipe is flexible and easy to customize. Here are a few delicious variations:

1. Sticky Pecan Buns

 

Before adding the sliced rolls to the baking pan, coat the bottom with a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and pecans. Flip after baking for a gooey, caramelized finish.

2. Cream Cheese Filled

 

Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese on the dough before the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

3. Maple Glazed

 

Add 1–2 tbsp of maple syrup to your glaze for a more fall-inspired flavor.

4. Apple Pecan Buns

 

Add finely diced apples to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

5. Vegan Version

 

Use dairy-free butter, plant milk, and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) in place of the egg.

6. Mini Buns

 

Cut smaller slices and bake in a muffin tin for individual pecan cinnamon bun cups.

FAQs 

 

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

 

Yes! You can prepare the rolls, place them in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature for 30–60 minutes before baking.

2. Can I freeze them?

 

Absolutely. Freeze baked buns (unfrosted) for up to 3 months. Reheat and glaze when ready to serve.

3. How do I store leftovers?

 

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before eating.

4. Can I use instant yeast?

 

Yes. Skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients. Still allow for rise times.

5. What’s the difference between cinnamon rolls and sticky buns?

 

Sticky buns are baked with a sticky caramel-pecan glaze on the bottom of the pan, while cinnamon rolls usually have a cream cheese or powdered sugar glaze on top.

Final Thoughts

 

There’s something truly special about Pecan Cinnamon Buns Recipe. They require a bit of time and love, but the reward is more than worth it. From the first swirl of cinnamon filling to the final sprinkle of pecans, these buns are a celebration of flavor, texture, and comfort.

Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat, a holiday morning, or simply because you’re craving something warm and homemade, this recipe will not disappoint. It’s the kind of bake that brings people to the kitchen, that fills your home with joy, and that never lasts long on the plate.

So grab your apron, turn on your favorite playlist, and get ready to bake your way into pure pecan-cinnamon bliss.

Happy baking!

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