Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for the coziest, most irresistible breakfast or brunch treat, let me introduce you to Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls. Pillowy soft and packed with a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl and a crunch of toasted pecans, these rolls are finished with a luscious browned butter frosting that’s almost too good to be true. Whether you’re sharing them on a lazy weekend morning or making a special holiday brunch, this recipe will fill your kitchen with the kind of sweet, comforting aroma that instantly makes everyone feel at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls comes from simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have at home. Each one plays a starring role in creating the perfect harmony of fluffiness, rich flavor, and delightful texture in every bite.
- Warm Milk (1 cup, 110°F): The perfect temperature to activate yeast and ensure a soft, tender dough with just the right rise.
- Active Dry Yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): This brings your dough to life, creating those heavenly airy layers you crave in a cinnamon roll.
- Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps feed the yeast for a beautiful rise.
- Unsalted Butter (1/3 cup melted for dough, 1/2 cup softened for filling, 1/2 cup for frosting): Adds richness, flavor, and unbeatable tenderness to both dough and frosting.
- Eggs (2 large): Help bind the dough and make it extra plush and golden.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Just a little to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour (4 cups plus more for dusting): The backbone of the rolls, creating just the right chew without being dense.
- Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, for filling): Caramelizes in the oven for sweet, gooey pockets inside every roll.
- Ground Cinnamon (2 tablespoons): Fragrant and warming, it’s the heart of any classic cinnamon roll.
- Chopped Pecans (1 cup): Their crunch and toasty flavor bring a Southern flair and lovely texture to each bite.
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups, for frosting): Essential for making the frosting smooth and delightfully sweet.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon, for frosting): Rounds out the flavors with a warm, cozy aroma.
- Milk (3–4 tablespoons, for frosting): Adjusts the frosting’s texture to be just right for drizzling or spreading.
How to Make Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Start by pouring the warm milk into the bowl of your stand mixer. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when things look foamy and bubbly—a sure sign the yeast is awake and ready to work its magic. Stir in the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt, then add 3 cups of flour. Mix everything together on low speed, gradually adding the rest of the flour until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead and Let Rise
Now it’s time for your dough to get smooth and springy. Swap to a dough hook (if you have one) and let your mixer knead the dough for 5 to 6 minutes, or knead by hand until the dough feels supple and elastic. Pop the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm place. Give it some time—about 1 to 1.5 hours—to double in size, where it’ll become puffed and beautifully pillowy.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
While your dough rises and fills your kitchen with anticipation, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. You’re creating the sweet, spiced spread that will soon become the signature swirl in your Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls. The filling should be soft and easy to spread, so don’t be afraid to let your butter come fully to room temperature.
Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Sprinkle
Turn the risen dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a generous 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread your cinnamon-sugar filling from edge to edge—don’t be shy! Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top; for an extra flavor boost, you can even toast them beforehand. Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log, and slice into 12 even pieces (a little dental floss works wonders for this step!).
Step 5: Second Rise
Place your swirly masterpieces cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover once again and let them rest for 30 to 45 minutes, until they look delightfully puffy. This second rise is key for achieving the iconic soft texture that makes these rolls irresistible.
Step 6: Bake
Set your oven to 350°F and let it preheat while the rolls finish rising. Bake your Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls for 25 to 28 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden on top and cooked through. If you love gooey rolls, pour a half-cup of heavy cream over them just before baking—this little trick makes each bite extra decadent and moist!
Step 7: Make the Browned Butter Frosting
While the rolls are baking, get started on the star of the show: browned butter frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and let it cook, swirling or stirring, until it turns golden and smells nutty. Cool it slightly, then whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until the frosting is smooth and pourable. This frosting has a depth of flavor that sets these rolls apart from any you’ve had before.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
As soon as your rolls emerge warm from the oven, spread the browned butter frosting over the top, letting it melt into every crack and swirl. Serve while they’re still melty and fragrant, and watch them disappear faster than you can say Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls!
How to Serve Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls, a handful of extra toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon takes things to another level. If you’re feeling fancy, try a drizzle of extra frosting, or even a pinch of flaky sea salt for contrast. These little touches make them just as beautiful to serve as they are delicious to eat.
Side Dishes
Serve these cinnamon rolls alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a crisp fruit salad to balance the sweetness. For brunch, a platter of scrambled eggs or a simple quiche pairs perfectly. And of course, a fresh pot of coffee or a glass of cold milk is a must to round out the experience!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting brunch, arrange your Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls on a cake stand or rustic wooden board for maximum wow factor. Try placing each roll in a tulip-style cupcake wrapper for single-serve elegance. For a holiday gathering, line them up in a wreath shape—the effect is festive and absolutely irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftover rolls fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer enjoyment, pop them into the fridge, though make sure to let them come to room temperature or give them a quick reheat before serving for best texture.
Freezing
Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are freezer-friendly! Just wrap completely cooled rolls (either frosted or unfrosted) tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or let sit at room temperature before reheating. You can also freeze the unbaked, cut rolls on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a bag and bake from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive leftover cinnamon rolls, warm them individually in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, or cover loosely with foil and heat in a low oven (around 300°F) until just heated through. The frosting softens and the rolls regain that fresh-from-the-oven magic!
FAQs
Can I make Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the rolls through the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30–45 minutes before baking as directed. Fresh, hot cinnamon rolls at brunch with zero stress!
Do I have to use pecans, or can I swap them out?
You can absolutely customize the filling. Walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of seeds are wonderful alternatives. Or, simply leave the nuts out entirely for a classic, nut-free cinnamon roll experience.
What’s the secret to really soft cinnamon rolls?
The secret is twofold: letting the dough rise until truly doubled, and using room temperature ingredients. Don’t rush the process—good things come to those who wait, and your patience will be rewarded with ultra-soft rolls.
Is the browned butter frosting difficult to make?
Not at all! Browning butter just takes a bit of attention. Cook it on medium heat and keep an eye on the color and aroma—it will go from golden and fragrant to browned in just a few minutes, and brings a toasty depth that really elevates the frosting.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! You can double everything and use two baking dishes or a larger sheet pan. The rolls may need a little extra baking time, so keep an eye on them in the oven to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your brunch guests or just treat yourself on a cozy morning, you honestly can’t go wrong with Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls. They’re the kind of treat that makes memories, so go ahead—gather your ingredients and let the magic (and amazing aroma) begin!
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Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 53 minutes plus rising time
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of these Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls, perfect for a decadent breakfast or sweet treat. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a cinnamon-sugar-pecan mixture and topped with a luscious browned butter frosting.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the browned butter frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a stand mixer, combine warm milk and yeast. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and 3 cups flour. Mix and add remaining flour. Knead until smooth. Let rise.
- Filling and Rolling: Mix butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Roll out dough, spread filling, sprinkle pecans. Roll up, slice, place in dish, and let rise.
- Baking: Preheat oven. Bake rolls until golden brown.
- Browned Butter Frosting: Melt butter until golden, then mix with powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- For extra gooey rolls, pour 1/2 cup heavy cream over the rolls before baking.
- To enhance pecan flavor, toast them before adding to the filling.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes plus rising time
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
