If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate indulgence that combines the rich nuttiness of toasted pecans with the warm, comforting swirl of cinnamon, you have found the perfect delight. This Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe takes classic cinnamon rolls to a whole new level, thanks to a luscious browned butter frosting that brings a deep, caramel-like flavor that simply melts in your mouth. Imagine waking up to soft, pillowy rolls with a deliciously gooey filling, crowned with a frosting so rich and nutty it will have you hooked from the very first bite. It’s everything you want in a breakfast treat or an anytime sweet pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in building the irresistible texture, flavor, and aroma of your Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. From the tangy cream cheese in the frosting to the toasty pecans in the filling, every element harmonizes beautifully.
- Whole milk, warmed to 110°F: Perfectly warmed milk activates the yeast for a light, fluffy dough.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and feeds the yeast for a perfect rise.
- Active dry yeast: The magic behind that beautiful dough puffiness and softness.
- Unsalted butter, melted and softened: Adds richness and moistness to the dough and filling.
- Large eggs, room temperature: Bind and tenderize the dough, giving it structure.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base of the dough, just enough to keep it soft but elastic.
- Light brown sugar, packed: Combines with cinnamon to create a sticky, caramelized filling that’s heavenly.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that builds that signature warm and spicy note.
- Chopped pecans: Adds crunch and a toasted nuttiness that complements the browned butter.
- Cream cheese: Provides tangy creaminess for the decadent frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting for a luscious finish.
- Vanilla extract: Brings depth and warmth to the frosting’s flavor profile.
- Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency to spreadable perfection.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting for a complex taste.
How to Make Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Mix the Dough
Start by combining warm milk and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Sprinkle your yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until you see a foamy surface – this little bubble magic means your yeast is alive and eager. Next, add melted butter, eggs, and salt, stirring them in gently. Gradually incorporate the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. This sets the stage for your rolls to be tender and light.
Step 2: Knead and Rise Your Dough
Transfer your dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 6 to 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back gently to the touch. Pop it into a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and place it somewhere warm. Let it rise until it has doubled in size—usually about an hour. This patiently resting dough will reward you with the perfect texture.
Step 3: Prepare Your Filling and Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, punch down the dough and roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Slather the softened butter evenly across the dough—it’s the glue that will hold all that brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans in place. Sprinkle on your dry ingredients and chopped pecans with love, making sure every corner has just enough sweetness and crunch.
Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Let Rise Again
Starting on the long edge, roll your dough tightly into a neat log. Using a sharp knife, slice it into 12 even rolls that are almost too pretty to eat. Arrange these in a greased 9×13-inch pan, cover, and let rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until they’re puffed and ready to bake. This second rise ensures that soft, fluffy texture you can’t resist.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake those cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on top and are cooked all the way through. The aroma of cinnamon and buttery goodness filling your kitchen is just the beginning.
Step 6: Make the Browned Butter Frosting and Frost
To make the signature frosting of this Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Watch closely as it bubbles and foams, then transforms into a golden brown with a rich nutty aroma—about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Combine the browned butter with cream cheese until smooth, then sift in powdered sugar, vanilla, a pinch of salt, and enough milk to reach a smooth and spreadable consistency. Frost the warm rolls generously and get ready for pure bliss.
How to Serve Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While these rolls are stunning on their own, a little extra flair never hurts. Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top of the frosting for added texture and crunch. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup elevates the presentation and deepens the flavor experience.
Side Dishes
Pair these cinnamon rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea to complement the rich, nutty sweetness. Fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or orange wedges, adds a bright acidity that balances the richness beautifully, making your breakfast or brunch spread feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rolls straight from the pan for a cozy family feel, or plate them individually with a small dollop of extra frosting and a pecan half on top for a gift-worthy presentation. For a party, try stacking them on a tiered tray with powdered sugar dusted over the top. Your guests will be wowed by both looks and taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They remain soft and delicious, just as if freshly baked.
Freezing
These cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. After shaping, you can freeze the unbaked rolls wrapped tightly. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the fridge, let rise to room temperature, then bake as usual. For baked rolls, wrap each one individually and freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
Reheat rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. This briefly brings them back to that soft, warm, freshly-baked sensation that makes these rolls irresistible any day.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. Toast them beforehand to bring out their flavor just like pecans, and you’ll still get that lovely crunch and nuttiness in your rolls.
What’s the secret to perfect browned butter frosting?
Patience and attention! Keep the butter on medium heat and stir frequently so it doesn’t burn. Once it turns golden with a nutty fragrance, remove it immediately to cool slightly before mixing into the cream cheese for that perfect depth of flavor.
Can these rolls be made gluten-free?
Yes, if you use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder. The texture may vary slightly, but the browned butter frosting and pecan filling will remain delicious.
Is it okay to make this recipe vegan?
You can adapt the recipe with plant-based milk, non-dairy butter, and a vegan cream cheese alternative. The yeast dough might behave slightly differently but will still be tasty, and the frosting keeps that lush brown butter flavor when you use vegan butter.
How long do the cinnamon rolls keep fresh after baking?
Freshly baked and properly stored, these rolls will stay soft and tasty for up to two days at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet, as it preserves the flavor and texture well.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the way this Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe comes together—from the tender layers of dough to the sweet, cinnamon-spiced pecan filling and that heavenly browned butter frosting. It’s comfort food with a little extra love baked right in. I encourage you to dive in, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself (and those you love) to this irresistible recipe—it just might become your go-to for mornings that need a bit of sweetness and warmth.
Print
Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar and pecan filling. Topped with a luscious browned butter cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect indulgent breakfast or treat. The dough is enriched with eggs and butter, and the frosting adds a nutty depth that elevates these classic rolls to a gourmet level.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Browned Butter Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast evenly over the top. Let this mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is alive and active.
- Make the Dough: Add the melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling and Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon evenly on top, and then scatter the chopped pecans over the filling. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log and slice it into 12 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, until they become puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Make the Browned Butter Frosting: While the rolls are baking or cooling, melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, beat the browned butter with softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and milk as needed, and mix until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost and Serve: Once the rolls have cooled slightly but are still warm, spread the browned butter frosting evenly over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- These cinnamon rolls can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight after shaping. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.
- Toast the pecans beforehand to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- For a seasonal twist, add a touch of maple syrup to the frosting for extra depth.
