Description
Delicious homemade Apple and Pecan Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a soft, cinnamon-spiced dough filled with fresh diced apples and crunchy pecans. Baked to golden perfection and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup sugar (plus 1 teaspoon for yeast activation)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (plus extra for greasing)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup diced apples (peeled and chopped)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Frosting
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Mix warm milk with 1 teaspoon of sugar and the active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Create a well in the center and add the melted butter, eggs, and the frothy yeast mixture. Mix all ingredients together until a soft dough forms.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, chopped pecans, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Stir until the filling ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick. Evenly spread the apple and pecan filling over the rolled dough. Roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
- Slice and Proof: Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Add Frosting and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly after baking. Spread or drizzle cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls before serving for a luscious finish.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- The rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Warm the apple filling slightly if the apples seem too firm before spreading on the dough.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese frosting with vegan alternatives.
