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Cozy Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Pecans

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Soft, pillowy rolls filled with caramelized apples, fragrant cinnamon, and crunchy pecans, topped with a creamy glaze—perfect for cozy mornings or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/4 cups (390 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) warm water
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped pecans
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 23 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and egg. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes) until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
  3. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon, cooking until the apples soften and the mixture thickens (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
  4. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle (approximately 12×18 inches). Spread the apple-cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
  5. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long side. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
  6. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover and let them rise for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls before serving.

Notes

Allow the dough to rise properly for fluffy rolls. Use fresh apples and pecans for the best flavor. Prep the rolls the night before and refrigerate them for convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: Apple Cinnamon Rolls, Pecans, Fall Dessert, Holiday Brunch, Cinnamon Rolls Recipe