Decadent Cinnamon Pecan Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Nutty Twist on a Classic

Indulge in the ultimate cinnamon rolls with a delightful pecan twist! These soft, buttery rolls are filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar-pecan mixture that melts into the dough as it bakes. The pecans add a delightful crunch, while the cinnamon and vanilla infuse the rolls with warm, comforting flavors. The crowning touch is a smooth, tangy cream cheese icing that perfectly balances the sweetness of the filling. Every bite is a delicious mix of soft dough, crunchy pecans, and creamy frosting, making these rolls irresistible for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: These cinnamon pecan rolls are a dream come true for anyone who loves the classic combination of cinnamon, sugar, and buttery dough but with a nutty upgrade. The pecans add a rich, earthy flavor and a bit of texture, while the buttery cinnamon filling keeps everything indulgent. The rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect straight from the oven, and the cream cheese icing gives them a luxurious, bakery-style finish. They’re not overly sweet, and the balance between the creamy, tangy frosting and the spiced filling makes them an unforgettable treat.

Perfect Occasion: These cinnamon pecan rolls are perfect for any weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or special family gathering. They’re also great for serving at cozy autumn or winter get-togethers, where the comforting flavors of cinnamon and nuts can truly shine. Whether you’re hosting a festive event or simply looking for a homemade treat to brighten your day, these rolls will leave everyone asking for more. Serve them warm with coffee or tea for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Decoration Tips: For a rustic yet inviting look, sprinkle some extra chopped pecans on top of the rolls right before serving. You could also drizzle an additional swirl of cream cheese icing on each roll for a more decadent presentation. To add a touch of elegance, dust the tops with a light coating of powdered sugar or add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. If you’re serving these at a festive occasion, consider adding edible gold leaf for a touch of luxury or garnishing with a few whole pecan halves to give the rolls a polished, bakery-style finish.

Ingredients for the Filling:

• 150g pecan nuts, chopped
• 150g softened butter
• 100g whole sugar (or brown sugar for deeper flavor)
• Vanilla extract, to taste
• 2g salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 50g whole cream

Method for the Filling:

1. Prepare the Filling: Start by chopping the pecan nuts into small, bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans with the whole sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir to distribute the cinnamon and sugar evenly.
2. Add the Cream and Butter: Pour the whole cream into the pecan mixture, followed by the softened butter. Use a spoon or spatula to thoroughly mix everything together until the butter is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Set the filling aside while you prepare the dough.

Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Spread the Filling on the Dough: Roll out your prepared dough into a large rectangle, ensuring it’s even in thickness. Spread the pecan and cinnamon filling generously over the dough, making sure to cover the entire surface right to the edges.
2. Roll and Cut: Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log, keeping the filling intact. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 6 equal-sized pieces.
3. Prepare for Baking: Place the cut rolls into a buttered mold or baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each roll for them to expand. Let the rolls rise in a warm spot until they’ve doubled in size. This could take around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the room temperature.
4. Add the Cream and Bake: Once the rolls have risen, pour 100g of liquid cream between the buns, allowing it to soak into the dough and create a luscious texture. Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.

Ingredients for the Icing:

• 150g cream cheese, at room temperature
• 60g butter, at room temperature
• 20g icing sugar
• 1 tbsp hot whole cream

Method for the Icing:

1. Whisk the Icing: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Using an electric mixer, whisk the two together at medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the icing sugar and continue to mix until fully incorporated.
2. Finish with Cream: Add the hot whole cream to the mixture and whisk again until the icing becomes light and fluffy. The texture should be smooth, and the icing should easily spread or drizzle over the rolls.

Final Assembly:

1. Ice the Rolls: Once the cinnamon pecan rolls are done baking, allow them to cool slightly before adding the icing. Use a spatula to spread the cream cheese icing over the tops of the warm rolls, letting it melt slightly into the crevices for extra flavor.
2. Serve: For the perfect presentation, serve the rolls warm with extra icing on the side for those who want an extra indulgent treat. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon, if desired.

Enjoy!