There’s something almost magical about pulling a pan of freshly baked Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls out of the oven—the kind of baking moment that fills your kitchen with sweet, toasty aromas and immediately draws everyone to the table. These rolls are the stuff weekend breakfasts and cozy gatherings are made of: pillowy-soft dough swirled with sweet, fragrant cinnamon sugar and crunchy pecans, all topped with an unbelievably rich, nutty browned butter cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re treating your family, hosting a brunch, or simply want to make an ordinary morning extraordinary, this recipe will instantly become your new go-to comfort bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role—from the warmth of whole milk in the dough to those golden, toasty pecans scattered through the filling. Nothing here is fussy, but the interplay of textures and flavors is what makes Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls so irresistibly special.
- Whole Milk (1 cup, warmed to 110°F): Warm milk gives the dough its tender, pillowy structure and just the right amount of richness.
- Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps feed the yeast for the fluffiest rise.
- Active Dry Yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons/1 packet): The secret to those bakery-style soft, puffy rolls.
- Unsalted Butter (1/3 cup melted for dough, 1/2 cup softened for filling, 1/2 cup for frosting): Lends richness and, when browned, deep nutty flavor in the frosting.
- Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Add structure, moisture, and a golden hue to the rolls.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon in dough, pinch in frosting): Enhances every sweet note and cuts any potential cloying sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour (4 to 4 1/2 cups): Provides the soft, yielding crumb we crave in cinnamon rolls.
- Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Caramelizes beautifully with the cinnamon for that gooey-sweet roll filling.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Delivers warmth, spice, and the signature aroma of a great cinnamon roll.
- Chopped Pecans (1/2 cup): Add a toasty crunch that pairs perfectly with the filling and topping.
- Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened): The base of a classic, tangy frosting that balances the richness of browned butter.
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Whips up fluffy and light in the frosting, giving it that perfect spreadable texture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out all the flavors with a familiar, comforting sweetness.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons, as needed for frosting): Adjusts the consistency to make the frosting lush and smooth.
How to Make Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Bring Your Dough to Life
Making bakery-quality dough at home isn’t hard when you’ve got the right steps. Start by combining warmed whole milk and sugar in a large bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until you see a bubbly, foamy layer—that’s when you know your rolls will rise tall and proud.
Step 2: Mix, Knead, and Rise
Add your melted butter, room temperature eggs, and a pinch of salt to the yeast mixture, then gently mix in the flour one cup at a time. You’re aiming for a soft, slightly sticky dough that comes together into a smooth, elastic ball after 6 to 8 minutes of kneading. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about an hour in a warm cozy spot (an oven with the light on works wonders), until doubled in size.
Step 3: Make the Sweet Pecan Filling
Once the dough’s risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a big, inviting 16 by 12-inch rectangle. Spread on the softened butter for the filling, then sprinkle generously with a mix of packed brown sugar and cinnamon. Don’t forget those chopped pecans—they add the perfect crunch and a toasty, buttery flavor that makes every bite sing.
Step 4: Shape and Slice the Rolls
Starting at the long edge, roll up the dough tightly into a log, keeping the swirl even so you get gorgeous pinwheel layers in every roll. Use a sharp knife (or dental floss for super-clean cuts!) to slice the log into 12 even pieces. This is where the excitement builds—you’re nearly there!
Step 5: Rises & Bake Until Golden
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, nestling them close so they puff up beautifully. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, until they’re puffy and soft. While they rise, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown on the edges and just set in the center. As they bake, your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly.
Step 6: Whip Up the Browned Butter Frosting
This is the crowning glory! In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Let it bubble and pop, swirling or stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown with a toasty aroma—usually about 5–7 minutes—then let it cool a bit. Beat together the cream cheese and browned butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, the rest of the milk, and a pinch of salt. You want the frosting fluffy yet spreadable, ready to melt gorgeously over the warm rolls.
Step 7: Frost and Enjoy!
Once the Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are slightly cooled but still warm, generously slather each roll with that luscious browned butter frosting. Watch it swirl and melt into every crevice—the ultimate finish. Grab a roll, pour yourself a mug of coffee, and dig in while they’re still gooey and fresh.
How to Serve Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
A little extra flourish goes a long way. Try finishing your Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls with a handful of toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting for extra aroma and crunch. If you love a hint of maple, a drizzle of warm maple syrup is delightful, especially in cooler months.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine brightest at the center of your table, but a crunchy fruit salad or fresh berries make a refreshing side, balancing their richness. A big pot of hot coffee or chai is the ultimate pairing and turns breakfast or brunch into a memorable event.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the rolls individually on rustic wooden boards or stack them on a tiered cake stand to make a beautiful brunch centerpiece. You can also try making mini versions and serve them in cupcake liners—a fun twist for buffets or parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls (which is a true feat!), store them tightly covered at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for up to three days. The frosting will firm up in the fridge, but the flavor remains rich and satisfying.
Freezing
Want to make mornings easier? You can freeze the unfrosted baked rolls, individually wrapped or in a freezer-safe container, for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge and frost just before serving for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-baked feel, warm leftover rolls in the microwave for 10–20 seconds or reheat in a low oven (around 300°F, covered with foil) for 10–15 minutes. If the frosting gets a little soft, just swirl it back on top before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I make Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls the night before?
Absolutely! Shape the rolls and place them in the baking dish, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature and finish rising before baking. This makes morning baking easy and stress-free!
What’s the best way to brown butter for the frosting?
Simply melt the butter over medium heat, allowing it to bubble and turn golden brown, swirling occasionally for even browning. It’s ready when it smells super nutty and little browned bits form at the bottom. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Sure! Walnuts or hazelnuts are deliciously toasty alternatives in these rolls, though pecans add a uniquely rich, buttery flavor that pairs especially well with the frosting.
Do I need a stand mixer to make the dough?
Nope! While a stand mixer makes kneading a breeze, you can mix and knead the dough completely by hand. Just work the dough on a floured surface, kneading until it’s smooth and elastic—the results will be every bit as delicious.
Can I add anything to the frosting for a flavor twist?
Try stirring a tablespoon of maple syrup or a dash of ground cinnamon into the frosting for a hint of fall coziness. The browned butter base is deliciously versatile and takes well to a touch of flavor customization.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like sharing a pan of Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls, warm, gooey, and fresh from your own oven. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a sleepover, or a quiet weekend treat, this recipe will earn you rave reviews. Don’t wait for a special occasion—gather your ingredients and dive into a batch of cinnamon roll magic today!
Print
Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Browned Butter Frosted Pecan Cinnamon Rolls for a delightful breakfast treat. Soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with a sweet pecan mixture and topped with a rich browned butter frosting.
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
- Dough Preparation: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit until foamy. Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Rolling and Filling: Roll out dough, spread butter, sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, and pecans. Roll into a log, slice into rolls, place in a baking dish, and let rise.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls until golden brown.
- Frosting: Make browned butter frosting by melting butter until golden, then mix with cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and milk. Frost warm rolls.
Notes
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight.
- Toast pecans for extra flavor.
- Add maple syrup to frosting for a fall twist.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
