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Pecan Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 58 reviews

These Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent twist on the classic treat, featuring a rich cocoa and cinnamon filling, studded with semisweet chocolate chips and toasted pecans. Soft, fluffy rolls are topped with a luscious chocolate ganache, making them a perfect indulgence for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (plus 1 tsp more)
  • 2 packets Active Dry Yeast (Ensure freshness)
  • 4 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour (Gluten-free flour can be used)
  • 2/3 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Avoid sweeter cocoa)
  • 1 Tbsp Instant Coffee Granules (Omit for caffeine-free)
  • 2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 Large Egg (Substitute with flax egg for vegan)
  • 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract (Imitation vanilla can be substituted)
  • 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (Use vegan butter for dairy-free)

Filling

  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon (Pumpkin spice can be used)
  • 2/3 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (included in filling mixture)

Additional Filling Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips (Can swap for dark or white chocolate)
  • 1/2 cup Finely Chopped Toasted Pecans (Substitute or omit for nut-free)

Ganache

  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (Coconut cream can be used)
  • Remaining Semisweet Chocolate Chips (for ganache)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, mix the foamy yeast mixture with flour, cocoa powder, instant coffee granules, kosher salt, egg, vanilla extract, and unsalted butter until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead Dough: Lightly flour a countertop and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten structure.
  4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Make Filling: In a bowl, mix softened butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cocoa powder until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
  6. Roll Out Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then roll it out into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick on a floured surface.
  7. Assemble Rolls: Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough, then sprinkle semisweet chocolate chips and chopped toasted pecans on top.
  8. Form Rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a log, sealing the seams tightly, and slice into 12 equal pieces to form the rolls.
  9. Second Rise: Arrange the roll pieces in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30-60 minutes until slightly puffed.
  10. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the rolls.
  11. Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and are cooked through.
  12. Make Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the remaining semisweet chocolate chips and stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  13. Finish and Serve: Drizzle the warm chocolate ganache over the freshly baked cinnamon rolls and serve warm for the best experience.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use vegan butter in the dough and filling.
  • Gluten-free flour can be used to make these cinnamon rolls suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Omit the instant coffee granules if avoiding caffeine; it intensifies the chocolate flavor but is not essential.
  • To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
  • If you prefer a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
  • Ensure the yeast is fresh and water temperature is warm but not hot (about 110°F/43°C) for proper activation.
  • Allowing the dough to rise fully ensures light, fluffy rolls rather than dense ones.
  • The ganache can be refrigerated and gently reheated if made ahead of time.

Keywords: pecan cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, chocolate cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, chocolate ganache, baked pastries, breakfast rolls

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/pecan-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/