Maple Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

I know what you are thinking. Homemade cinnamon rolls? That sounds time consuming. That sounds like I have to do lots of planning ahead. I know that you are probably thinking that because that's what I thought every time I saw a recipe for homemade rolls. The recipes always seemed unreasonable--if I wanted to make them in the morning for breakfast, I'd have to get up at the crack of dawn to make sure the dough would have enough time to rise. Most recipes do have the option of pre-making the dough and then storing it in the fridge so that it is ready to use in the morning, but that requires planning ahead. What about those mornings when you wake up and just decide--I want cinnamon rolls? What's a person to do--especially if you don't have a container of the Pillsbury ones waiting patiently in your fridge?

Well, this is the recipe for you. It isn't exactly super speedy--especially compared to those ready-to-use refrigerator varieties--but it's certainly speedier than most yeast recipes. And I dare say that when (because there will be another go at these rolls. You can bet on it) I make these rolls again, the process will go even smoothly than it did the first time. In fact, the person I found this recipe from claimed she could go from ingredients to finished product in an hour. I wasn't quite that efficient with my first attempt at them--but practice makes perfect.

We may have drowned the middle one in a little too much frosting. Whoops :)

Maple Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
(recipe found here--check the link out for lots of pictures of the process)

For the Dough:
3 cups flour
3 tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk (if you don't have buttermilk, just mix 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup milk and let sit for 10 minutes)
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and divided
1/3 cup maple syrup

For the Filling:
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup chopped pecans
2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Icing:
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
3 tbsp maple syrup
1 to 2 tsp milk
1 cup powdered sugar

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the buttermilk, maple syrup, and 2 tbsp of the melted butter. Stir until just combined. Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead until smooth (it will still be very soft and a little sticky, but will be smoother and less lumpy). Place in a lightly floured bowl, cover, and chill for 20 minutes. To make the filling, combine all of the dry ingredients in a small bowl. Add the melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture looks like wet sand. Prepare a 9-inch cake pan for the rolls by brushing with 1 tbsp melted butter and preheat the oven to 425*.

Once chilled, flatten the dough into a rectangle about 12x8 inches (flour work surface lightly if dough is still a little sticky). Pour 2 tbsp of the melted butter on to the dough and spread around. Pour the filling over the dough and spread it evenly over the top, leaving about a 1/2 border around the outside edge. Press the filling down slightly to pack it on top of the dough. Starting on the long side of the dough, roll the side up, pressing as you go, to create a tightly rolled log (work slowly in case the dough sticks to the work surface slightly). Pinch the seam closed and cut into eight even pieces. Transfer each roll to the prepared pan and brush with the remaining 2 tbsp of melted butter. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, until golden brown.

To make the icing, cream the butter in a medium bowl and then add the sugar. Mix until the sugar and butter start to come together. Add the syrup and whisk well, until the mixture is smooth. If it is too thick, add a teaspoon or two of milk. Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for about five minutes before topping with the icing.

I will warn you--these suckers are sweet. Darrell and I could each only eat one at a sitting. So prepare to have leftovers of these (don't worry--they taste just as good reheated the next morning), or serve them to some friends (and, you know, impress them with your mad skills).