Pecan Roll Recipe

All-purpose flour: This is the main base for the dough, giving it structure and softness.

Pecans: Chopped pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the rolls.

Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and a slight caramel taste.

Butter: Melted butter helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.

Cinnamon: A warm spice that gives the rolls their classic flavor.

Milk: Milk moistens the dough and helps everything come together.

Egg: The egg adds moisture and helps hold the dough together.

One of the most important steps in this Pecan Roll Recipe is mixing the wet and dry ingredients together until they’re just combined. Here’s a simple way to do it without overworking the dough:

1. Start by adding the melted butter, milk, and egg to the bowl with the dry ingredients (the flour, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon).
2. Use a spoon or a spatula to gently stir everything together. Try to fold the ingredients rather than stirring too fast or too hard.
3. Stop mixing as soon as you don’t see any big patches of dry flour left. The dough might look a little lumpy or sticky, and that’s okay!

Mixing this way helps keep the pecan rolls soft and tender instead of tough. If you mix too much, the gluten in the flour can get overworked, making the rolls chewy or dense. So, it’s better to be a little gentle and patient here.

When I first made this recipe, I kept stirring and stirring because I wanted the dough to look perfectly smooth. But the rolls turned out a bit harder than I wanted. After that, I learned to stop mixing right when the ingredients come together, and now my rolls are soft and fluffy every time. Plus, it saves a little time and mess, which is always a win!

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, making the rolls slightly healthier.

• pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts have a similar texture and flavor profile, providing a good alternative to pecans.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and is less processed than brown sugar.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar texture and richness, with a slight coconut flavor.

• cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other warm spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a more complex flavor.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that can be used in the same quantity as regular milk.

• egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water) is a vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients similarly to a regular egg.

• Allow the pecan rolls to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the rolls soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the pecan rolls in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer, you can also store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• To freeze the pecan rolls, first wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap. This helps to maintain their shape and prevents freezer burn.

• After wrapping, place the individually wrapped rolls in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of their freshness.

• When you're ready to enjoy a frozen pecan roll, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. For a quicker option, you can microwave the roll on a low setting for about 20-30 seconds.

• To refresh the texture of the thawed pecan rolls, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm the rolls for about 5-10 minutes. This will help to restore their delightful crispiness.

• If you want to add an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle some caramel sauce or sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar over the warmed rolls before serving.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the pecan rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the rolls loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes if you want a slightly crispier exterior.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a pecan roll on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
  4. Check the roll and add additional 10-second intervals if needed until heated through.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the pecan rolls on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Heat for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through.
  4. For a crispier texture, you can toast them for an additional 2 minutes.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Place a steaming rack in a pot with a small amount of water.
  2. Bring the water to a gentle simmer.
  3. Place the pecan rolls on the steaming rack and cover the pot.
  4. Steam for 5-7 minutes or until the rolls are heated through and soft.

• Oven: Used to bake the pecan rolls at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the dry ingredients (flour, pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon) and later to mix in the wet ingredients (melted butter, milk, and egg).

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the precise amounts of flour, pecans, brown sugar, and milk.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the exact amount of cinnamon.

• Spatula: Used to mix the ingredients together until well combined.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the cut pieces of dough on for baking.

• Knife: Used to cut the rolled dough into 8 pieces.

• Rolling pin: Used to roll the dough into a log shape before cutting.

• Parchment paper: Optional, but can be used to line the baking sheet for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.

• Whisk: Used to beat the egg before adding it to the mixture.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and chop pecans, brown sugar, and other ingredients the night before to save time.

Use a food processor: Quickly combine flour, pecans, and cinnamon using a food processor to save time on mixing.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin mixing to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time you're ready to bake.

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper to line your baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Use a cookie scoop: For uniform rolls, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly before rolling into logs.