Butter Pecan Cinnamon Buns Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate indulgence for breakfast or brunch, you’ve just found it. This Butter Pecan Cinnamon Buns Recipe is pure magic — pillowy soft dough swirled with warm spices, loaded with buttery pecans, and finished with a luscious caramel-like glaze. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time; it’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like heaven and your whole family go crazy for more. Stick around because I’m about to share all my tips to make sure your buns come out perfectly gooey, nutty, and downright delicious.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here work together like a dream, creating soft dough, a sweet-spiced filling, and that signature butter pecan topping. Use fresh spices for the best aroma and opt for unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness throughout.

• Whole milk: Warm it slightly to help activate the yeast but not so hot that it kills it.
• Unsalted butter: Soft but not melted, for both dough and topping—this ensures richness without greasiness.
• All-purpose flour: Divided use means some for dough and some for dusting—keeps your work surface smooth.
• Rapid rise yeast: Speeds things up so you won’t be waiting all day, plus it gives a lovely rise.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just a hint of sweetness to the dough.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor, so don’t skip it!
• Egg: Room temperature helps it mix evenly for a tender dough texture.
• Light brown sugar: For that subtle molasses flavor in the filling.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves: The spice quartet that turns ordinary into extraordinary.
• Dark brown sugar: Packed for the buttery pecan topping, lending that deep caramel character.
• Heavy cream: Blended with the topping for a luxuriously creamy finish.
• Pecan halves and chopped pecans: Toast them lightly for maximum crunch and flavor.
• Vanilla extract: A splash to pull all the flavors together beautifully.

Variations

I love encouraging you to make this Butter Pecan Cinnamon Buns Recipe your own! A few tweaks here and there can totally switch up the vibe, so don’t be afraid to experiment based on what you love or have on hand.

• Nut Free Version: I swapped the pecans for toasted sunflower seeds once when a friend had a nut allergy—and no one missed the nuts at all.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or even a little cayenne for a cinnamon bun with a surprise kick.
• Glaze Swap: For a lighter finish, try a simple vanilla icing or a lemon glaze instead of the buttery cream topping.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg—though I recommend extra care with dough texture here.

How to Make Butter Pecan Cinnamon Buns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming your milk to about 110°F — it should feel warm to the touch but never hot, or you risk killing your yeast. Stir in the soft butter until melted, then add sugar, salt, and the rapid rise yeast. Let this sit for 5 minutes until it foams up like a little bubbly promise of deliciousness. Once bubbly, whisk in the egg, then gradually add in the flour, stirring until a sticky dough forms. I like kneading by hand for about 8-10 minutes; it’s such a satisfying way to connect with the dough, though a stand mixer with a dough hook absolutely works too! The dough should be smooth and elastic but slightly tacky. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, until doubled in size.

Step 2: Mix the Spiced Filling

While the dough is rising, mix together your cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and light brown sugar. This blend of spices is what makes the filling sing. When the dough is ready, roll it out on a floured surface to roughly a 16×20-inch rectangle. Spread the softened ½ cup butter evenly on top, then sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture all over. You’ll want to press it gently so it sticks to the butter, but don’t overdo it or the sugar will clump.

Step 3: Roll, Slice, and Add Pecans

Carefully roll the dough up from the long edge, creating a tight log. Using sharp knife or dental floss, slice into 12 equal rolls. Now, here’s where our Butter Pecan Cinnamon Buns Recipe really shines: sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the inside spiral as you roll, and reserve the halves for the topping. Place your buns into a greased or parchment-lined baking dish, leaving a little space between each. Let them rise for 20-30 minutes — this second rise helps them become pillowy and soft.

Step 4: Prepare the Butter Pecan Glaze and Bake

Mix the dark brown sugar, softened butter, heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread this gooey glaze evenly on top of the buns, then sprinkle the pecan halves generously right over the glaze. Pop the whole thing in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top with bubbling glaze — if your oven runs hot, check early to avoid burning the sugar.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Cinnamon Buns Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a few extra toasted pecans scattered on top right out of the oven for that photo-worthy crispy look. Sometimes, I dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar if I’m feeling festive—it adds a delicate touch without overpowering all that buttery goodness.

Side Dishes

These buns are rich enough to be the star, but pair perfectly with fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt to add a fresh-tart balance. If you’re brunching with friends, a pot of strong coffee or spiced chai is my go-to beverage next to these.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve lined a beautiful wooden board with parchment and arranged the buns with edible flowers and extra pecan halves sprinkled around. It’s a showstopper that looks as good as it tastes. Another fun idea: serve individual rolls in mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Butter Pecan Cinnamon Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them soft, I sometimes place a slice of bread inside the container—the moisture keeps buns from drying out, which I learned the hard way!

Freezing

These buns freeze beautifully. I usually freeze them unbaked after shaping and slicing but before the second rise. When I want to bake fresh buns, I thaw them overnight in the fridge, let them come to room temperature and rise a bit before baking. You can also freeze fully baked and cooled buns; just wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm Butter Pecan Cinnamon Buns in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. That revives the soft inside while crisping the top slightly. If you’re in a rush, a quick 20-second zap in the microwave works but can sometimes make the texture a little gummy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Butter Pecan Cinnamon Buns Recipe is one of those feel-good recipes that turn an ordinary morning into a special event. I discovered this trick when trying to add a little extra someone to my favorite cinnamon rolls — the pecans bring that fantastic crunch and flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether it’s holiday morning or a weekend treat, I hope you give these buns a whirl; I promise you won’t regret the buttery, cozy results. Happy baking, friend!

Print