Chocolate Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

Name: Chocolate Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk (110°F); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted); 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; 3-4 tbsp milk or cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Published: August 27, 2025

by samuel cullingham

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Chocolate Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are incredibly easy to make, turning your mornings into something special without much fuss
The flavor profile balances sweetness with nutty crunch, making every bite irresistible
With their beautiful spiral design, they are visually stunning and perfect for sharing on social media
Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or warmed up later; they never disappoint!

You won’t believe how everyone raved about these rolls at our family reunion last year—my cousin nearly wept with joy over her second one!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it helps create that soft dough we all love.
Granulated Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way in enhancing the flavors of cinnamon and chocolate. cinnamon sugar donut bread.
Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh for that perfect rise; old yeast can lead to sad, flat rolls.
Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast better; just be careful not to scald it!
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness; I always use unsalted so I can control the saltiness.
Cinnamon: Go for fresh ground cinnamon for maximum flavor; it’s worth it!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips work beautifully here and melt into gooey perfection.
Pecans: Toasted pecans add crunch and depth; chop them roughly for a delightful texture contrast.
Eggs: Eggs help enrich the dough; make sure they’re at room temperature for easier mixing.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla elevates everything; skip imitation if possible!

For the Glaze:

Powdered Sugar: We’ll use powdered sugar to create a smooth glaze that drizzles beautifully over warm rolls.
Milk or Cream: Adjust consistency to your liking! More liquid makes it runnier, less makes it thicker.
Vanilla Extract (again): Yes, more vanilla! It ties all flavors together in sweet harmony.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Start by activating your yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle in active dry yeast and let it sit until foamy—about 5-10 minutes. If your mixture doesn’t foam up like a bubbly potion from Harry Potter, toss it out and start again.

Next up: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and your foamy yeast mixture. Mix until combined but not overworked—think gentle folding rather than aggressive kneading.

Time to knead: Transfer your dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re feeling sassy, put on some upbeat music while you work those gluten muscles!

Let’s get it rising: Place your kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled—about 1 hour. You could do some yoga while waiting; why not?

Roll it out: Once risen, punch down that dough (yes!) and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Brush melted butter over the top, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mix (a delightful blend of sugar and cinnamon), then scatter chocolate chips and pecans evenly across.

Time to roll: Starting from one long side of the rectangle, roll tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces—this is where things get exciting as you see those swirls! Place them cut-side-up in greased baking pans.

Final rise: Cover those beauties again with plastic wrap or towels while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let them rise another 30 minutes because good things come to those who wait.

Bake away: Pop those rolls into your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell divine—a scent guaranteed to attract anyone nearby!

Glaze time: While they bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and more vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls once they come out of the oven—be generous!

And voilà! You have made Chocolate Pecan Cinnamon Rolls that will make everyone swoon! Serve them warm with coffee or tea for an unforgettable treat. pumpkin-flavored donuts.

Now go ahead and enjoy each decadent bite while imagining how many calories don’t count when you’re smiling!

You Must Know

Chocolate pecan cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on a classic treat
The combination of gooey chocolate, crunchy pecans, and warm cinnamon creates an irresistible aroma
These rolls are perfect for brunch or a cozy family gathering, ensuring everyone leaves the table with happy bellies

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the dough and letting it rise while you mix the filling. Once rolled out, spread the filling generously before cutting and shaping your rolls. This sequence ensures even flavor distribution and fluffy texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chocolate for caramel or add dried fruits like cranberries for extra flavor. A sprinkle of sea salt can elevate the richness of chocolate, giving your rolls a gourmet touch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For fluffy cinnamon rolls, ensure your yeast is fresh to create that perfect rise
Knead the dough until smooth; this develops gluten, which gives structure
Let your rolls cool slightly before glazing for a beautiful finish without melting away

The first time I made chocolate pecan cinnamon rolls, they disappeared faster than I could say “yum.” My friends devoured them at brunch, leaving only crumbs and a pile of compliments behind. easy sheet pan pop tarts.

FAQ

What type of chocolate is best for these rolls?

Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a balanced sweetness without overwhelming flavors.

Can I make dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and refrigerate overnight before baking for fresh rolls in the morning.

What if my dough doesn’t rise well?

Ensure you’re using fresh yeast and that your kitchen is warm enough for rising.

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📖 Recipe Card