Orange Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

Orange pecan cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, adding a citrusy and nutty flavor to the sweet and gooey treat. Here's a recipe to guide you in making delicious orange pecan cinnamon rolls:

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm (about 110°F or 43°C). Remove from heat and stir in the melted butter.
3. Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and add the eggs. Stir until a soft dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for kneading.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12x18-inch rectangle.
7. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
8. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest. Sprinkle the mixture over the buttered dough, followed by the chopped pecans.
9. Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape.
10. Cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish or a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them for rising.
11. Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
12. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
13. While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and pourable.
14. Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.
15. Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm and gooey!

These orange pecan cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat for breakfast or brunch. The combination of citrus, nuts, and sweet cinnamon creates a mouthwatering flavor experience. Share them with family and friends or save them for a special occasion. They are sure to be a hit!