Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Buns

Steps

Step1

Make the dough: Pour water into a liquid measure. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar and active dry yeast; stir until dissolved. Let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.

Step2

Meanwhile, warm milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to bubble around the edges; do not boil. Remove from the heat and stir in 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, and salt until melted. Let cool until lukewarm.

Step3

Lightly whisk eggs in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture, lukewarm milk mixture, and 1 1/2 cups flour; stir until well combined.

Step4

Mix in remaining 2 1/2 cups flour (1/2 cup at a time), mixing well after each addition, until dough comes together.

Step5

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, silky, and elastic, about 8 minutes.

Step6

Place dough in an oiled bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

Step7

While the dough is rising, make the glaze: Melt 3/4 cup of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 3/4 cup brown sugar and whisk until smooth.

Step8

Grease a 9x13-inch pan. Pour glaze mixture into the pan; sprinkle pecans over top.

Step9

Make the filling: Place 1/4 cup melted butter in a small bowl. Combine 3/4 cup of brown sugar, pecans, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.

Step10

When the dough has doubled in size, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 14x18-inch rectangle. Brush 1/2 of the melted butter over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border unbuttered. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture over top.

Step11

Start at the long edge and roll the dough tightly, pinching the seams to seal. Brush remaining butter over the dough. Cut dough into 15 equal rolls.

Step12

Place rolls, cut-sides down, into the glaze in the prepared pan. Cover and let rise until double in size, about 1 hour.

Step13

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step14

Uncover and bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes.

Step15

Let cool in pan for 3 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter so the glaze is on top. Scrape any remaining glaze from the pan onto the rolls.