Loaded Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting and Pecans

Soft, gooey, and packed with buttery cinnamon-sugar swirls, these Loaded Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting and Pecans are everything a homemade breakfast treat should be. They’re generously topped with rich cream cheese frosting, finished with toasted pecans for crunch, and drizzled with caramel for that over-the-top bakery feel.

If you love your cinnamon rolls fully loaded, you’re in the right place. Team extra frosting or extra pecans? Personally, I say both.

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Why I Love This Recipe

There’s nothing quite like pulling a pan of warm cinnamon rolls from the oven. The smell alone is enough to bring everyone into the kitchen. What makes this version special is the balance:

• Ultra-soft, fluffy dough
• Thick cinnamon-sugar filling
• Tangy cream cheese frosting
• Toasted pecans for crunch
• Optional caramel drizzle for indulgence

They’re perfect for weekend brunch, holidays, or even dessert.

If you love cozy baked goods, you’ll also adore These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat.

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Ingredients

For the Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs

For the Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2½ tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (to thin if needed)

For the Toppings

• ½ cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra crunch)
• ¼ cup caramel sauce (optional drizzle)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and yeast mixture.
3. Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.

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Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
2. Roll dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
3. Spread cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the dough.
4. Roll tightly from the long side and cut into 12 rolls.

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Step 3: Second Rise & Bake

1. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Let cool slightly before frosting.

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Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until creamy, adding milk as needed to reach a spreadable consistency.

Spread generously over warm rolls so it melts slightly into every swirl.

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Step 5: Add Toppings

Sprinkle with toasted pecans and drizzle with caramel sauce for the ultimate loaded finish.

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Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

• Don’t overheat the milk — it can kill the yeast.
• Toast pecans for deeper flavor.
• Frost while slightly warm for melty perfection.
• For overnight prep, refrigerate after shaping and bake fresh in the morning.

If you’re a pecan lover, you’ll definitely want to try These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert.

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Serving Suggestions

These rolls are perfect:

• For holiday mornings
• At brunch gatherings
• As a sweet dessert with coffee
• Warmed slightly with extra frosting

For more cozy baking inspiration, check out This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas.

If you need a shortcut baking option, you’ll love These Cake Mix Cookies Are My Go-To Shortcut for Easy Foolproof Treats.

And for another fall-inspired dessert, don’t miss This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Roll)

• Calories: 520–600 (depending on toppings)
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fat: 25g
• Sugar: 40g
• Protein: 7g

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Storage & Leftovers

• Store covered at room temperature for 1–2 days.
• Refrigerate up to 5 days.
• Reheat 15–20 seconds in the microwave for fresh-from-the-oven softness.
• Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months.

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Final Thoughts

These Loaded Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting and Pecans are the definition of indulgence. Soft, sticky, crunchy, creamy — they check every box. Whether you serve them for breakfast or dessert, don’t be surprised if everyone comes back for seconds.

If you try them, are you Team Extra Frosting or Team Extra Pecans? Let me know — and don’t forget to follow along for more bakery-worthy recipes made right at home.