These decadent cinnamon rolls are infused with the rich flavor of Hennessy cognac, combined with the warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of pecans. They’re topped with a creamy Hennessy glaze, making them an indulgent treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (100-110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup Hennessy cognac
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- For the Hennessy Glaze:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup Hennessy cognac
- 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and Hennessy cognac. Mix well.
- Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and turn it onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along the long edge.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the filling.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Place the slices in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Second Rise and Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with a clean cloth and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Hennessy Glaze:
- In a large bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, Hennessy cognac, milk (or cream), vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy. Add more milk or cream if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze and Serve:
- Let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly before drizzling the Hennessy glaze over them.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips and Notes:
- Yeast Activation: Ensure the milk is warm enough to activate the yeast but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
- Hennessy Amount: Adjust the amount of Hennessy in the filling and glaze to your preference.
- Pecan Variations: You can use other nuts like walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
- Overnight Rise: For a more intense flavor, you can let the assembled cinnamon rolls rise in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk or cream in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency.
Enjoy your decadent Hennessy Pecan Cinnamon Rolls!