Betty's Famous Cinnamon Rolls

Recipe View Make the dough: In a bowl, whisk together warm water and yeast. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar over the top and whisk until well incorporated. Set aside until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam (10-20 minutes).

Recipe View Combine the wet ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, 2/3 cup sugar, 2/3 cup melted butter, eggs, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix until all ingredients are incorporated (2 minutes).

Recipe View Incorporate the flour: Mix in 4 cups of flour on medium speed until the dough is completely smooth (about 5 minutes).

Recipe View Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a large bowl. Knead the remaining 4 cups of flour into the dough by hand until it is slightly stiff and sticky (about 10 minutes).

Recipe View First rise: Grease another large bowl. Place the dough into the greased bowl and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 1/2 hours).

Recipe View Prepare the filling: While the dough is rising, mix the chopped pecans, 1 1/2 cups sugar, and cinnamon together in a bowl (5 minutes).

Recipe View Shape the rolls: Remove the plastic wrap from the bowl and punch down the dough. Set aside to rest (5 minutes). Roll the dough out onto a well-floured surface, forming a 15x20-inch rectangle. Brush the entire surface with 1/2 cup melted butter, then sprinkle the filling mixture over the top. Starting at the long end, tightly roll the dough over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal. Use dental floss to cut the roll into 18 pieces (20 minutes).

Recipe View Prepare the baking dish: Brush 1/2 cup melted butter over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish, then sprinkle 1/3 cup sugar over the melted butter (2 minutes).

Recipe View Second rise: Arrange the cinnamon rolls, cut-sides up and close together, in the prepared baking dish. Let rise in a warm place (about 45 minutes).

Recipe View Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the rolls in the preheated oven until golden brown (25-30 minutes).

Recipe View Prepare the glaze: While the rolls are baking, beat the confectioners' sugar, 2/3 cup melted butter, vanilla extract, and maple extract in a bowl until smooth (5 minutes).

Recipe View Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy! (2 minutes)