Pecan-Raisin Cinnamon Rolls

Total Time

Prep: 50 min. + rising Bake: 20 min./batch + cooling

Makes

4 dozen

Updated: Jun. 15, 2022
The tempting aroma of these freshly baked cinnamon rolls always sells them! I bake hundreds for two annual fund-raising events in our community. —Marvel Irvine, Alta, California

Ingredients

  • 11 to 12 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
  • 3 teaspoons salt
  • 3-1/2 cups water
  • 1 cup canola oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • FILLING:
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup raisins
  • FROSTING:
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons water

Directions

  1. In a very large bowl, combine 8 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a large saucepan, heat water and oil to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add eggs; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
  2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
  3. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Roll each half into a 24x15-in. rectangle. Brush with butter to within 1/2 in. of edges. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over dough. Sprinkle with pecans and raisins.
  4. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with the long sides; pinch seams to seal. Cut each into 24 rolls. Place rolls, cut side up, in four greased 13x9-in. baking pans.
  5. Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at 425° for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the butter, confectioners' sugar, extracts and enough water to achieve spreading consistency. Spread over warm rolls. Cool on wire racks.
Editor’s Note: Dough may need to be mixed in two batches, depending on the size of your mixing bowl. To halve the recipe, use 1 package plus 1-1/8 teaspoons yeast and 1 egg plus 2 tablespoons beaten egg. The other ingredients can easily be divided in half.