3tablespoonsmaple sugar, granulated sugar, or sweetener of choice
1 1/4teaspoonssalt
1 1/2cupsmilk,scalded and cooled
1large egg,lightly beaten
1teaspoonvanilla extract
2tablespoonssoft butter
For the filling:
3/4cupspecans,finely chopped
1/2cuppacked golden brown sugar
2teaspoonsground cinnamon
soft butter for spreading on dough
For the syrup:
1/2cuppure maple syrup
4 1/2tablespoonsunsalted butter
1/2cuppacked golden brown sugar
1/2cuppecans,coarsely chopped
Instructions
For the dough:
Mix and knead together all the dough ingredients in a stand mixer, bread machine, or by hand to form a smooth, soft dough. Add more milk or water if the dough seems too stiff.
Place in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel. Set in a warm place and let raise until almost doubled, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
For the filling:
Mix together all the filling ingredients thoroughly in a small bowl.
For the syrup:
Butter a 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Combine maple syrup and butter in heavy medium skillet. Stir over medium heat until butter melts. Remove from heat. Mix in brown sugar. Pour syrup into prepared dish; tilt to coat of bottom of dish evenly. Sprinkle the pecans; cool
To assemble and bake:
Roll out dough on a lightly greased counter to an 11 x 20 inch rectangle. Spread the soft butter all over the dough, leaving a narrow strip free of butter along one long edge. Sprinkle with filling ingredients.
Starting with the buttered long edge, roll up the dough and pinch the edges to secure. Cut dough with a sharp, serrated knife into 1-inch rolls. Place in prepared baking dish. It’s okay to crown the buns a bit.
Cover and let raise until quite puffy, about 45 minutes to 1 1/4 hours. Preheat oven to 375° F.
Bake buns uncovered until tops are golden brown and syrup bubbles thickly, reversing dishes halfway through baking, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately invert onto a baking sheet. Cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with lots of butter. (Can be made ahead. Cool buns completely. Wrap buns tightly with foil on baking sheet. Freeze up to 2 weeks. Bake frozen buns covered 375°F until heated through, about 15 minutes.)