Date-Pecan Breakfast Rolls with Maple Butter

(20 servings)

  • 1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 cup warm water (100 to 110 degrees)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour - divided
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dates - chopped
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans - toasted
  • cooking spray
  • 1/3 cup butter - softened
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
To prepare rolls, dissolve the yeast in warm water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups flour to yeast mixture. Cover with a damp towel; let stand at room temperature 24 hours.

Add 1 1/4 cups flour, sugar, and salt to yeast mixture; stir well to form a stiff dough. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent the dough from sticking to hands. Let dough rest 5 minutes. Knead in dates and pecans.

Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degree), free from drafts, 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into the dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes.

Divide dough into 20 equal portions. Working with 1 portion at a time (cover remaining dough to prevent drying), shape each into a ball. Arrange balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let rise in a warm place (85 degrees), free from drafts, for 1 hour or until dough is doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Bake rolls at 425 degrees for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool rolls on a wire rack.

To prepare butter, place the butter in a small bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until light and fluffy. Slowly add the maple syrup, beating until blended. Serve butter with rolls.


These dense rolls start with a sponge that needs 24 hours to develop its yeasty yet slightly tangy flavor. Freeze the rolls for up to a month; thaw completely, and reheat in foil at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until warm.


Mr Breakfast would like to thank kelliedancho for this recipe.

Recipe number 2265. Submitted 2/19/2008.