Ingredients

  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
  • 1/3 cup sugar, divided
  • 1-1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°), divided
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 5 to 5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup butter, melted

Method

  • In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1/4 cup warm water; let stand for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the butter, eggs, milk powder, salt, yeast mixture, remaining sugar and water and 2-1/2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
  • Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  • Sprinkle pecans into two greased 9-in. round baking pans. Combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, vanilla and salt; sprinkle over pecans. Drizzle with butter.
  • Divide dough in half; shape each portion into 15 balls. Place over topping. Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes.
  • Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 1 minute; invert onto a serving platter.