Pecan-Maple Sticky Rolls

• FAST
• MAKE-AHEAD
• STAFF-FAVORITE
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 3/4 cup whole pecans
2. 2 cups all-purpose flour
3. 1/4 cup sugar
4. 2 teaspoons baking powder
5. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
6. Pinch of salt
7. 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter—1 stick cubed and chilled, 4 tablespoons melted
8. 1 cup buttermilk
9. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
10. 6 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1. Preheat the oven to 425°. Spread the pecans in a pie plate and toast for about 6 minutes, until fragrant; let cool slightly.
2. Meanwhile, spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. In a food processor, pulse the flour with 2 tablespoons of the sugar, the baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the cubed butter and pulse until it is the size of small peas. Add the buttermilk and pulse a few times, just until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead 3 times. Pat or roll the dough into an 8-by-12-inch rectangle. Brush with 2 tablespoons of the melted butter.
3. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar with the cinnamon and sprinkle all over the dough. Beginning at a long side, roll the dough into a tight cylinder and pinch the seam closed. Cut the dough into 12 slices.
4. Divide the maple syrup and the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter among the cups. Scatter the pecans in the cups and top with the dough pinwheels. Bake for about 18 minutes, until golden; place a baking sheet below to catch any drips. Invert a rack over the rolls and invert them onto the rack. Replace any pecans that get stuck in the cups and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.