Using homemade dough makes these pull-aparts a special treat. So easy. Time involved: about 1.5 hours.
3-1/4 to 3-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 packet yeast (or about a Tablespoon)
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup butter OR margarine
1 large egg
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed, light brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons milk
Combine 2 cups flour, sugar, dry yeast and salt in a large mixer bowl and stir until blended.
Combine milk, water and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH in 15 second increments until very warm but not hot to the touch (120° to 130°F. Butter won’t melt completely).
Add to flour mixture with egg. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally.
Add 1.5 cups flour; beat 2 minutes at high speed, scraping bowl occasionally.
Stir in just enough remaining flour so that the dough will form into a ball.
Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic and dough springs back when lightly pressed with 2 fingers, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Cover with a towel; let rest for 10 minutes. For filling, combine sugars and cinnamon in a shallow bowl
Cut dough into 36 pieces.
Dip each piece into the melted butter and then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Place in fluted tube pan that has been generously sprayed with cooking spray.
Sprinkle pecans in between each layer of dough balls.
Combine any remaining butter and sugar and drizzle over rolls.
Cover with towel; let rise in warm place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
Bake in preheated 375ºF oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until rolls are golden brown.
Cool 5 minutes in pan, then invert on serving plate.
Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add in vanilla and 1 tablespoon of milk, beating until well combined. Gradually add more milk, one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Drizzle icing over warm pull-apart bread. Serve immediately.
