Step 1

For the dough, heat the milk in a medium saucepan or in a microwave-safe bowl or liquid measuring cup until the milk is scalded (which is basically heating it until right before it simmers - it will start steaming and little bubbles will form around the edges).

Step 2

Pour the milk into the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the dough hook (or you can do this by hand with a large bowl and wooden spoon).

Step 3

Add the butter, sugar and salt. Mix until the butter is melted, and let the mixture cool until warm (if you dip a finger in, it should feel like a warm bath – not too hot, not too cold, just right).

Step 4

Stir in the yeast and let rest for 5-7 minutes until the yeast is foamy (technically, you don't need to let the yeast activate before adding the flour, but I find in yeast bread recipes with milk, the dough rises quicker/better if I let the yeast activate first).

Step 5

With the mixer running, add the egg and then gradually add the flour until the dough clears the sides of the bowl. The exact amount will depend on the temperature, humidity and how you measure flour. The dough should be soft and just slightly sticky without leaving a lot of residue on your fingers. Don't over flour!

Step 6

Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until soft and smooth.

Step 7

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover with lightly greased plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise until doubled, about an hour.

Step 8

While the dough rises, prep the caramel pecan mixture. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Heat over medium heat until butter is melted, sugar is dissolved, and mixture is well-combined (try not to let it simmer). Off the heat, whisk in the cream and the vanilla until well-combined.

Step 9

Lightly grease a 9X13-inch baking pan. Spread the caramel mixture evenly in the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle pecans over the top. Set aside until the caramel mixture has cooled to room temperature or just slightly warm.

Step 10

Roll or press the dough into a 10X16-inch rectangle. Spread the 4 tablespoons butter over the top. Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the top of the butter.

Step 11

Starting with one long end, roll up the dough into a semi-tight log (without stretching or pulling the dough!). Using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss or thread, cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

Step 12

Place the rolls in the pan (3 across, 4 down). Cover with a lightly greased plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise until noticeably puffy and the sides of the rolls are touching.

Step 13

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 20-25 minutes until rolls are lightly golden on top.

Step 14

Remove from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes (too long and the caramel will harden and make the buns hard to turn out - too short and the caramel will be too runny).

Step 15

Loosen the edges of the rolls with a butter knife. Place a parchment lined baking sheet (or serving tray) upside down on top of the pan of buns and grabbing the edges of both the baking sheet and 9X13-inch pan, flip over, giving a light tap on the counter, so the rolls turn out onto the baking sheet.

Step 16

Scrape any additional caramel and pecans over the buns. Serve warm or at room temperature.