The Talk: Marjorie Johnson Maple Nut Clusters Recipe with Frosting

The Talk: Marjorie Johnson

Award-winning baker Marjorie Johnson was back on The Talk to make a delicious dessert of Maple Nut Clusters, which have a winning presentation.

Julie Chen called Johnson “the first lady of the Minnesota State Fair,” and she shared her autumn desserts. You can find more of her ideas in The Road To Blue Ribbon Baking. She said that these desserts would keep well in the freezer, in case you want to make a big batch.

The Talk: Marjorie Johnson Maple Nut Clusters Recipe Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

• 2 packages Active Dry Yeast
• 1/4 cup Butter
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 3 Eggs
• 1/2 cup Hot Water
• 1/3 cup Maple Syrup
• 4 cups Flour
• 1 tsp Salt

Filling Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1/4 cup packed Brown Sugar
• 1 cup chopped Pecans
• 2 tbsp Maple Syrup
• 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar

Frosting Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 tbsp Milk
• 1 tbsp Butter
• 1 1/2 tbsp Maple Syrup

Marjorie Johnson: The Talk Maple Nut Clusters Recipe Directions

1. Combine water and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer until dissolved.
2. Add butter with sour cream, eggs, maple syrup, salt, and 2 cups flour, blending on low.
3. Beat for three minutes at medium speed.
4. Add remaining flour to the dough. Transfer to a flour-dusted prep surface and knead about 10 minutes.
5. Transfer to a greased bowl and cover to let rise and double before you punch it down.
6. Divide dough into two portions and roll each into a 12”x15” rectangle. Then cut into 12 pieces, each 3”x5”.
7. Combine ingredients for filling in a bowl until well mixed.
8. Spread 2 tsp filling over half of each dough portion. Fold the dough in half and seal the edges so the filling stays inside.
9. Cut slits, spaced about 1/2” apart, on one edge of the dough. Do not cut all the way across the dough!
10. Roll the dough up like a pinwheel and transfer to a prepared baking sheet, pressing each segment down to create what looks kind of like a flower.
11. Cover and let rise to double once again.
12. Bake at 350 F for 12-15 minutes and let rolls cool on racks.
13. Combine ingredients for frosting and drizzle this on the cooled rolls before you serve them.