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For dough, pour water into a large bowl.
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Add yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar.
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Stir.
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Let stand 5 minutes, until bubbly.
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Stir in remaining sugar.
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In medium bowl, blend sour cream, eggs and vanilla.
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Stir into yeast mixture.
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Add flour and salt.
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Stir until combined.
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Add butter.
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Knead by hand until smooth.
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Place the dough in a well-buttered bowl.
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Cover; let rest at room temperature 2 hours.
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Place dough on floured board and cut in half.
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Roll each half to 1/4-inch thickness, forming a rectangle about 9 by 12 inches.
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For filling, in a medium bowl, blend butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.
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Add raisins if using.
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Spread equally over each rectangle and roll up lengthwise.
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Cut each roll into 8 equal sections.
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For maple pecan layer, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
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Stir in sugar until dissolved.
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Add syrup and cook 5 minutes.
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Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
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Generously butter two 10-inch cake pans.
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Pour in the syrup.
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Sprinkle with pecans.
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Arrange the buns evenly in the pans.
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Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
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Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven 25 to 30 minutes or until golden.
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Cool 5 minutes at room temperature, then invert onto serving plate.
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Serve warm or at room temperature.