If you’ve been craving a warm, gooey, out-of-this-world treat that feels like a comforting hug on a plate, then this Sticky Buns Recipe is for you! These tender rolls are oozing with buttery caramel sauce and crunchy pecans, making every bite a perfect balance of soft, sticky, and nutty goodness. Even better? You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull these off—they’re far easier than they look! Perfect for busy mornings (just make ’em ahead!) or a sweet ending to your day, these buns will wow anyone lucky enough to snag one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Delicious: The combination of buttery caramel, warm cinnamon, and toasted pecans is pure magic. Trust me—you won’t stop at just one.
- Beginner-Friendly: This recipe breaks the process into easy steps, so even if you’re new to baking, you’ll feel like a rockstar.
- Customizable: Whether you’re a nut-lover or prefer your buns on the simpler side, there are countless ways to make these your own.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Lazy weekends, holidays, or brunch spreads—these sticky buns bring the wow factor every time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s get everything ready! These simple ingredients come together to create sticky-bun perfection:
For the Dough:
- Warm Milk: This activates the yeast and gives the dough its soft, tender texture. Be careful—it can’t be too hot, or you’ll kill the yeast.
- Active Dry Yeast: Ensures your buns rise beautifully.
- Sugar: Helps feed the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness; melted butter blends seamlessly.
- Egg and Yolks: Add structure, flavor, and a soft texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a touch of this makes the dough aromatic and special.
- All-Purpose Flour: Keep it simple—no need for fancy flours here!
For the Topping:
- Brown Sugar: Deep caramel flavor to make that sticky topping irresistible.
- Unsalted Butter: Melts into the sugar for the ultimate glossy caramel finish.
- Honey: Adds a natural, floral sweetness that takes the caramel up a notch.
- Chopped Pecans: Toasty, nutty, and everything you want in sticky buns. Feel free to swap for walnuts if that’s what you have!
For the Filling:
- Brown Sugar and Ground Cinnamon: The classic duo that defines a great cinnamon roll.
- Melted Butter: Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick evenly to the dough.
Tip: Always use room-temperature ingredients for better dough texture.
Variations
Make these sticky buns your own with some easy swaps and twists:
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans and add raisins or cranberries for a chewy twist.
- Glaze It Up: Drizzle cream cheese frosting on top for extra indulgence.
- Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips inside the filling for a gooey surprise.
- Citrusy Kick: Add orange zest to the filling for a bright, zesty flavor.
How to Make Sticky Buns
Don’t let the steps intimidate you—this process is easier than you think! Let’s conquer sticky-bun greatness together:
Step 1: Make and Proof the Dough
Warm the milk (not too hot!) and mix in your yeast with a pinch of sugar. Let it bubble and foam—it’s alive! Meanwhile, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, yolks, and vanilla. Add this mixture to your foamy yeast. Gradually stir in the flour and knead until you have a soft, elastic dough. Let it rise in a buttered bowl until doubled in size—about 2 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Sticky Topping
In a saucepan, melt the brown sugar, honey, butter, and salt until smooth. Pour this golden, glossy goodness into a buttered baking dish, then sprinkle on the chopped pecans. Set aside.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Dough
Roll out your dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle (12×18 inches works). Brush on the melted butter, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously, and roll it up tightly. Slice your log into 12 even pieces.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Place the rolls swirl-side-up into the prepared baking dish, leaving a bit of room between each one. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until golden and fragrant. If they brown too quickly, cover them with foil partway through.
Step 5: Flip and Serve
Let them cool for about 5-8 minutes, then carefully flip the sticky buns onto a platter so that the glorious caramel and pecans are on top. Bask in their beauty before serving warm.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overheat the Milk: It should be warm to the touch, like baby’s bathwater—too hot will kill the yeast!
- Even Layers: Roll out the dough evenly for consistent buns (no uneven surprises!).
- Prep Ahead: Make the dough and assemble the buns the night before. Let them rise in the fridge overnight for a stress-free morning bake.
- Careful Flipping: Run a knife around the edges of the dish to loosen the buns before flipping them over onto a platter.
How to Serve
Sticky buns are sheer perfection as is, but here are some ideas to elevate your serving game:
- Morning Treat: Pair with freshly brewed coffee or your favorite tea for the ultimate breakfast.
- Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist.
- Brunch Centerpiece: Add them to a spread with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and bacon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Sticky buns freeze well! Wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm them in a 350°F oven or microwave them for 20-30 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix and knead everything by hand—it just takes a bit more elbow grease.
Do I have to use pecans?
Nope! Walnuts or even skipping the nuts entirely work fine. You can also add dried fruits for a nut-free option.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With a few swaps (like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg replacer), you can adapt this recipe beautifully!
How do I know the dough is proofed properly?
The dough should double in size and feel soft and airy. If you gently press it, the indentation should slowly spring back.
Final Thoughts
These sticky buns are one of those baking experiences that are truly memorable. They’re cozy, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing these buns with loved ones, they always hit just right. Give them a try—you’ll probably find yourself making them again and again!
Print
Sticky Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sticky Buns are a decadent and rich pastry made with soft, fluffy dough, a cinnamon sugar filling, and a sticky caramelized pecan topping. Perfect as a breakfast indulgence or a delightful dessert, these buns combine irresistible flavors and textures for a perfect treat.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- 2 yolks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting counter
Topping:
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) coarsely chopped pecans
Filling:
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Warm the milk on the stove or in the microwave until it’s no hotter than 110°F, which could kill the yeast. Add the yeast and half the sugar to the warm milk, then stir to combine. Let the mixture sit for 8-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy and activated.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, whisk in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and the remaining sugar until fully combined.
- Mix and knead the dough: Add the yeast mixture and the butter mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer. Add half the flour and stir until just combined before adding the remaining flour. Attach the dough hook and mix on medium speed for 5 minutes until a cohesive dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead by hand for 2-3 minutes until elastic and bouncy.
- First rise: Lightly butter a large glass bowl and place the dough ball inside. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid, and let the dough rise for 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the topping: In a small pot over low heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, butter, and salt. Heat gently until the butter and sugar completely dissolve. Pour the mixture into a buttered 9×13 baking dish, sprinkle with chopped pecans evenly, and set aside.
- Roll out the dough: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Transfer the risen dough to a floured surface and roll it into a 12×18-inch rectangle, ensuring an even thickness throughout.
- Prepare the filling: Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush the rolled-out dough with the melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture across the surface.
- Shape the buns: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, slice the log into 12 even pieces. Arrange the pieces swirl-side up in the baking dish on top of the pecan topping.
- Bake the sticky buns: Bake the buns for 30-35 minutes at 375°F, or until golden brown. If the buns start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through the baking time.
- Cool and release the sticky buns: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the buns to cool for 5-8 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, then carefully flip the buns onto a platter to release them. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the milk is not hotter than 110°F to avoid killing the yeast.
- For clean slices of the dough roll, use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the pinwheels.
- If you dislike pecans, you can substitute with walnuts or omit nuts altogether.
- Sticky buns are best enjoyed warm. Reheat leftovers for a few seconds in the microwave or a low oven.
- You can prepare the buns the night before, let them rise in the fridge, and bake them in the morning for a fresh breakfast treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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