Get ready to fall in love with the comforting magic of homemade pastry! This Sticky Buns Recipe brings you rich, caramelized pecan-studded buns with swirls of gooey cinnamon-sugar in every bite, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat. There’s something truly special about watching your kitchen transform into a bakery as the rolls rise and bake, filling your home with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch or a surprise for your family, this sticky buns recipe is a delightful, rewarding classic that everyone will cherish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, familiar ingredients work together to create utter magic in this sticky buns recipe. Each component plays its part, building layers of flavor and irresistible texture that make these buns unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: The base of our tender, fluffy dough. Measuring accurately ensures the perfect texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps it rise beautifully.
- Active dry yeast: The secret to those pillowy, high-rising rolls.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Whole milk (warm): Makes the dough rich and soft, activating the yeast just right.
- Water (warm): Provides necessary moisture and helps blend the dough.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Used in dough, filling, and topping for that unmistakable richness.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and gives it wonderful structure and color.
- Brown sugar (for filling and topping): Delivers deep caramel flavor and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and classic spice to every swirl in the filling.
- Corn syrup: Adds shine and ensures the sticky topping stays luscious and gooey.
- Heavy cream: Enriches the topping, creating that irresistible caramel sauce.
- Chopped pecans (optional): For a nutty crunch that takes the sticky topping over the top.
How to Make Sticky Buns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Warm milk and water are essential for activating the yeast, so make sure they’re cozy to the touch (not hot!). Add them to the dry ingredients, along with the softened butter and egg, and beat until smooth. Gradually stir in the remaining flour until a soft dough comes together.
Step 2: Knead and First Rise
Transfer your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 6 to 8 minutes, until it feels smooth and elastic under your hands. This step builds gluten, giving the sticky buns their signature chewy, airy texture. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about one hour.
Step 3: Make the Sticky Topping
While the dough is rising, it’s time to make that crave-worthy sticky topping. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and heavy cream. Stir over medium heat until everything melts together into a bubbling, glossy sauce. Pour this goodness into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and, if you love a little crunch, sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
After the dough has risen, roll it out into a 16×10-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter over the entire surface, then mix together brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling and sprinkle it evenly. Starting at the long end, roll up the dough tightly, then slice into 12 equal rolls. Nestle them cut-side down over the sticky topping in your prepared pan.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for another 30 to 40 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled in size. This second proof makes the buns extra light and ensures they bake up with those glorious, soft layers.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the sticky buns for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown with a bubbling, caramelized topping. Let them cool for about 5 minutes, then—moment of magic—carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter so the sticky, glorious topping crowns each roll.
How to Serve Sticky Buns Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, or a few more toasted pecans on top is all it takes to elevate your sticky buns recipe to bakery-status. These finishing touches add texture and enticing visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Enjoy your sticky buns alongside a cup of strong coffee or homemade hot chocolate for the ultimate comforting breakfast. If you’re hosting brunch, a fruit salad or a platter of fresh berries adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the buns.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your sticky buns recipe family-style on a big platter, so everyone can reach in and grab their favorite. For an extra-special touch, bake them in individual ramekins for personalized portions, or stack them high on a cake stand with a slow pour of caramel sauce at the table—talk about a showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sticky buns can be kept fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, tuck them into the fridge to maintain that lovely, gooey texture without getting stale or dry.
Freezing
Want sticky buns on standby? After baking and cooling, wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a sweet treat anytime you crave them.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-from-the-oven bliss, simply pop sticky buns in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven, covered loosely with foil, until heated through. Add a little extra butter on top if you’re feeling decadent!
FAQs
Can I make this sticky buns recipe the night before?
Absolutely! Prepare the sticky buns up to the point of the second rise, cover the baking dish tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as usual. Fresh, warm sticky buns with nearly zero morning effort!
Do I have to use pecans in the sticky buns recipe?
Not at all! Pecans are classic for their crunch and flavor, but you can skip them or substitute with walnuts, almonds, or even leave the nuts out entirely for a nut-free version.
My dough didn’t rise—what went wrong?
The most common culprit is inactive yeast or liquid that’s too hot and killed the yeast. Double-check expiration dates and temperature for your milk and water (aim for slightly warm, not hot). Also, make sure to give the dough a cozy, draft-free place to rise.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Instant yeast works perfectly in this sticky buns recipe. Substitute the same amount and skip the step of dissolving in warm liquid—just mix it right in with the dry ingredients.
How do I cut the rolls evenly?
A sharp serrated knife or even unflavored dental floss does the trick for neat, uniform slices. Measure and mark 12 equal sections before cutting to help ensure each bun bakes up just right.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever dreamed about the perfect homemade breakfast treat, this sticky buns recipe is pure happiness in every bite. There’s nothing quite like gathering friends or family around a tray of warm, gooey buns fresh from your oven—so don’t wait another moment. Try this recipe and watch each roll disappear with delighted smiles!
Print
Sticky Buns Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 sticky buns 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, gooey delight of homemade sticky buns with this irresistible recipe. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these soft, cinnamon-scented buns are topped with a decadent sticky pecan glaze that will have your taste buds singing.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/4 cup water (warm)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
For the sticky topping:
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, water, butter, and egg. Knead until smooth, then let rise for 1 hour.
- Make the Topping: Combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and cream in a saucepan. Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Fill and Shape: Roll out dough, spread with butter and cinnamon sugar, roll up, and slice into rolls. Place over topping.
- Rise and Bake: Let the rolls rise, then bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Invert the pan to reveal the sticky buns and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Sticky buns can be prepped the night before and refrigerated. Let sit at room temperature before baking.
- Enhance the filling with a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sticky bun
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
