Sticky buns are the ultimate indulgence for breakfast or dessert. These soft, pillowy rolls are coated in a luscious caramel glaze and topped with crunchy pecans. Perfectly sweet and slightly buttery, they’re sure to be a hit for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy brunch or a weekend treat. The best part? They’re easier to make than you think, and your kitchen will smell heavenly while they bake.
Why Love Sticky Buns?
- Perfectly Sweet: The balance of buttery caramel and soft dough is heavenly.
- Customizable: Add nuts, dried fruits, or spices for a unique twist.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for brunch or dessert, sticky buns always impress.
How to Make Sticky Buns
Mastering sticky buns involves creating a soft dough, preparing a gooey caramel glaze, and assembling everything for a satisfying bake. Below, we’ll walk you through the process step by step.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Dough
- Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy.
- Mix in eggs, melted butter, and flour until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth.
- Allow the dough to rest in a warm environment until it has expanded to twice its original volume.
Prepare the Caramel Topping
- Melt butter in a saucepan, then mix in brown sugar and heavy cream. Cook until bubbly.
- Pour the caramel into a baking dish and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Assemble the Buns
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon over it.
- Shape the dough into a tight log and cut it into individual rolls.
- Place the rolls on top of the caramel topping in the dish.
Bake
- Allow the rolls to rise once more, then bake them until they achieve a golden-brown color..
- Invert the dish immediately to reveal the sticky, caramelized topping.
Variations
- Nut-Free Sticky Buns: Skip the pecans for a nut-free treat.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Cinnamon-Raisin Sticky Buns: Mix raisins into the filling for a fruity twist.
Storage
Place leftover sticky buns sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds until warm.
Easy Sticky Buns
12
servings30
minutes30
minutesIngredients
- For the Dough:
1 cup warm milk
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
⅓ cup sugar
2 large eggs
⅓ cup melted butter
4 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt- For the Caramel Topping:
½ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
⅓ cup heavy cream
1 cup chopped pecans- For the Filling:
¼ cup softened butter
½ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
Directions
- Prepare the dough and let it rise.
- Cook the caramel topping and pour it into the baking dish.
- Roll out the dough, add the filling, roll, and slice.
- Place rolls over the caramel topping and let rise again.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes.
- Invert the baking dish onto a serving plate while warm.
FAQ
1. Is it possible to prepare sticky buns in advance? Yes! Assemble them the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
2. How do I store sticky buns?
Place it sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or freeze for up to a month.
3. Can I use pre-made dough?
Yes, pre-made dough can save time, but homemade offers the best flavor and texture.
