Save to Pinterest Soft, pillowy buns swirled with cinnamon sugar and pecans, baked in a luscious honey caramel sauce for a decadent breakfast or dessert treat.
I first made these sticky buns for a family brunch and they were an instant hit, disappearing within minutes and leaving everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Dough: 3 1/4 cups (400 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast, 1/2 tsp salt, 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk warmed to 110°F/43°C, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter melted, 2 large eggs
- Filling: 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar packed, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 cup (110 g) pecans roughly chopped
- Honey Caramel Sauce: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey, 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar packed, 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup (110 g) pecan halves
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2:
- Add melted butter, eggs, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix well. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3:
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Step 4:
- Prepare the honey caramel sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add honey, brown sugar, and salt stir until smooth. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in pecan halves. Pour sauce into a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 5:
- Punch down risen dough. Roll out on a floured surface to a 16x12-inch (40x30 cm) rectangle.
- Step 6:
- Spread softened butter evenly over dough. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans.
- Step 7:
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Step 8:
- Arrange buns, cut side down, over the honey caramel sauce in the baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Step 9:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake buns for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 10:
- Cool for 5 minutes, then invert the pan onto a serving platter so the sticky pecan topping is on top. Serve warm.
Save to Pinterest Making these sticky buns has become a cherished weekend tradition in my family, bringing us together over sweet, homemade goodness.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg to the filling. These buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in the microwave. Pairs beautifully with strong coffee or black tea. Swap pecans for walnuts if desired.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, saucepan, rolling pin, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, sharp knife or dough cutter, stand mixer (optional)
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420 per serving, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 6 g
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Enjoy these sticky buns fresh and warm for the ultimate comfort treat any time of day.
Recipe Questions
- → What makes these buns soft and fluffy?
The combination of warm milk, eggs, melted butter, and properly kneaded dough creates a tender, airy texture after rising.
- → How is the honey caramel sauce made?
Butter is melted and combined with honey, brown sugar, salt, and heavy cream, then simmered to a smooth caramel before adding pecan halves.
- → Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Yes, walnuts or other tree nuts can be used for a different but complementary flavor and texture.
- → How long should the dough rise?
The dough should rise about 1 hour until doubled, then again 30 minutes after shaping for optimal fluffiness.
- → What’s the best way to serve these buns?
Serve warm to enjoy the gooey honey caramel topping, best paired with coffee or black tea for a balanced treat.