Pecan Sticky Buns

Soft and gooey Pecan Sticky Buns with a cinnamon-sugar filling and rich caramel-pecan topping. This homemade breakfast recipe is perfect for brunch, holidays, or weekend mornings. Fluffy dough, buttery filling, and toasted pecans create a sweet, flavorful pastry that can be made ahead and baked fresh.

Ingredients

For the Sticky Buns Dough:

• 1 cup milk (2% recommended)
• ⅓ cup butter, cut into ½-inch slices
• 0.25 oz packet active dry yeast
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 4–5 cups all-purpose flour, as needed
• 1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• ¼ cup butter, melted
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon

For the Caramel Pecan Topping:

• 2 cups chopped pecan halves
• ¾ cup butter
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Heat the milk in the microwave for 1½ minutes. Add butter slices and stir until melted. If needed, heat an additional 10 seconds.
2. Pour the warm milk and butter into a stand mixer bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let sit 5–7 minutes, until bubbly.
3. Using the paddle attachment, add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Add sugar and salt, mixing until combined.
4. Switch to the dough hook and gradually add 3 cups of flour. Mix until incorporated. Add additional flour ½ cup at a time until the dough holds onto the hook (around 4–4¾ cups total).
5. Knead for 5–6 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic. Dough will be slightly sticky.
6. Coat a large bowl with nonstick spray. Place the dough in the bowl, form a ball, turn to coat with oil, cover with plastic wrap or a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, until doubled.

2. Roll, Fill, and Shape the Buns

1. Punch down the dough and roll onto a lightly floured surface into a 14 × 18-inch rectangle.
2. Brush melted butter evenly over the dough.
3. Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
4. Roll the dough lengthwise into an 18-inch log. Trim uneven ends and slice the log in half, then slice each half into 6 equal pieces (12 total).

3. Prepare the Caramel Pecan Topping

1. Coat a 13 × 9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Spread pecans evenly over the bottom.
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar, honey, and salt over low heat. Simmer 1 minute, stirring constantly, then stir in vanilla. Remove from heat and pour over pecans.

4. Assemble and Refrigerate

1. Place the buns over the caramel-pecan mixture (3 across × 4 down).
2. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

5. Bake the Sticky Buns

1. Remove pan from the fridge and let stand at room temperature 30–45 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 22–30 minutes until golden brown. If needed, cover with foil the last 5–10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
3. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes.

6. Invert and Serve

1. Carefully invert the pan onto a large serving platter. Let sit a few minutes for the caramel to drip over the buns.
2. Serve warm.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sticky buns are soft, fluffy, and packed with cinnamon-sugar filling and a rich caramel-pecan topping. Perfect for weekend breakfasts, brunches, or special occasions, they offer a bakery-quality treat right at home.

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Tips

• For best results, refrigerate the buns overnight; this develops flavor and makes them easier to slice.
• Use a metal pan for slightly faster, more even baking.
• Handle the caramel topping carefully—it will be hot and sticky.
• Don’t skip the rest period at room temperature before baking for even cooking.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds.
• Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup can replace part of the brown sugar in the caramel.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for the dough.
• Spices: Add nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for extra warmth.

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FAQs

Q: Can these buns be frozen?
A: Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Q: Can I make smaller batches?
A: Absolutely. The dough and caramel can be scaled down proportionally.

Q: How do I keep the buns soft?
A: Cover tightly after baking or store in an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm for a gooey caramel experience.
• Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for breakfast or brunch.
• Drizzle extra melted chocolate or cream cheese glaze for a decadent twist.