Go Back
- 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 tsp cinnamon - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling) You can swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. If you don't have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast. Just let it sit in warm milk for about 10 minutes before mixing. For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. You can also replace butter with coconut oil. If you want a nut-free option, try using sunflower seeds instead of pecans. These ingredients make the sticky buns rich and flavorful. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect texture and taste. Maple syrup adds sweetness, while cinnamon gives a warm, cozy flavor. The pecans add crunch and a nice nutty taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, we need to make the dough and filling. In a large bowl, mix together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of warm milk, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 2 eggs. Slowly add this liquid mix to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms. Next, knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes. It should feel smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the filling, made from 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of softened butter, evenly over the dough. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of chopped pecans on top of the filling. Start at one edge and tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seams to seal the roll. Now, slice the log into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife. Place these rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish. To make the sticky sauce, heat 1/4 cup of butter and 1/4 cup of maple syrup in a small saucepan until melted. Stir until well combined. Pour this sticky mixture over the rolls in the baking dish. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes. They should look puffy when ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the sticky buns for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown. The warm smell will fill your kitchen! To make your dough smooth, knead it for 5-7 minutes. Use your palms to push the dough away from you. Fold it back over itself and repeat. This builds strength in the dough. If it sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little flour on the surface. To help the dough rise, find a warm place in your kitchen. Cover it with a towel to keep the heat in. It should double in size in about one hour. If your kitchen is cold, you can preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) for a few minutes, then turn it off. Place the dough inside. You can change the filling to suit your taste. Instead of just brown sugar, try adding chopped chocolate or dried fruits. Walnuts or almonds can replace pecans for a different crunch. Adding spices enhances the flavor. A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can make your filling pop. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors you love. To check if your sticky buns are done, look for a golden brown color. Tap the top gently; if it sounds hollow, they are ready. For a gooey finish, make sure to pour the sticky sauce over the rolls before baking. This sauce gives a sweet, sticky layer that makes each bite special. After baking, let them cool slightly before flipping. This ensures they stay gooey and delicious. Pro Tips Tip for Perfect Dough: Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it for a perfectly risen dough. Tip for Enhanced Flavor: Toast the pecans before adding them to the filling for an added depth of flavor and crunch. Tip for Even Baking: Rotate the baking dish halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning of the sticky buns. Tip for Serving: For maximum gooeyness, serve the sticky buns warm straight from the oven with an extra drizzle of maple syrup. {{image_2}} Maple pecan sticky buns shine with their sweet, nutty flavor. However, you can mix it up! Try walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. Walnuts give a rich taste, while almonds add a nice crunch. Both options work well with the maple syrup. You can also add chocolate or dried fruits. Chopped chocolate brings a creamy texture, while dried fruits like raisins or cranberries add a chewy bite. This gives your buns a fun twist and extra flavor. Experiment with these options to find your favorite! Making your sticky buns fit your diet is easy. For a vegan version, swap the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Use almond milk instead of regular milk. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. These swaps keep the flavor while making it plant-based. If you're gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum for the right texture. This way, you can enjoy sticky buns without gluten. Just remember to check the labels on all ingredients! To keep your leftover sticky buns fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a layer of parchment paper between the buns to prevent sticking. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the fridge. This method helps maintain their soft texture. When you’re ready to enjoy the sticky buns again, there are a few great ways to reheat them. The oven is best for keeping the texture. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the buns in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method warms them through while keeping them soft. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too. Heat each bun for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it, or they might turn tough. For a quick fix, you can also use a toaster oven. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t get too crispy. These methods will help you enjoy your Maple Pecan Sticky Buns just like they were fresh out of the oven! How do I know when the dough is sufficiently kneaded? You will know the dough is ready when it feels smooth and elastic. To test it, stretch a small piece. If it forms a thin, translucent membrane without tearing, you did it right! This shows the gluten has formed well. Knead for about 5-7 minutes to reach this stage. Can I make the buns ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough a day before. After kneading, place it in the fridge instead of letting it rise. When ready to bake, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, shape and bake as usual. This saves time on busy mornings! What can I serve with Maple Pecan Sticky Buns? These sticky buns pair well with bright fruits like berries or a side of yogurt. A cup of coffee or tea adds warmth too. For a special touch, drizzle extra maple syrup on top for added sweetness. These options enhance your breakfast experience! You’ve learned how to create delicious Maple Pecan Sticky Buns from scratch. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and smart tips. Remember to experiment with different fillings and flavors to make them your own. Storing and reheating properly keeps your buns fresh and tasty. Enjoy making this treat for yourself or to share with others. With practice, you’ll perfect your technique and impress everyone. Happy baking!

Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

Delicious sticky buns made with a sweet maple and pecan filling.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 4 cup sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
  • 1 2 tsp salt
  • 1 2 cup warm milk
  • 1 4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Gradually add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
  • Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Make the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl until combined.
  • Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Spread the filling evenly over the rolled dough.
  • Add Pecans: Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the filling. Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seams to seal.
  • Cut the Rolls: Slice the log into 12 even pieces with a sharp knife. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish.
  • Prepare the Sticky Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat maple syrup and 1/4 cup of butter until melted. Stir until combined, then pour over the rolls in the baking dish.
  • Final Rise: Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes, or until puffy.
  • Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the sticky buns for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the sticky buns to cool for about 10 minutes before flipping them onto a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the buns.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with extra pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Keyword dessert, maple, pecan, sticky buns