Decadent Homemade Sticky Buns Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup of whole milk
1/4 cup of warm water (100-110°F)
1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
3 large eggs, at room temperature
4 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
1/3 cup of granulated sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, divided
3/4 cup of packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
1/3 cup of heavy cream

Steps and instructions

In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until small bubbles form at the edges. Remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm.
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast is dissolved and foamy.
In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the cooled milk and the yeast mixture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt and granulated sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk mixture. Stir until a loose dough forms.
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
Melt 1/2 cup butter and set aside to cool. In another bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon and chopped pecans.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with the sugar mixture.
Starting at a long edge, roll up the dough tightly. Cut into slices and place in a greased baking dish.
Pour the heavy cream over the rolls. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the dough ingredients.
Saucepan - A small pan for heating the milk.
Small Bowl - A bowl for dissolving the yeast in warm water.
Baking Dish - A greased dish for baking the sticky buns.
Rolling Pin - A tool used to roll out the dough into a rectangle shape.
Pastry Brush - A brush for brushing melted butter onto the dough.
Kitchen Towel - A clean towel for covering the dough while it rises.
Oven - Preheat the oven to 375°F for baking the sticky buns.

Recipe variations

Replace whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Experiment with different types of flour such as whole wheat flour or bread flour for a different texture.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor.
Try using different nuts like walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
Add raisins or dried cranberries to the sugar mixture for a fruity twist.
Replace the cinnamon with cardamom or nutmeg for a spiced variation.
For a sticky caramel topping, melt together butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour it into the baking dish before adding the rolls.
Make a cream cheese frosting to drizzle over the warm sticky buns by combining cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk.
Create a savory version by omitting the sugar and cinnamon, and instead fill the dough with cooked bacon or ham slices and grated cheese.
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Recipe overview

This recipe will guide you through the process of creating homemade Sticky Buns, a delightful treat beloved for their sweet, cinnamon and pecan-infused flavor. These buns are wonderfully soft and fluffy, topped with a rich, sticky caramel glaze made from brown sugar, heavy cream and a sprinkle of chopped pecans. The recipe involves preparing a yeast dough, allowing it to rise, and then rolling it with a buttery, sugary, nutty filling. After a second rise, the buns are baked until golden, resulting in a dessert that is a perfect combination of soft bread and sticky, sweet goodness. This recipe requires a bit of patience due to the rising time, but the end result is well worth the wait. Enjoy these Sticky Buns warm from the oven for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of milk, such as skim or almond milk? It is recommended to use whole milk for the best results in terms of flavor and texture.
Do I have to use pecans or can I use a different type of nuts? While pecans are traditional for sticky buns, you can use other nuts like walnuts or almonds if preferred.
Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just make sure to allow it to come to room temperature before rolling and baking.
Can I freeze the sticky buns? Yes, you can freeze the sticky buns. After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.
Can I use a different type of sugar for the filling? While the recipe calls for light brown sugar, you can use dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor or granulated sugar if you prefer.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or a different fat? Butter is preferred for its flavor, but you can use margarine or a different type of fat if needed. Just keep in mind that it might affect the taste and texture of the final result.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing bowl - A large bowl for combining and mixing ingredients.
Saucepan - A small pan for heating the milk.
Small bowl - A bowl for dissolving the yeast in warm water.
Rolling pin - A tool for rolling out the dough into a rectangle.
Baking dish - A dish for baking the sticky buns in the oven.
Pastry brush - A brush for brushing melted butter onto the dough.
Sharp knife - A knife for cutting the rolled dough into slices.
Measuring cups and spoons - Utensils for accurately measuring ingredients.
Kitchen towel - A clean towel for covering the dough while it rises.

Origin stories

Sticky buns have a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages in Germany. The sweet, yeasty treat was originally known as "Schnecken" in Germany, which translates to 'snails' in English due to its coiled design. It was in Pennsylvania, USA, where German immigrants, particularly the Pennsylvania Dutch, brought and popularized the sticky bun in the 18th century. They introduced the use of pecans, which were abundant in the region, and thus, the American-style sticky bun was born. It didn't take long for these delicious pastries to sweep the rest of the nation, becoming a beloved breakfast staple and coffee accompaniment. Every February 21, the United States even celebrates National Sticky Bun Day, honoring this delightful, sweet, and sticky pastry.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.