Nothing compares to the feeling of biting into a warm, freshly baked sticky bun. These buns are indulgent, gooey, and filled with the rich flavors of caramel and pecans. They’re perfect for breakfast or a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
- Whole milk โ 240 ml (1 cup)
- Granulated sugar โ 100 g (1/2 cup), divided
- Active dry yeast โ 1 package
- Unsalted butter โ 215 g (1 cup) + extra for buttering the pan
- All-purpose flour โ 480 g (4 cups)
- Salt โ 1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon
- Egg โ 1 whole
- Egg yolks โ 2
- Vanilla extract โ 1 teaspoon
- Light brown sugar โ 165 g (3/4 cup), packed + 100 g (1/2 cup) for filling
- Honey โ 60 ml (1/4 cup)
- Pecans โ 170 g (6 ounces), chopped
- Cinnamon โ 2 teaspoons
Steps to Sweet Perfection
- Activate the Yeast
Warm the whole milk to about 43ยฐC (110ยฐF). Mix in half of the sugar and the active dry yeast, stirring until combined. Set aside for about seven minutes until it becomes foamy. - Melt the Butter
Melt 85 grams of unsalted butter in a medium bowl, then whisk in the whole egg and two egg yolks. Add the remaining sugar and vanilla extract, combining well. - Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour and one teaspoon of salt. - Make the Dough
In a stand mixer bowl, combine the yeast mixture and the butter-egg mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead using a dough hook for about five minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. - Let It Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly buttered bowl. Cover and let it rise for about two hours in a warm place until it doubles in size. - Make the Caramel Topping
In a small pot over low heat, melt 130 grams of unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar, honey, and half a teaspoon of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and combined. Pour this into the bottom of a buttered 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish and sprinkle with chopped pecans. - Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough tightly. - Slice into Buns
Using unflavored dental floss, cut the dough into equal pieces and arrange them in the prepared baking dish. - Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 190ยฐC (375ยฐF) for 30 to 35 minutes, covering with foil after 15 minutes to prevent over-browning. - Invert and Serve
Carefully invert the buns onto a serving dish while still warm. Enjoy the gooey caramel and crunchy pecan topping, and soak in the irresistible aroma.
The combination of the soft, buttery dough with the rich, caramelized topping makes these sticky buns a hit for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making and devouring them as much as I do!
