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Easy Sticky Buns Recipe

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4.1 from 5 reviews

These Easy Sticky Buns are soft, sweet, and packed with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and gooey pecan topping. Using instant yeast for quick rising, this recipe makes homemade sticky buns approachable and perfect for a comforting breakfast or dessert. The buttery, caramelized topping combined with a tender, fluffy roll makes every bite irresistible.

Ingredients

Dough

  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup butter
  • 3 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
  • ¾ cup warm water (105°F – 115°F)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Filling

  • ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • ¼ cup butter (softened)

Topping

  • 6 tablespoons butter (melted)
  • ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup dark corn syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9x13-inch metal baking pan and set aside to ensure the sticky buns don't stick during baking.
  2. Make Milk Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and butter. Heat gently over low until the butter melts and sugar dissolves, then cool to about 100–105°F to avoid killing the yeast.
  3. Activate Yeast: Pour the cooled milk mixture into a stand mixer bowl, add the instant yeast and warm water, allowing the yeast to begin activating as you prepare the dough.
  4. Mix Dough Base: Add 2 cups of flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a dough hook, mix on low speed for about 1 minute to combine.
  5. Add Remaining Flour: While mixing on low, gradually add the remaining flour ½ cup at a time. Continue mixing for about 1 ½ minutes until the dough cleans the sides of the bowl.
  6. Knead Dough: Knead on low speed for an additional 2 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.
  7. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with a clean, dry towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for approximately 10 minutes.
  8. Prepare Topping: Whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, dark corn syrup, and salt in a medium bowl until smooth. Add water and whisk until well combined.
  9. Add Topping to Pan: Pour the topping mixture into the prepared baking pan, tilting if necessary to cover the bottom evenly. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over topping if using. Set aside.
  10. Shape Dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and roll into a 12x16-inch rectangle.
  11. Prepare Filling: Stir together brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until crumbly. Spread mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, gently pressing the filling into the dough to help it stick.
  12. Roll Dough: Roll the dough lengthwise into a log, pinching the seam closed firmly to seal.
  13. Cut Rolls: Using a serrated knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them over the topping in the baking dish.
  14. Second Rise: Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for about 15 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F.
  15. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
  16. Continue Baking: Tent the buns loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until fully cooked through.
  17. Cool and Invert: Let the sticky buns cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Place a serving dish over the pan and carefully invert it to release the buns with the topping facing up. Replace any topping that falls off.
  18. Rest Before Serving: Allow buns to sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to let the topping set slightly.

Notes

  • Use a metal baking pan as it conducts heat better for even caramelization of the topping.
  • Ensure milk mixture cools to the proper temperature before adding yeast to avoid killing it.
  • The slightly sticky dough ensures soft, tender rolls after baking.
  • Optional pecans add texture and a nutty flavor to the sticky topping.
  • Covering the buns during baking prevents over-browning while allowing thorough cooking.
  • Be cautious when inverting the pan; the topping and caramel will be hot and sticky.
  • For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the filling mixture.

Find it online: https://glowcooks.com/easy-sticky-buns-recipe/