Quick & Gooey Sticky Buns Recipe: The Sweet Morning Delight

Warm, gooey sticky buns recipe have been a comfort food staple in many households for generations.

These delectable pastries blend sweet caramel with soft, pillowy dough in a way that makes taste buds dance.

Rolled with care and baked to golden perfection, they promise a delightful morning treat or afternoon indulgence.

Fragrant cinnamon and rich brown sugar create an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen with warmth.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of soft bread and luscious caramel coating.

The magic happens when these buns emerge from the oven, their sticky glaze glistening and beckoning you to take a bite.

Prepare to fall in love with this classic breakfast treasure that turns an ordinary morning into something extraordinary.

Ingredients for Gooey Sticky Buns

• Flour: The foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture for the sticky buns.
• Milk: Helps activate the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
• Yeast: Essential for creating rise and developing the bread's light, airy texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the rich flavor and soft texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender, flaky dough.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps feed the yeast during fermentation.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth.

• Brown Sugar, Butter, Cinnamon: Create a classic, warm filling with deep caramel-like flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Adds rich, complex sweetness to the sticky topping.
• Cream: Helps create a smooth, luxurious topping texture.

• Pecans: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to complement the sweet sticky buns.

• Vanilla, Cornstarch, Salt: Add depth of flavor and help stabilize the topping.

Steps for Fluffy Sticky Bun Success

Step 1: Activate Yeast Magic

Gently warm milk in the microwave until it reaches a cozy 110F.

Sprinkle yeast over the milk and let it bubble and come alive for 10 minutes, watching it transform into a foamy wonderland.

Step 2: Create Dough Foundation

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine sifted flour with sugar and a pinch of salt.

Lovingly work in chilled butter cubes using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles tiny peas.

Step 3: Bring Dough to Life

Pour in beaten eggs and the awakened yeast mixture into the flour blend.

Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix on low speed until ingredients merge, then knead on medium for 5 minutes until silky smooth.

Step 4: Let Dough Rest and Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl.

For a quick rise, nestle it in a warm oven (preheated to 200F then switched off) for one hour.

For an overnight option, cover and let it slowly develop in the refrigerator.

Step 5: Craft Cinnamon Filling

Whip room temperature butter until creamy.

Blend in brown sugar and ground cinnamon until fully incorporated and irresistibly fragrant.

Step 6: Prepare Gooey Caramel Topping

Cream butter and brown sugar for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.

• Maple syrup
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Cornstarch
• Ground cinnamon

Spread this luxurious mixture in a prepared pan and scatter pecans on top.

Step 7: Shape Delectable Rolls

Roll the dough into a rectangular canvas about 1/4-inch thick.

Lavishly spread the cinnamon filling across the surface.

Carefully roll into a tight log and slice into 6 equal, mouth-watering pieces.

Step 8: Final Rise and Bake

Arrange rolls in the pan atop the sticky topping.

Allow them to rise for 20 minutes.

Bake at 375F for 28-30 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Let cool for 10 minutes before flipping to reveal the gooey, caramel-coated bottom.

Tips for Caramel-Glazed Sticky Buns

• Ensure your yeast is active by observing foamy bubbles after 10 minutes; if no foam forms, discard and start over.
• Use warm (not hot) milk to activate yeast without killing it; aim for 110F for perfect dough development.
• Cut cold butter into small pieces and work quickly to create a flaky, tender texture in your sticky buns.
• Place dough in a warm, draft-free area like a turned-off oven to help it rise evenly and develop rich flavor.
• Whisk brown sugar and butter thoroughly to create a smooth, caramel-like coating that clings beautifully to the rolls.

Sticky Bun Variations for a Sweet Twist

• Gluten-Free Sticky Buns: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond and rice flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use xanthan gum to improve texture and binding.
• Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax egg mixture. Add maple syrup for extra sweetness.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar in both filling and topping. Replace maple syrup with sugar-free syrup to reduce overall sugar content.
• Nut-Free Option: Eliminate pecans from the topping and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch. Use seed butter in place of nut-based alternatives.

Serving Warm Sticky Buns for Breakfast

• Breakfast Bliss Pairing: Serve these gooey sticky buns alongside fresh scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a decadent morning feast.
• Coffee Shop Cafe Experience: Plate these warm buns with a steaming cappuccino or artisan drip coffee to recreate a cozy cafe morning sensation.
• Weekend Brunch Centerpiece: Display the sticky buns on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh berries and powdered sugar for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
• Family Gathering Delight: Cut sticky buns into smaller portions for easy sharing during family brunches, allowing everyone to enjoy the sweet treat.

Best Ways to Store Sticky Buns

• Store sticky buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and maintain their delicious soft texture.
• Wrap individual sticky buns in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for later enjoyment. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep fresh sticky buns at room temperature for 1-2 days. Place in a sealed container to preserve moisture and prevent them from becoming stale too quickly.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen sticky buns in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their gooey, soft texture.

FAQs

• What ingredients activate the yeast?

Warm milk around 110F helps activate the yeast. The temperature is crucial because it allows yeast to bloom without killing the microorganisms, ensuring the dough rises properly.

• Why use room temperature butter for filling?

Room temperature butter blends smoothly with brown sugar and cinnamon, creating a consistent, spreadable mixture that distributes evenly across the dough without tearing or creating lumps.

• How do I know the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough is properly kneaded when it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. When using a stand mixer, 5 minutes of medium-speed kneading typically achieves the right texture and gluten development.

Sticky Buns: Standout Qualities

• Bake with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this sticky bun recipe offers simple steps that guide you smoothly through each stage of preparation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with warm cinnamon, sweet maple, and crunchy pecans, these rolls deliver irresistible flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Quick Family Treat: Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques make this recipe an excellent choice for weekend breakfasts or special morning gatherings.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Adaptable for various occasions from casual brunches to holiday breakfasts, these sticky buns bring homemade warmth and deliciousness to any table.

Sticky Buns Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible sticky buns deliver pure Southern comfort with rich caramel and tender dough that melts in your mouth. Warm spices and buttery layers invite you to savor this classic breakfast treat straight from grandma’s kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Dough

• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, cubed

Filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Topping

• 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by warming milk to 110F in the microwave for approximately 45 seconds. Sprinkle yeast over the warm milk and allow it to rest for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
2. Create the dough foundation by combining sifted flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate cubed butter using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the butter pieces resemble small peas.
3. Develop the dough by adding beaten eggs and activated yeast mixture to the flour blend. Utilize a stand mixer with a dough hook, mixing on low speed until ingredients are incorporated, then knead on medium speed for 5 minutes until the texture becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Allow the first fermentation by transferring the dough to a greased bowl. For rapid rising, place in a warm oven (preheated to 200F then switched off) for 1 hour, or alternatively cover and refrigerate for overnight development.
5. Prepare the interior filling by whipping room temperature butter until creamy, then thoroughly blending in brown sugar and ground cinnamon until uniformly combined.
6. Construct the sticky caramel base by vigorously beating butter and brown sugar for 2 minutes. Incorporate maple syrup, heavy cream, vanilla extract, salt, cornstarch, and additional cinnamon. Distribute evenly across the prepared baking pan and generously scatter pecans on top.
7. Shape the rolls by rolling the dough into a rectangular sheet approximately 1/4-inch thick. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling, carefully roll into a compact log, and slice into 6 equivalent portions.
8. Complete the final proofing by positioning rolls in the pan atop the sticky topping. Allow to rise for 20 minutes. Bake at 375F for 28-30 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown color. Rest for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.

Notes

• Check yeast freshness by ensuring it becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating active fermentation for perfect rise.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to help dough develop smooth, consistent texture and even mixing.
• Create warm environment for dough rising by placing bowl near preheated oven or using proofing setting on modern ovens.
• Substitute pecans with alternative nuts like walnuts or almonds for dietary preferences or personal taste variations.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg