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To make these sticky buns, you need basic ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F) - 1 large egg - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. The flour gives structure, while the sugar adds sweetness. The yeast helps the dough rise, making it fluffy. The pecans add crunch, and maple syrup gives a rich, sweet taste. While the core ingredients shine, you can tweak the taste. Consider adding: - A sprinkle of extra ground cinnamon - Raisins or dried cranberries for sweetness - A touch of nutmeg for warmth - A splash of bourbon for depth These extras can enhance the flavor. Feel free to experiment and find what you love! To make the process smooth, gather these tools: - Mixing bowls - Whisk - Rolling pin - Baking dish - Kitchen towel - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife for slicing Having the right tools will make baking easier. This way, you can focus on creating your delicious sticky buns! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a mixing bowl. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients well. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, warm milk, and egg. This mix needs to be smooth and fully combined. Now, slowly pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir until they blend together. Next, add the remaining flour gradually, one cup at a time. You want a soft dough to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes. Aim for a smooth and elastic texture. Once the dough feels right, place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size. While the dough rises, it’s time to work on the sticky topping. Take a medium saucepan and set it over low heat. Combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, and softened butter in the pan. Stir this mix constantly until the sugar dissolves and everything is smooth. Once done, remove it from the heat. Add in the chopped pecans and stir. After the dough has risen, it’s time to shape the buns. Punch the dough down gently, then roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12x18 inches. Spread the softened butter over the dough. If you want extra flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar on top. Now, roll the dough tightly into a log from one long edge. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Place these pieces cut-side up in the baking dish, which has your sticky topping in it. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel, and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the sticky buns for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. After baking, let them cool for about 5 minutes in the dish. Then, invert them onto a serving platter. Enjoy these delicious buns warm! Kneading dough is a key step. Start with clean hands and a floured surface. Use the heel of your hand to push the dough away. Fold it over and repeat. You want to knead for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic when done. For rising, place your dough in a warm spot. Cover it with a kitchen towel. This helps keep it cozy. Let it rise until it doubles in size. To get the best flavor, always use fresh ingredients. Use warm milk, not hot. This helps the yeast grow. Mix the dough well but don’t overwork it. The right texture is soft and slightly tacky. Add a bit of cinnamon to the filling for extra warmth. You can also sprinkle some on top before baking. This adds a lovely aroma. These sticky buns shine when served warm. Drizzle extra maple syrup on top. It adds sweetness and makes them shine. Garnish with whole pecans for a nice touch. Serve with whipped cream cheese on the side. It adds creaminess and balances the sweetness. You can also enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea. This makes for a perfect treat at breakfast or brunch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh yeast and high-quality maple syrup for the best flavor in your sticky buns. Check Dough Consistency: If your dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour. It should be soft but not overly tacky. Perfect Rise: For a perfect rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. An oven preheated to the lowest setting and then turned off works great. Let Them Cool: Allow the buns to cool for a few minutes after baking before inverting them to prevent the sticky topping from sliding off. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your sticky buns by adding spices or nuts. Try adding nutmeg for a warm taste. A pinch of cardamom gives a sweet and spicy kick. You can also use walnuts or hazelnuts instead of pecans. Each nut brings a unique flavor and crunch. If you want to make these buns vegan or dairy-free, it is easy. Replace the egg with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk. For the butter, use coconut oil or vegan butter. These swaps keep the buns soft and tasty. Get fun with glazes and toppings! You can mix powdered sugar with almond milk for a sweet glaze. A chocolate drizzle adds a rich twist. For a fresh touch, use fruit jams or preserves. These ideas can make your sticky buns special and unique. After enjoying your sticky buns, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them. Just remember, refrigeration can dry them out a bit. To help, wrap each bun in plastic wrap before placing them in a container. When you're ready to enjoy those leftover sticky buns, reheating them is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the buns on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, warm them for 15 seconds at a time. Just be careful not to overheat, or they may become tough. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some sticky buns for later. Allow the buns to cool completely after baking. Then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped buns in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can make Maple Pecan Sticky Buns ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and let it rise. After rolling the dough, slice the buns and place them in the sticky topping. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the buns sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This saves time and gives you fresh buns in the morning. If you need a substitute for pecans, try walnuts or almonds. Both nuts add a nice crunch. You can also skip nuts entirely if you prefer. For a different flavor, try adding raisins or dried cranberries. These options keep the sticky buns tasty and fun. You know the sticky buns are done when they turn golden brown. They should feel soft but not doughy. You can also check the temperature with a food thermometer. The center should reach about 190°F (88°C). Let them cool for five minutes before serving for the best taste. Maple pecan sticky buns bring joy to any meal. We covered essential and optional ingredients that enhance flavor. Preparing the dough and topping is key to success. I shared best practices for kneading and rising. You can add spices or go vegan for your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat for freshness. Embrace these tips for a delicious treat. Enjoy making these sticky buns, and share them with friends and family!

Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

Delicious sticky buns made with maple syrup and pecans, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 0.5 cup maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, warm milk, and egg until fully incorporated.
  • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until combined.
  • Add 1 cup of the remaining flour, a little at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • While the dough is rising, prepare the sticky pecan topping. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, and 1/4 cup softened butter. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12x18 inches).
  • Spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture, if desired, for extra flavor.
  • Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from one long edge. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut-side up in the prepared sticky topping in a baking dish.
  • Cover the baking dish with a kitchen towel and let the buns rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the sticky buns for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  • Allow the buns to cool for about 5 minutes in the dish before inverting onto a serving platter.

Notes

Drizzle extra maple syrup on top and garnish with whole pecans for an eye-catching finish. Serve warm with whipped cream cheese on the side for added richness.
Keyword breakfast, dessert, maple, pecan, sticky buns