9. Maple Pecan Sticky Buns
These Maple Pecan Sticky Buns deliver that quintessential cozy holiday flavor with a delightful, addictive texture. Imagine a soft, deeply yeasted dough generously loaded with toasted pecans and a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Once inverted, the warm, gooey topping cascades over the spirals, creating a truly decadent bite that is simultaneously nutty, sweet, and wonderfully sticky. While they require a bit of patience for the dough to rise, these are best baked first thing in the morning to serve warm for Christmas brunch.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Directions
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
For the filling, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll the dough into a 14x10-inch (35x25 cm) rectangle, spread with softened butter, and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Roll the dough up tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal rolls.
For the topping, melt butter in a saucepan with brown sugar and maple syrup until smooth; stir in pecans.
Pour the pecan mixture into a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Arrange the rolls over the pecan topping.
Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
Invert the rolls onto a platter while warm so the pecan topping drips over them, and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can I prepare these Maple Pecan Sticky Buns?
You can make these sticky buns ahead of time! After assembling them in the pan, cover tightly and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing them in the oven for the full 2 hours and 5 minutes of cook time.
What is the best way to store leftover Maple Pecan Sticky Buns?
Store leftover sticky buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. For the best texture, reheat individual buns in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm and gooey.
Can I substitute the pecans in this sticky bun recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute the pecans if needed. Walnuts are the most common and excellent alternative, offering a similar buttery crunch. For a nut-free version, you can use toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, though the overall flavor profile will change slightly.
