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BIG FAT PECAN STICKY BUNS

Sana Umer
These gooey pecan sticky buns are soft, fluffy, and dripping with buttery caramel sauce. Packed with toasted pecans and a rich brown sugar glaze, they’re perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunch with family.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12 sticky buns
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup warm milk 110°F
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened

For the Sticky Pecan Topping:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup brown sugar packed
  • ¼ cup honey or corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1½ cups chopped pecans

Instructions
 

Activate the Yeast:

  • In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Make the Dough:

  • Stir in melted butter, salt, and egg. Gradually add flour and knead until a soft dough forms. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Topping:

  • In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar, honey, and cream. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, then pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the caramel.

Roll and Fill:

  • Roll out dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll tightly from the long side and slice into 12 even rolls.

Assemble:

  • Place rolls cut side down over the pecan topping. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.

Bake:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake buns for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.

Invert and Serve:

  • Let buns cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert the pan onto a serving tray. Serve warm.

Notes

Make Ahead: Assemble rolls the night before and refrigerate. Let rise at room temperature for 1 hour before baking.
Flavor Tips: Add a pinch of nutmeg or orange zest to the filling for extra warmth.
Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with coffee or a cold glass of milk.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keyword breakfast buns, caramel rolls, gooey buns, pecan sticky buns, sweet rolls